2301 Georgia Avenue, NW
We’ve lamented the state of this retail strip many many times over the years. A bunch of the vacant storefronts are being combined to become:
“In3 is the District of Columbia’s first community space focused on inclusion, innovation and incubation.”
Check out all the details and sign up on their website here.
“Dear PoPville,
I’ve been hearing a lot about potential regulations on Air Bnb in DC and received this email from them a few days ago:
Home sharing is thriving in our nation’s capital with over 6,000 active hosts and 287,000 Airbnb guests. Unfortunately, short term rentals face loud opposition in DC, and the city council is considering enforcements that would restrict hosts from opening their homes to both national and international guests.
The proposed legislation – supported by hotel industry interests – includes a 15-day cap for hosts and up to $7,000 in fines for “violators”. We are in need of Airbnb supporters to help impact this crucial decision. Will you help us by contacting your elected officials today?
I know a lot of readers are probably interested in what might happen.”
Following is a press release from Councilmember McDuffie’s office:
“Today, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chairman of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, announced the introduction of new legislation to establish a workable regulatory framework for short-term rental housing. This legislation, drawing upon successful models from across the country, provides new penalties and increased transparency and reporting requirements to ensure residential neighborhoods are retained for the full-time residents of D.C.
Under current law, hosts are required to obtain a business license designed for more traditional hospitality enterprises. This legislation creates a new type of business license specifically designed for short-term rentals. (more…)
From a press release:
“Today, at the DC Council’s Legislative Meeting, Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (D-Ward 4) introduced the Extreme Weather Protection for Animals Emergency Amendment Act of 2017. The bill resoundingly passed the Council and, like all emergency legislation, will take effect immediately upon the Mayor’s signature and expire in 90 days. It fills critical gaps in existing law that were exposed last month, when Momma, a pit bull in Petworth, was left outdoors in frigid temperatures for days, sparking a national conversation about animal welfare laws in the District of Columbia. Councilmember Todd announced the bill’s passage at a press conference with the Humane Rescue Alliance at their facility in Ward 4. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Not sure why this hasn’t gotten more press. Several DC teens are missing:
Update: “The critical missing person identified as 16-year-old Unique Lucas has been located in good health.
The Metropolitan Police Department would like to thank both our community and media partners for their assistance in publicizing this case.”
“Critical Missing Person 16 y/o Unique Lucas B/F, 5’7”, 125 lbs, dark complexion, brown eyes, and black hair, green coat.”
Critical Missing Person 16 y/o Unique Lucas B/F, 5’7”, 125 lbs, dark complexion, brown eyes, and black hair, green coat. pic.twitter.com/In4hlemwav
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 3, 2017
“Critical Missing: Seyauna Parker, 14 YOA, L/S 1300 b/o Saratoga Ave, NE on 2/2. Seen her? Call 202-727-9099.”
Critical Missing: Seyauna Parker, 14 YOA, L/S 1300 b/o Saratoga Ave, NE on 2/2. Seen her? Call 202-727-9099. #MissingPerson pic.twitter.com/ySr6aNhEKG
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 3, 2017
“Critical Missing: Heaven Shamte, 15 YOA, L/S 3000 b/o 30th St, SE on 2/2. Seen her? Call 202-727-9099.”
Critical Missing: Heaven Shamte, 15 YOA, L/S 3000 b/o 30th St, SE on 2/2. Seen her? Call 202-727-9099. #MissingPerson pic.twitter.com/DFNR1O5Sil
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 3, 2017
“Critical Missing: Emerald Shaw, 15 YOA, L/S in 700 b/o M St, SE on 1/10. Seen her? Call 202-727-9099”
Critical Missing: Emerald Shaw, 15 YOA, L/S in 700 b/o M St, SE on 1/10. Seen her? Call 202-727-9099 pic.twitter.com/BQHvVJ3aFc
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 3, 2017
NBC Washington reports
“Melvin Johnson, 12, and Chasity Smith, 16, who were both previously reported missing have been found safe, according to police.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman
Thanks to a reader for passing on:
“This survey asks about your experiences with, and opinions about, public safety in Washington, DC. The results will help the Bowser Administration continue to make the city safer and stronger while better serving residents in all eight wards. We highly value your input.
This survey is completely confidential. Your responses will be anonymous, and we will not collect information to identify you.
Thank you for your participation.
This survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.”
From a press release:
“Beginning today and running through Wednesday, February 8, the Department of Public Works will collect all remaining leaves and holiday trees throughout the District. Crews will blitz two Wards per day, collecting holiday trees from the front *and* rear of residents’ homes. Mark your calendars!
Leaf & Holiday Tree Blitz Schedule
February 1st & 2nd Wards 1 & 2
February 3rd & 4th Wards 3 & 4
February 5th & 6th Wards 5 & 6
February 7th & 8th Wards 7 & 8
Please be reminded that DPW does not collect holiday trees from commercial residences which are dwellings with four or more units. Trees are ready for collection when ornaments, tinsel and other decorations have been removed. Keep in mind that all holiday trees brought to Fort Totten Transfer Station are composted.
Please to call the 311/202-737-4404, the Citywide Call Center to report the location of leaves and holiday trees that still remain.”
Alley behind Simms Place, NE
“Dear PoPville,
Kenyan, you committed to my neighbor on the other side of this property to having this cleaned up last week. She has since reached out on Twitter and you have stopped responding to her.
This garbage has been in this alley for MONTHS behind the north side of Simms Place. The District continues to fail proactive homeowners that want basic services. Multiple 311 requests to Mayor Bowser’s call center have all been closed out as “completed” without any action having been taken.
Not only does that do a disservice in the short-run when trash isn’t picked up, but it cheats reporting. Any honest review of City services can no longer be accurate, closing out these requests so quickly without any action having been taken makes the reporting deceptively prompt and falsely successful. You are setting the Mayor and her administration of services up as a success when in reality nothing is getting done.
The District’s continued neglect of basic services on blocks like this, when residents ask and ask and ask for a fair share of their tax dollars be applied to basic services, is probably why there were multiple shootings in broad daylight on this block last year. Clean up some trash and start enforcing blighted and abandoned buildings. Clean up slums of properties whose landlords have let slide into unsafe and structurally unsound condition.
This is an easy fix!! Can you commit to coming out and getting this pile of trash cleaned up and citing this and very illegally and unsafely kept rental property via DCRA?
Is anyone able to help get this trash moved and this property owner cited? We have given up hope of action from DC 311 and our Council Representative’s office after multiple conventional and unconventional attempts.”
From a press release:
“On Friday, January 20, the Washington, DC Government will be closed in observance of Inauguration Day. To prepare for the upcoming inauguration, DC Government launched an interactive geographic information system (GIS) map that provides transportation-related information on the National Mall. The map features data such as street closures, parking restrictions, walking routes, ADA shuttle stops, DC Streetcar stops, reunification centers, warming stations, bike amenities and more.”
Due to street closures and parking restrictions for the Presidential Inauguration, specific city services will operate on an alternative schedule: (more…)
1005 North Capitol St, NE. Photo by Tony T Goodman
From a press release:
“Today, Mayor Bowser joined U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro, U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs Bob McDonald, and a host of public and private sector partners highlighted the District’s progress in ending veteran’s homelessness and the opening of the John and Jill Ker Conway Residence at North Capitol Commons. With support from local and federal partners, this housing program will help to advance the goal of ending homelessness among veterans in the District.
Named after the late World War II veteran and his wife, the John and Jill Ker Conway Residence includes 60 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans experiencing homelessness and 64 units for District residents who meet the income requirements for affordability. The building has 12 floors and 124 efficiencies – 60 of which are fully furnished – and residents will receive assistance with health needs through case managers. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Interim Chief Peter Newsham to share Washington, DC’s 2016 crime statistics and announce MPD’s transition to a sector patrol strategy.
Under the Bowser Administration, the District of Columbia has seen a nine percent decrease in total crime, with violent crime down seven percent and property crime down nine percent. In addition, over the past two years, burglaries are down by one-third and car thefts are down by almost one-quarter.
“It is clear that our efforts to create a safer, stronger DC are paying off – over the past two years, property crime has decreased by nine percent and violent crime has decreased by seven percent ,” said Mayor Bowser. “In 2017, we will not let up. Through new initiatives and through enhancements to the programs we already have in place – like the transition to a sector policing model, we will continue making our streets safer and our neighborhoods stronger.”
In 2016, the District saw substantial reductions in almost all categories of crime. Citywide, the District saw a ten percent decline in violent crime, including a 17 percent reduction in homicides and a 13 percent reduction in robberies. The city also saw a four percent decline in property crime, including a 17 percent reduction in burglaries and a 13 percent reduction in motor vehicle thefts. (more…)