DC Government

Dear PoPville – Question about Renting Basements

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Rich Renomeron

Dear PoPville,

Last year we bought a house in Columbia Heights with a very nice finished basement. We’re looking into whether it is legally rentable, according to the byzantine guidelines of our fair city. An initial search turns up no Certificate of Occupancy for the property (the first requirement for renting a basement, before you get a business license). We’ve been told that, what with the many required inspections, architectural plan submissions, and fees, we’re looking at at least $5000 just to get the C of O – never mind whether we have to do any work to get the basement in line with code!

My question is not whether that is a plausible price (it’s ridiculous, but I can see it reaching that point), but whether DCRA was making any effort to decrease the price or streamline this process for non-commercial basement landlords or those whose property is likely under code. Years ago a earlier PoPville question seemed to incentivize DCRA to get their act together with the Rent My DC Basement site, but its been defunct for over a year and doesn’t seem like it was terribly helpful or went very far to make this process easier or more affordable. Is DCRA still working on reforms for basement rentals?

Are they aware they are incentivizing potential landlords to rent illegally? What’s crazy is that I could rent my whole house – basement included – without having to jump through a quarter of these hoops.

From the Files of Who Knew? Vol. 86 – DC Public Library Has a Police Force

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader spots a DC Public Library Police car and asks:

“To get overdue library books back?? Has anyone else seen this cruiser, or know what the story is? thanks!”

Remember Detective Mr. Bookman:

I don’t judge a man by the length of his hair or the kind of music he listens to. Rock was never my bag. But you put on a pair of shoes when you walk into the New York Public Library, fella.

Let me tell you something, funny boy… You know that little stamp? The one that says New York Public Library? Well, that may not mean anything to you, but that means a lot to me. One whole helluva lot. Sure, go ahead, laugh if you want to. I’ve seen your type before — flashy, making the scene, flaunting convention. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking… Why’s this guy making such a big stink about old library books? Let me give you a hint, junior. Maybe we can live without libraries, people like you and me…. Maybe. Sure, we’re too old to change the world. What about that kid, sitting down, opening a book right now in a branch of the local library and finding pictures of pee-pees and wee-wees in The Cat in the Hat and The Five Chinese Brothers. Doesn’t he deserve better? Look, if you think this is about overdue fines and missing books, you’d better think again. This is about that kid’s right to read a book without getting his mind warped. Or maybe that turns you on, Seinfeld… Maybe that’s how you get your kicks… You and your goodtime buddies… I’ve got a flash for you, joy boy. Partytime is over.

In 2009 flickr user justindc also saw the vehicle:

In the comments an officer wrote:

“Yes seriously. I am an Officer with this agency and we do respond to calls for service just like MPD or DC Protective Services would. Alot of people don’t realize it but the library is Government property. As a result this department is staffed with government police officers, (083 series) and charged with the law enforcement responsibilities for the system. there are 30 facilities citywide owned and operated by the dcpl and with all the crime in the city it spills over into these buildings, ( government property) daily. All types of incidents occur from thefts, assults, destruction of property, etc. And yes the library is safe because of us. This department has done alot and will continue to do so. Also we are the same job series and have the same duties and mission as DC Protective Services- protect government property, staff, an the public. We just wear a different uniform. Any other questions please feel free to twitter DCLIBRARYPOLICE.”

Though DCLIBRARYPOLICE appears to be inactive on twitter today.

DC Public Library’s Media Rep. confirms that the Library does have a police department. More info coming later this afternoon.

Dear PoPville – Wondering About the History of DC’s Sewer System?

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear PoPville,

This manhole cover, on the northeast corner of Kansas Ave. and Webster St., dates to 1908. I understand that most of the housing in this part of Petworth came much later. So, do you think the manhole cover comes from elsewhere or is the sewer system really that old? Perhaps someone in PoPville knows the local history?

Good eye!

The DC Water website has a really interesting history section:

The District’s sewerage system, one of the oldest in the United States, began around 1810, when sewers and culverts were constructed to safely drain storm and ground water from the streets. These drains were not all built at the same time, and were not linked together to form a “system” as we know it today.

By 1850, most of the streets along Pennsylvania Avenue, from First to 15th Street, had spring or well water piped in, thus creating the need for our first sanitary sewage process. Sewage was discharged into the nearest body of water. In 1859, the Washington Aqueduct was supplying river water city-wide to the District and this, together with the surge in population during the civil war, quickly created a marked increase in water pollution in the nation’s capital. Before the end of the war, there were epidemics of smallpox, typhoid and malaria, which took many thousands of lives. These epidemics prompted the Federal Government to investigate the problem of sanitary sewage.

From 1871-1874, a general construction program was undertaken by the Board of Public Works, building approximately 80 miles of sewers. Although the amount of construction was impressive, much of the work was poorly planned, structurally unsound and hydraulically inadequate. As a result of the program and up until 1880, the foul conditions in the Washington canal and along B Street (now Constitution Avenue) were eliminated by the construction of the B Street and Tiber Creek Sewers and filling in the canal. However, the problem was transferred to the marshes along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.

Up to this time, the sewerage system that served the District was a combined system that carried and discharged both sanitary sewage and stormwater into localways. In the 1890’s, there was considerable difference of opinion among engineers as to the desirability of retaining such a system.

A Board of Engineers appointed by President Benjamin Harrison recommended that the combined system be retained but, in addition, that extensions be built to serve new areas as a separate system, using separate lines to carry stormwater and sanitary flows. The Board also recommended that all the sewage flows be discharged at a point far enough down the Potomac River to prevent their return to the environs of the city. This discharge point is still located at Blue Plains, the southernmost tip of the District. Upon further recommendation from the Board, construction of a system of large interceptor sewers was undertaken to collect and carry sanitary sewage and some stormwater to a pumping station on the bank of the Anacostia River and to the discharge point at Blue Plains. The implementation of those recommendations accounts for the major portion of the current sewage system.


Map of Metropolitan District – Sewerage, 1911 via DC Water

MPD Offers Up To $1000 Reward if You Tip Them to an Illegal Gun

By Prince Of Petworth

From MPD:

Give a Tip. Get Paid.
Your tip is completely anonymous — and you will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Call (202) 727-9099 if you know someone who has a gun or you know where illegal guns are being hidden in your community.

You’ll be doing the right thing and helping to take another gun off the street.

How It Works
Providing a gun tip anonymously is easy and safe. The tipline is open 24 hours a day. Note the following guidelines:

Calls to the anonymous Firearm Tip Line will be checked for veracity prior to rewards being paid.
Callers do not need to identify themselves to be eligible to receive a reward.
The process is absolutely anonymous — calls can not be traced to identify the source of the call.
Rewards are paid for tips that result in a firearm recovery and/or arrest. Reward amount varies depending on the number and type of firearm(s) recovered and whether any arrests are made as a result of the tip, not to exceed $1,000.
Tips are assigned a unique AMS Tip Number. To receive payment, callers must retain this number. After seven days, callers may contact the Public Information Office at (202) 727-4383 to check on the status of the tip. If the tip has been deemed reliable, PIO staff will provide additional instructions.
Payment will be made through a single-use debit card through the DC Office of Finance and Treasury. Instructions on how to obtain the debit card will be provided at the time a tip is verified and payment is approved.
No identification necessary.

Dear PoPville – Photo Enforcement Vehicle Blocking View of Traffic

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear PoPville,

I cross Georgia in my car every day and there are several intersections there where parking is allowed so close to the corner that it is hard to see oncoming traffic. Based on the need for parking I’ve just rolled with it. But when a car parks beyond the signs it gets near impossible to look for oncoming traffic without inching into the nearest lane on Georgia. The other day at, I think, Decatur and Georgia I spotted this car illegally parked and severely limiting the view of traffic on Georgia as I tried to cross. Turns out it was a photo enforcement vehicle. So, supposedly in an effort to make streets safer by nabbing speeders, they actually create a dangerous situation where drivers have difficulty crossing at intersections.

In the attached picture you can see how far past the crosswalk I am and I still have a tough time seeing if any cars are coming.

This can’t be something the city allows, right?

Pre-construction Meeting for the U St. Streetscape Project Tonight

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user maria jpeg

From an email:

On Wednesday, May 30, 2012, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a public pre-construction meeting for the U St. Streetscape Project. This meeting is being held in conjunction with Councilmember Jim Graham and other Ward 1 stakeholders. Representatives from DDOT will meet with the public to discuss the project details, explain the impacts that construction will have on the community and to also answer questions or concerns about the construction activities planned for this project.

The U St. Streetscape Project will include the following features and improvements:

· Roadway, driveway and alley entrance repairs and replacements
· Replacement of Deteriorated sidewalks with new ADA compliant sidewalks, the installation of streetscape and landscape features along the sidewalk areas, to include brick gutters and granite curbs
· Special decorative sidewalks in front of the Lincoln Theatre
· Reconstructed bus pads at all WMATA bus stops
· Storm drainage inlets will be upgraded to water quality inlets, new storm sewer pipes and fire hydrants
· New electrical duct bank system installations, new Teardrop and Washington Globe streetlights, and traffic signal upgrades and relocations
· Centralized parking meters and new traffic signs

The construction for this project is scheduled to start on or about June 11, 2012 and be completed by spring of 2013 barring any unforeseen or weather conditions. DDOT will start first with reconstructing a 0.4-mile segment of Historic U Street from 9th Street to 14th Street NW.

For more information on the project and to sign up for future updates visit www.ustreetproject.com.

Questions about this project may be directed to the DDOT Project Manager – Wendy Peckham at 202-671-4581.

What: Pre-Construction Meeting for the U St. Streetscape Project
When: Wednesday, May 30, 2012
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Frank D. Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street, NW (2nd floor community room)

MPD Announces New Speed Cameras

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user [F]oxymoron

Thanks to a reader for sending the link from MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department announced today the deployment of new automated speed enforcement locations beginning on or after May 7, 2012.

The deployment locations for the Photo Enforcement Units will continue to be at sites with the highest number of crashes and injuries, calls for police service, and high speed volume. MPD also considered recommendations or requests from the Department of Transportation, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and civic or citizen associations.

The 30-day educational phase will commence on May 7, 2012, when violators will begin receiving warning citations. On June 6, 2012, MPD will begin issuing live moving citations to violators. The new photo enforcement locations are as follows:

Full list after the jump.

Southwest Frwy SW @ Exit 4 westbound 40mph

I395 SW after Exit 4 eastbound 40mph

400 blk 14th St SW northbound 35mph

200 blk 17th St NE southbound 25mph

800 blk Maine Ave SW northwestbound 25mph

1300 blk 4th St SW southbound 25mph

9th St Tunnel NW southbound 35mph

3000 blk Foxhall Rd NW southbound 25mph

1800 blk Harvard St NW northwestbound 25mph

7600 blk Georgia Ave NW southbound 30mph

4800 blk Georgia Ave NW southbound 30mph

1700 blk North Portal Dr NW southwestbound 25mph

2800 blk Bladensburg Rd NE southwestbound 30mph

3100 blk Bladensburg Rd NE northeastbound 30mph

2200 blk South Dakota Ave NE southeastbound 25mph

S. Dakota Ave NE westbound prior to V St 25mph

700 blk Franklin St NE westbound 25mph

1400 blk New York Ave NE northeastbound 35mph

1500 blk West Virginia Ave NE northeastbound 25mph

2000 blk West Virginia Ave NE southwestbound 25mph

3100 blk Minnesota Ave SE southwestbound 25mph

3000 blk Minnesota Ave SE northeastbound 25mph

3700 blk Massachusetts Ave SE southeastbound 25mph

3900 blk Pennsylvania Ave SE southeastbound 30mph

4300 blk Texas Ave SE southbound 25mph

4800 blk Texas Ave SE northbound 25mph

5000 blk Sheriff Rd NE westbound 30mph

Clean Teams Returning to Ward 1

By Prince Of Petworth

From Council Member Jim Graham:

I am pleased to announce the Ward One Clean Teams will soon be back in full force in many of our neighborhoods – – covering a total 38 blocks throughout the Ward. I worked hard to get the funding back into place for this important service. I want to thank Mayor Vincent Gray, Chairman Kwame Brown, and Harold Pettigrew, Director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development for their help in re-establishing Clean Teams.

We have missed these services – – and value this work in our neighborhoods.

We are giving people a chance to rebuild their lives with jobs, while fulfilling this useful purpose. Charlie Whittaker successfully competed for this contract, and again has the supervision of this service. His able services are much appreciated.

Please look for Clean Team members in the neighborhoods below starting in the next few weeks. (Adams Morgan has had no lapse in their green team cleanups, due to a different source of funding, part private and part DC gov.)

Georgia Avenue — Georgia Avenue, NW from Irving Street, NW to New Hampshire Avenue, NW (Node 1, Pleasant Plains : Petworth, (10 linear blocks);

U Street — U Street, NW from 9th to 14th Streets; and the northside from 14th to 17th Streets, NW (6.5 linear blocks);

14th Street MidCity —14th Street, NW from S Street, NW to Florida Avenue, NW (5 linear blocks);

14th Street Columbia Heights —14th Street, NW from Columbia Road, NW to Spring Road , NW; and Park Road, NW from 14th Street, NW to Hiatt Place, NW (11 linear blocks)

11th Street —11th Street, NW from Kenyon to Monroe Streets, NW(3 linear blocks)

Mt. Pleasant— Mount Pleasant Street from 16th Street, NW to Park Road, NW (3 linear blocks)

New Petition for “DC Council: Stop treating record stores and vintage stores like pawn shops”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all who sent links requesting to post this change.org petition:

On April 4, officials with the DC Office of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) raided a number of Adams Morgan and U Street-area businesses that sell vintage and used goods, threatening them with fines and closure for operating without a secondhand business license. This license is intended to regulate pawn shops, to safeguard against the selling of stolen goods.

The regulations would require shops like Meeps, Idle Time Books, GoodWood, and Miss Pixies — as well as all the record stores in town — to submit to MPD’s pawn unit a detailed list of goods acquired each time they make a purchase. Additionally, MPD wants the stores to hold items for 15 days for police inspection before they can be sold. These requirements introduce a regulatory load which helps no one and threatens the existence of the small businesses that make DC unique.

DC’s secondhand business regulations are outdated, unnecessarily burdensome, and overly broad. A lawyer working with DC’s small business community has proposed amendments to the regulations that would bring them up to date and carve out exemptions for the businesses described above.

Please add your name to this petition to request that the City Council pass emergency legislation that would provide 90 days of relief and time to establish a permanent exemption for businesses that sell used and vintage goods. It’s vital that this happen to re-establish a sense of trust between local government and the businesses that drive our local economy.

Georgetown DMV Closing

By Prince Of Petworth


View Larger Map

From DDOT:

Due to construction at the Georgetown Park Mall, the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicle (DC DMV) Service Center located at 3222 M Street, NW, will close on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 4:00pm. Although DC DMV will open a temporary service center location, it will not be operational until two weeks later. Therefore, customers are encouraged to “skip the in-person” trip and conduct their transactions online at dmv.dc.gov. This recommendation will prevent extremely long lines at the other two service center locations.

On Monday, June 4, 2012, DC DMV will open a temporary service center at 301 C Street, NW. This temporary service center will operate the same hours as Adjudication Services which will be co-located with the temporary service center. Therefore, the hours of operation for the temporary location will be Monday-Friday, 8:15-4:00pm. Please keep in mind the hours of operation for the other two DC DMV service centers will remain unchanged with Tuesday – Saturday operations.

Below is a list of DC DMV impacted locations and hours of operation:

Georgetown Service Center
CLOSED AS OF 4:00pm, SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012
Tuesday – Saturday, 8:15am – 4:00pm
Georgetown Park Mall – Lower Level
3222 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

Temporary C Street Service Center
OPEN AS OF 8:15am, MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012
Monday – Friday, 8:15am – 4:00pm
301 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Adjudication Services
Monday – Friday, 8:15am – 4:00pm
301 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Penn Branch Service Center
Tuesday – Saturday, 8:15am – 4:00pm
Penn Branch Shopping Center
3220 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20019

Southwest Service Center
Tuesday – Saturday, 8:15am – 4:00pm
95 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024

New DC residents who have requested their lienholders to send out-of-state titles to the Georgetown Service Center will need to visit the Penn Branch Service Center to title and register their vehicles after Saturday, May 19, 2012.

We apologize for the customer inconvenience of these operational changes.

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