Photo from DDOT
They tweet:
“Here’s a photo from a partial roadway collapse on Meridian Place, NW. The 1400 block is closed.”
And here’s an odd occurrence from FEMS:
“FEMS responded to a report of an explosion at 5201 Connecticut Ave NW # 608. Explosion was due to bug fumigation spray igniting the pilot light on the stove. Windows in unit 608 were shattered. There were no injuries and no relocations. DCRA was notified, responded and declared the building safe.”
“Dear PoP,
I don’t know if anybody outside the neighborhood has seen this, but there is some serious flooding happening on Rhode Island Ave NW, about ten to twenty feet before 1st St. in front of the dry cleaner’s. This picture is from yesterday, but when I walked outside today the puddle had overtaken the entire street. Cars were going through the water at less than 5mph, creating a bit of a traffic jam. Any idea if this is some sort of sewage/drainage problem? Or is this a normal occurrence in Bloomingdale?”
I’ve seen this scene in many neighborhoods around DC. I’m fairly certain it is caused by clogged sewage drains. You can report a problem here or just call 202-612-3400. Anyone else note some flooding around town?
“Dear PoP,
My husband and I recently moved to near NE / H street and are working to improve our home. One obstacle we’ve run into is the light pole in the back alley. It currently sits in the middle of the property line, preventing full access to the backyard. Here is a picture. We cannot fully open the gate or park our car because of the limited width of the lot that the light pole creates.
I’ve contacted DC’s Dept. of Transportation, specifically someone in infrastructure project management. He was a very helpful individual, and moved along our request to have the light pole moved about 8ft (to the end of the property line). Unfortunately, the request was denied by his superiors. That means we’d have to pay the cost of moving the light pole instead of the city. The individual gave me a ballpark figure of around $5000 to move the light pole, and an additional $2800 if the light pole is old and should be replaced. Do you know, or do your readers have knowledge of another avenue that we can pursue? Do you think contacting our Alderman Tommy Wells might resolve this? We simply want the light pole moved about 8ft to the end of the property line, but don’t feel it’s just that we should have to front 100% of the costs; especially if the pole needs to be replaced.
Sincerely,
Chrystina”
Hmm, I can see that would be incredibly frustrating. This is something you should definitely bring to the attention of your Council Member’s office. However, I’m not sure he’ll be able to do anything about it. If the pole sits on city property and you bought the house this way then I’m not sure if the city will be obligated to move it. But I’m just guessing. We have some incredibly knowledgeable readers here so perhaps they’ll be able to give some specific advice. But most definitely approach your constituent services rep. from Wells’ office!
Ed. Note: The above photo was taken after this weekend’s shooting on Upshur Street. It really saddened me how beautiful the street looked. I was thinking how this photo should be a “sweet street scene” but now is affiliated with a crime post…
From Councilmember Muriel Bowser:
“Neighbors-
We are all appalled by this week’s violence. I will be convening a Special Meeting on Crime this Wednesday, October 28, 7pm at the ROC, 801 Shepherd St NW.
Chief Cathy Lanier and 4D command staff will address concerns and actions necessary to increase public safety.
The meeting will focus on:
– recent homicides in Petworth at Safeway and 1200 Bl Crittenden ST with updates on the investigations.
-Increased reports of sounds of gun fire
and MPD response
– Gang activity in 4D, and neighboring 3D and 2D.
-Petworth Metro station safety
Do not hesitate to reach me with any questions or concerns, 202-491-4842.
Muriel”
“Dear PoP,
As of ten minutes ago (ed note: received at 12:37 am) this was the scene outside my apartment at 17th and Crescent in Adams Morgan. Saturday morning a water main broke and took about 17 hours and change to fix from about 7 AM when work crews arrived until 11:30 PM when the water went back on and big metal plates were left to cover the street.
The past two nights private contractors (the trucks say “Flippo Construction”) have arrived around 7 PM to shut down the street and work on the giant hole in the middle of 17th. A neighbor has confirmed they are not there during the day, only at night.
Putting aside the fact there’s a generator and stadium lights outside my bedroom window, I’m compelled to ask, how is this cost efficient? This section of 17th has little traffic any time, but is downright dead during the day. Why wait until night and pay crews more, and pay for energy to run a generator for lights?”
This has to be because of traffic flow right? Can cars get around the hole during the day? If not why would they wait until evening to fix it?
I know the rails have started to go in on H Street, NE. (Pictured above is an old school line from Georgetown.) Any predictions on when they’ll go live? How did they resolve the overhead wires debate?
Press release from an email:
“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is embarking on a public outreach tour to all eight wards of the District to engage residents and businesses in the implementation of improvements proposed for the transit system for the city, including streetcars.
DDOT will be holding a series of open houses beginning later this month to present the findings of the DC’s Transit Future study. DC’s Transit Future studied short-term and long-term surface transit improvements for the District, potentially including additional limited-stop bus services, bus rapid transit (BRT) and streetcar services. The open houses will focus on DDOT’s proposed streetcar network.
DDOT initiated the study in 2004 as a joint effort with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). It included a comprehensive public outreach program and a multi-corridor Alternatives Analysis that evaluated modes of transportation (bus and streetcar) and an implementation schedule for transit improvements in the District. The Interim reports of the study recommended a number of improvements, many of which DDOT has already implemented, such as bus improvements on Georgia Avenue/7th Street, 16th Street, and the Metrobus 30s Line with the launch of express services.
DDOT has already initiated construction on two streetcar lines, and the open houses will give District residents an opportunity to hear about the current progress and view updated plans for future streetcar lines and other exciting transportation investments across the District. Schedule after the jump. (more…)
Photo from DC DPR biography
“Dear PoP,
I noticed you hadn’t mentioned the latest controversy around the City Council rejecting the confirmation of Dr. Ximena Hartsock as Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Many are decrying this action of the Council to be a slight against Mayor Fenty and not Dr. Hartsock, who has worked tirelessly to improve DPR’s services during the summer.. She was appointed by the Mayor in late April during the peak of the busy summer season and an outstanding job by most accounts, including many of the Councilmembers who voted against her (see Washington Post editorial on vote here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/06/AR2009100603070.html).
During her confirmation hearing, she was subjected to extremely harsh treatment from Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. and Marion Barry that included several sexist remarks suggesting she would not be able to understand sports administration as a female and was told by Barry that she could not “understand black and brown culture” of DC, particularly in Ward 7 and 8 because she is a Latina. They also suggested that she was unfit because she has no qualifying experience in recreation (see Washington Post editorial on the hearing here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/05/AR2009100503182.html).
Many folks are outraged by this because Dr. Hartsock has been a dedicated public servant to this city for 15 years. She served as a Parent Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Principal at DCPS and went on to lead the DCPS Office of Out-of-School Time (managing all of the after-school, Saturday, and summer programs for DCPS) as a key member of Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s transition team.
I could go on and on about her as could the many residents and CBO leaders who voiced their support for her on Friday, but I would love it if you could post something about this travesty to see if others feel the same way. I think the comments about DC culture are especially damaging to the progression of this city.”
Has anyone followed this controversy? Do you support the Council’s decision in this case?
photo by Christina
“Dear PoP,
Saw a guy on the metro this morning wearing a largeish lapel pin. It had a silver rim, a blue field, silver outline of the District, and red bars and stars. It looked expensive and official, and like it was meant to remind us of the pins members of Congress wear.
Any idea what this is?”
Hmm, I haven’t seen one of those before. Perhaps they are given to Council Members? Anyone know?
Ed. Note: Couldn’t find a DC lapel pin on flickr…
I thought this was pretty interesting. From an MPD email:
“We get inundated with calls for service in regards to neighbor disputes. DC Superior Court’s developed the Multi-Door Resolution Division to assist in cases that are outside the realm of MPD. This is NOT meant to replace our responsibilities to investigate alleged criminal allegation. It’s just another tool that we can utilize. Below is a brief description off their website along with a link to their website.
Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
Hours of Operation
Mondays-Fridays: 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m.
No appointment necessary
Location
Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
D.C. Superior Court
515 5th Street, N.W.
Suite 105
Washington, D.C. 20001
Main Contact
Phone: (202) 879-1549
Jeannie Adams, Director
The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division (Multi-Door) helps parties settle disputes through mediation and other types of appropriate dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitration, case evaluation and conciliation. The name “Multi-Door” comes from the multi-door courthouse concept, which envisions one courthouse with multiple dispute resolution doors or programs. Cases are referred through the appropriate door for resolution. The goals of a multi-door approach are to provide citizens with easy access to justice, reduce delay, and provide links to related services, making more options available through which disputes can be resolved. The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court assists parties to reach agreements that meet their interests, preserve relationships, and save time and money. Our mediators and dispute resolution specialists are trained at Multi-Door to serve in a wide range of cases, from civil to small claims, to family.”
What are the scenarios in which you think this service would be helpful?
I was sent a tip today that these posters were plastered all over the Adams Morgan plaza at 18th and Columbia. By the time I got there all the posters had been removed. I did however spot this one on 16th Street. CM Graham sent out an email today saying:
“In regards to the recent arrest of Teddy Loza, we should all be patient while the authorities conduct their investigation. Corruption is a very serious matter. As much as anyone else, I want this investigation to be thorough and all guilty parties held to account. I have pledged 100% cooperation to the FBI.
I have committed no wrongdoing or crime.
Please also keep in mind that the Washington Post on September 30 reported—based on law enforcement sources– that I am neither a “target” nor a “person of interest” in the FBI investigation.”
While the charges against his chief of staff – Teddy Loza, are very serious, I’m wondering if Graham deserves this treatment? If Graham truly did have zero involvement in this incident, if I were a Ward 1 voter, I’d vote for him again. I’d say Graham’s net contributions to the improvement of Ward 1 far outweigh his poor judgment in choosing a chief of staff.
I have heard in the comments that some readers have received robocalls denouncing Graham in Ward 1. I think I read that they were sponsored by the DC Republican Party. So for the FQoTD – who do you think paid for and posted these signs around Adams Morgan? Do you think they are appropriate?