Dear PoPville

RIP Gate 35X (soon), Long Live The New Concourse in 2021

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by airbus777

“Dear PoPville,

Any reports of what it’s like to fly American Eagle from #DCA right now, is it still #35X and a crowded bus?”

WMATAstuff replied: “Nope 35X is gone once and for all. They’ve been moved into the main terminal while they finish the new gate 35X terminal.”

UPDATE: Official word from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority:

“American Airlines continues to operate several flights a day using Gate 35X. Once the new concourse, which is currently under construction, opens next year, then flights will stop operating from Gate 35X.”

From DCA:

“With the demolition and removal of office buildings and aircraft hangars that once occupied the north end of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the palette is clearing for the construction of a New Commuter Concourse that will replace passenger movement through the infamously congested Gate 35X. Presently, six thousand passengers a day journey through 35X, boarding buses that drive them to remotely parked aircraft. When the new concourse opens in 2021, 14 gates with jetbridges will replace the busing system, and the less-than-pleasing traits of Gate 35X will be retired.” (more…)

“Jury Duty During Pandemic”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Jim Havard

“Dear PoPville,

I just received a summons from the U.S. District Court for DC for jury duty starting in January. Can anyone who has served during the pandemic fill me on what it was like? Was everyone wearing masks and were you 6-feet apart from others at all times? Under normal circumstances I’d be glad to serve on a grand jury (haven’t done it before), but I am definitely not looking forward to serving while COVID-19 is still rampant.”

East Potomac Pool Update: “I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

For the past week I have been trying to find out what is going on with the East Potomac Park pool. You posted about the unknown status of the pool earlier this week. I have now received a response from DPR. I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed. DPR directed me to the updated project page which states “It has become necessary to demobilize and stabilize the East Potomac Pool project due to deteriorating site conditions from significant and unforeseen groundwater intrusion that ultimately made the continuation of the project both safety and cost prohibitive. (more…)

Christmas Queries

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

Tis the season to start preparing for the holidays. I am wondering if people have charitable or non-profit organizations through which they typically buy holiday wreaths and garlands and such? Wreaths, garlands and poinsettias were fairly popular holiday season fundraisers when I was growing up in the Midwest, but a cursory Internet search for the DC region wasn’t very fruitful. I know there are several local tree farms that set up Christmas tree pop-ups around the city, but am specifically looking for other types of holiday plant decor.”

and

“We have a six month old and are taking covid precautions very seriously. Disappointed that for his first Christmas we are not comfortable doing a traditional picture with Santa. Hoping your readers know if some alternatives are out there as people continue to get creative and find fun workarounds! Wondering if maybe any tree lots or local photographers have photo set ups/back drops/installations for cute Christmas inspired photos minus the human Santa?“

“What the heck is going on with Washington Gas??”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been trying to get in touch with Washington Gas for several days now but their phone system says they’re experiencing higher than normal call volume, keeps you on hold for an hour, and then eventually hangs up on you. Washington Gas tweeted on Nov 10th about the delays but there’s no proposed solution. (I’m not surprised by this, just frustrated.) (more…)

Anyone else having water pressure problems?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Erin

“Dear PoPville,

Anyone else in the area have an issue with water pressure around 14th/R and 15th/R? After a bunch of work was done laying pipes on R street (don’t know if it’s actually related), my water pressure went down. I guess the work on R street has been going on from March to August/September. And during that time up until now, the pressure has changed. If you have a similar issue in the area, what have you done to fix the problem?”

Missed Connection at the Judiciary Square COVID Test Site

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

I was in line [Wednesday], November 18, to get a COVID test at Judiciary Square from about 9-11am (in the FRIGID cold) and a guy caught my eye standing a few places in line behind me. Although he had a mask on and was bundled up, I picked up on his general demeanor and gathered that he was a genuinely good person. Unfortunately, given the circumstances (trying to stay warm/alive, 30-foot distance between us, etc) I wasn’t able to break the ice with him – pun intended. I’m hoping I can make contact with him and see how accurate my Good Guy radar is. (more…)

“Outdoor Dining Bubbles”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I have started seeing a few of these outdoor dining bubbles pop up around town and am wondering what people’s thoughts are on this. While I am all for restaurants doing what they can to extend dining options and stay afloat during the pandemic, this seems like it’s bringing indoor dining ( and all of its pitfalls) outside. In theory these bubbles would be great if the party at the table is an immediate household, but that’s more the exception than the rule as far as what I am seeing people do here in DC. (more…)

View More Stories