Dear PoPville

“I submitted paperwork back in mid-October but it seems to have gone into a black hole.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering whether anyone has had success applying for DC Water’s LPRAP – Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program – which went into effect in October?  I submitted paperwork back in mid-October but it seems to have gone into a black hole.  If folks have had their application successfully submitted can they provide the name of the contractor they used and how much the whole project cost?  The name of the contractor is particularly useful because the process does require a certain amount of paperwork on their end as well, which is not something every contractor is willing to do.”

“Does anyone know any DC spots with cool swag that might sell baseball hats too?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My Californian dad has requested a baseball hat for Christmas from a “cool DC place” like a bar or restaurant. My first thought was Timber Pizza Co, but unfortunately they only do flat brim hats which is cool but… not really my dad’s look.

Does anyone know any DC spots with cool swag that might sell baseball hats too? (more…)

“Potential Home Purchase – NO PERMITS!”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My wife and I are considering purchasing a house in Brookland that had been flipped quickly by a developer. We submitted an offer, had an inspection done, etc. Other than a few small things and one moderate foundation issue, each of which the developer agreed to fix, one issue we asked about was accessing the permits for the work that had been done. The seller’s agent informed us that the work as done without having acquired permits (more…)

“This is where my nightmare begins.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I purchased a 3-bedroom townhouse Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) in NE DC as a single person in 2011. After 7 years of ownership, I made the decision to sell my townhouse and purchase a market rate home. Per the restrictive covenants attached to my ADU property, I contacted DC’s Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to request the maximum sales price be determined. This is where my nightmare begins. (more…)

“looking for guidance on air ventilation requirements for mixed-used properties in DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

Looking for guidance on air ventilation requirements for mixed-used properties in DC. I’m in a row house with two business spaces, and two apartments on top of that. A new hair and nail salon has moved in directly below my apartment, and fumes are permeating my living space. I’ve lived here for five years without an issue from previous neighbors and tenants. (more…)

“Have readers have had similar issues receiving their Visitors Parking Pass (VPP)?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user ny273

“Dear PoPville,

Have readers have had similar issues receiving their Visitors Parking Pass (VPP)? In 2018 I never received mine after registering in November 2017. I called DDOT and they said they made a mistake and will resend to their printer, which would take 3-4 weeks, then I’d have to pickup at their offices in SW. (more…)

“Does anyone have any experience as a neighbor opposing a developer’s request for a zoning variance?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

“Dear PoPville,

Does anyone have any experience as a neighbor opposing a developer’s request for a zoning variance that would allow the developer to either subdivide a lot to build two homes or to ignore the occupancy requirements to allow two homes to be built on the same R-2 zoned lot? My immediate neighbor sold to a developer and I’ve learned from the developer that they plan to gut and renovate the existing house and then build a second house on the back of the lot facing the side street. I’m still unclear on how this is even feasible or legal. (more…)

“This past week has been crazy booting and towing by the city.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

This past week has been crazy booting and towing by the city. Yesterday there were 6 on our street booted in the AM and towed by the afternoon. We saw a ton of tow trucks today as well. We live in Bloomingdale. Is this happening in every neighborhood? Just seems bizarre all at once after months/years of really nothing.”

Another reader asks:

“Was shocked today when I found my car was booted for $100 in past due parking tickets. Apparently I under paid one ticket by $10, and had an outstanding street cleaning ticket of $45 from July that had doubled. (more…)

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