Dear PoPville

Photo by PoPville flickr user Miki J.

“Dear PoPville,

I’m looking at purchasing a lot in DC with a large amount of property back tax due (far more than what the lot is worth), and plan to make DC an “offer in compromise” to pay just a portion of what’s due, which if they accepted would allow me to own the property free and clear. However, if they reject my offer, they get to keep the money that I put down as part of it. They can also make a counter offer. Anyways it’s a bit risky and convoluted so I’m curious if anyone else out there in PoPville has had any experience with this, or know someone who does. Thanks!”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Pablo Raw

“Dear PoPville,

I live in Truxton Circle and had a fair number of adult trick or treaters last night. I’m not talking about adults asking for candy for their small children in strollers. I’m talking about straight up lone adults, one literally smoking a cig at my front door. I didn’t feel like making any production of it at the time. So, I just gave them almond mounds in protest.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Barflydc

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if you could ask the PoPvillagers about the Christian worship environment in DC. I grew up Catholic, left the church for various reasons but my husband and I are now in search of a place of worship in DC or Maryland. While we have Catholic tendencies due to our upbringing we’re open to learning about new types of Christianity. Most importantly, we’re looking for an open-minded community with a somewhat vibrant 20 to 30-something population that would welcome us and eventually our children.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Lorie Shaull

What are the good ones? Let us know in the comments. Thanks.

Just got tweeted Falloween in the Park at Ledroit.

“Saturday at 10 AM
The Park at Ledroit
239 Elm St NW

Join the Friends of the Park at Ledroit, Common Good City Farm, ANC1B, Howard University Hospital and the Ledroit Park Civic Association for the annual fall celebration in the Park at LeDroit.

A celebration of fall and Halloween and our wonderful community!! (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Elliot Mitchell

“Dear PoPville,

I’m buying a house in Manor Park and we want to do a kitchen reno and add a half bath before moving in. I’m told it would be smart to get a “permit facilitator” but none of my friends have used one recently.

Has anyone used one in the last 6 months or so that they could recommend?

Are there any other renovation in DC guides you might recommend we look at?”

1827 Adams Mill Road, NW

Thanks to Alta (and others) for sending: “FYI – CareFirst dropped this on Friday”

Dear Member:

As you may know, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc. (collectively, “CareFirst”) has received notice from One Medical that it plans to unilaterally terminate its agreement to participate as a network provider with CareFirst effective December 18, 2017.

What Happened?

One Medical and CareFirst have worked closely together since One Medical began its practice in the region in 2011. For example, One Medical has been deeply involved in our Patient-Centered Medical Home Program (PCMH) in a collaboration with CareFirst toward better quality and cost results and has earned substantial financial incentives as a result. Hence, the termination notice was unexpected and follows a recent national leadership change at One Medical.

One Medical’s new national leadership has made two demands in seeking to terminate its contract with CareFirst: (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

My friends and I have casually chatted in the past about going in on a single family home or townhouse together and then converting it into 3-4 apartments that we each could live in. Has anyone who isn’t a developer done this before and have any advice on permits, regulations, etc.? What did you end up having to spend on both the reno (4 kitchens!) and paperwork, etc? Is it costly to split one deed into four deeds? I clearly have many questions but am curious to see if anyone else has done this in DC and what their experience is!”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

I live in Petworth, near the Soldier’s Home and have Verizon for my internet. Don’t have cable and all that so I only need internet.

However, it is 100 bucks a month for JUST for cable. What does everyone think of RCN or cheaper providers. I am older and not that computer savvy so my needs are basic. Essentially, need to get online, watch some Netflix and Youtube, and peruse some websites. No gaming or anything like that. Any suggestions, thoughts, or comments from the readers? Saving 50 or 60 bucks a month would be really helpful.”

“Dear PoPville,

Have you encountered these women on the metro yet? I say women because it’s officially more than one passing these out and collecting the tissues if you don’t donate. So far it’s only been the green line. Do you know anything about them?”