Dear PoPville

Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

I live in a two-unit condo and have had a very difficult relationship with our one and only neighbor. I tried to keep it as civil as possible and avoid conversation unless absolutely necessary, but there are times when I am extremely frustrated or disappointed ( I am sure my neighbor too is). Any advice how to manage a small HOA and if there comes a point where the two parties cannot agree on important issues, what should one consider doing?”

Anyone know of professional mediation services in D.C.?

Photo by PoPville flickr user DC@rt

“Dear PoPville,

My husband and I need to move from our 9th Street rental as it is being sold and are looking for a new rental that allows rabbits. We have four house rabbits and while I have found quite a few “pet friendly” places, they are really only friendly for dogs and cats. In order to find something in a reasonable time frame, we would like to use a realtor to reduce the stress of this already stressful situation. I am looking for suggestions of real estate agents or realtors or whatever they are called who knows the Petworth, Takoma, Takoma Park, Silver Spring areas who will deal with the tenant side of renting.”

“Dear PoPville,

Looking through fancy home listings and found this mansion with a pretty racist statue (photo 12 of 24) in the bathroom.”

Well that is awkward. Or just straight up awful. Or is it too far away to tell?

Photo by PoPville flickr user nevermindtheend

“Dear PoPville,

My ceiling fell on my face (!) Monday night. It was in a an older, rental building with several dozen units. Management has acted in good faith but looking to explore legal options so I can negotiate on medical expenses and free rent with full knowledge of what I may be entitled to.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Pablo Raw

I hear very good things about Tattoo Paradise in Adams Morgan but let’s hear from those who actually have had some ink done : )

“Dear PoPville,

I’m concerned about the quality of construction and noise insulation of new apartment and condo buildings. This picture shows the progress at the corner of Sherman and Barry Pl, NW. After the first couple floors, there is no concrete between floors. It looks as if the people who will live in this building will be able to hear their neighbor(s) talk, cough, walk, etc. What rules are developers bound by, if any, to ensure adequate insulation? From my experience, I had less noise problems when I lived in older, art deco buildings in town.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user quemac

“Dear PoPville,

I’m looking for volunteer opportunities for my 15 y.o. which are part of consequences for consuming alcohol with friends on two occasions. Happy to consider all suggestions though either several hours a day for a week (note the summer is here!), a couple of weekends, or a few hours one day a week for a couple of month type options are of most interest. I hope it would encourage him to continue for longer, but the main aim is for him to have the experience of doing something for someone other than himself (as those with teens will know at this stage of their development a big focus is defining who they are in their world – so plenty of self focus!).

Any thoughts?”