Dear PoPville

“CityBikes temporarily closed?” due to “death of Charlie McCormick, founder and CEO of City Bikes”

By Prince Of Petworth


4810 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Update from Emma and ah: “I am told that the owner recently passed away – unexpectedly – and there may not be a clear succession plan in place.”

City Bikes tweeted May 18: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Charlie McCormick, founder and CEO of City Bikes. In this period of grief, and respect for Charlie’s legacy, we have temporarily closed the doors of the business while we are evaluating the next steps.”

“Dear PoPville,

Drove by their location on Wisconsin and the store was temporarily closed with a sign on the door. (more…)

“DC Assistance for being kicked out of your condo?!”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

In October of 2022, I was told by my property manager to vacate my garden-level condo due to a leak which required removal of drywall. All of my belongings had to be out of my living room and bedroom to manage the leak and drywall removal. Upon removal, they found the foundation of the building had been compromised and needs substantial reconstruction. The foundation wall was improperly reinforced when a real estate developer cut into the footings to flip the space into condos in the 80’s.

The HOA Board is *slowly* working on the issue and getting assessments from engineers and contractors to do the work. VERY. SLOWLY. (more…)

“Looking for witnesses Tuesday, 6/13 2:45 PM – She said ‘you ran a red light,’ got back into her truck and left the scene, leaving me standing there.”

By Prince Of Petworth


via google maps

Ed. Note: Witnesses can email me at [email protected] and I’ll forward on to OP. Thanks.

“Dear PoPville,

I am looking for witnesses to a pretty dramatic near-collision that happened a few minutes ago (Tuesday, 6/13 2:45 PM). I was in a light blue Mini traveling westbound on Porter St NW, waiting at the red light right at Connecticut. I was in the center lane that takes you straight across Connecticut.

I could tell the car in the left turn only lane wanted to go straight, but this isn’t even about that driver. I mention it only because when our light turned green and that driver and I both started to go across CT Ave together, with that car behind me and to my left, clearly trying to merge in behind me, about halfway across the intersection I saw a giant silver GMC pickup barreling up CT Ave northbound through the red light, about to t-bone me.

I swerved pretty wildly into northbound CT Ave to avoid the crash. Thank god there were no pedestrians. There was no impact; I have minor injuries from being slammed around inside my own car.

I pulled over on CT Ave northbound and put my flashers on. The truck, to my surprise, stopped as well. I spent several seconds just sitting to collect myself and then got out to talk to the other driver. (more…)

“affordable housing used as Airbnb”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

We bought an affordable housing unit (non-IZ) in a two-unit condo building near H St NE a few years ago, as did the other unit owner. We share an entrance, porch, and yard, and while we’ve generally co-existed pleasantly, he recently decided to buy another house with his girlfriend and rent out his condo unit on Airbnb.

The DC short term rental regulations require attestation that the condo rules don’t prohibit short term rentals and/or written permission from the board to get a short term-rental license; our rules prohibit it and we’ve never given permission, so not sure how he got a license. But he got one, and judging from the constant stream of tourists he’s raking in that sweet Airbnb cash.

While of course we’re sick of the noise and strangers smoking on our porch, it really doesn’t sit right with us that this is an affordable unit/building with affordability covenants on title that’s being used for personal profit when affordable housing is in short supply. (more…)

“A little parking chaos”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Several blocks in the AdMo-Kalorama neighborhood are now signed “No Parking” for the remainder of the month, meaning a couple hundred-plus parking spaces will get axed during that time. Can understand the one block of Kalorama Road and Wyoming Avenue (between Columbia Road and 18th Street) getting the signs in preparation for the one-way conversion. (more…)

“No answer from DC 911 emergency”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: Should you see anyone in such a state, deceased or not, please call 911 immediately (not 311) presuming, hopefully, they will answer. Another reader writes: “you can pick up free Narcan at a pharmacy and get a quick training. DC Fire & EMS also has periodic training on hands-only CPR.”

“Dear PoPville,

Sunday at 1:46pm I called 311 police non-emergency to report a man in NW (near Adams Morgan) who appeared deceased from a heroin overdose. His lips looked blue and I saw visible narcotic paraphernalia attached to him. I waited on hold with 311 police non-emergency for exactly 10 minutes before hanging up. I then immediately dialed 911 hoping to get a quicker response. I waited on hold with 911 for 9 minutes before hanging up. I hung up because while waiting on hold I had walked to the nearby third district MPD station. At the MPD third district station (more…)

“Key limes?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by bajidc

“Dear PoPville,

Where can one source key limes? I have waited patiently for the official season to start but can’t find them anywhere, including the venerable Whole Foods. Perhaps some intrepid followers know? Aside from delicious key lime pie, they also make a very good Margarita!”

“Status of cashless DC?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

Im wondering what the status is of DC business not accepting cash. I thought a law was passed that forced business in DC to accept cash but then it was on pause during the public health emergency but since that is over, can a restaurant deny cash as payment? If not who can I report this to?”

“Mixology classes in DC?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

I’m interested in finding a high quality mixology class in DC this summer. Does the community have any recommendations for either recurring events/group classes or private bookings for two?”

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