Silver lining for a crappy situation from an understandably frustrated reader:
“Happy to report that the police came yesterday and were wonderful. An officer came to the house and he had a crime scene technician come to photograph the graffiti. We were not expecting them to take it so seriously and are very appreciative. We used a mouse sander to get rid of the tag so everything is resolved.”
From MPD:
“At around 1:50 am there was a shooting in the area of 9th and Jefferson Streets NW, the complainant was in his vehicle when he heard the sounds of gunshots, he left the area and discovered that his vehicle had been struck. No injuries were reported. Several minutes later, a victim was sitting in his vehicle in the 1200 block of Ingraham Streets NW, when he was approached by 4 males and several of them began shooting into the vehicle. The victim was struck numerous times in the legs and was taken to a local hospital. The victim is in stable condition.
High visibility patrol beats with a specific and directed focus on this area is deployed, the detectives are investigating these cases. The only information that we have so far are (4) black males, one of whom is light complexioned approximately 6’ in height.
We ask that anyone with information contact the MPD CIC at 202-727-9099 or text MPD at 50411.”
And just after 11pm @DCPoliceDept tweeted:
“MPD Alert: shooting/400 18th ST NE LOF 1 B/M wearing all black armed with a firearm.”
Last week we learned that Salt and Pepper Grill III was taking over the former Chocolate Crust space on Georgia Ave just south of Missouri by the Walmart. Thanks to a reader for sending the update – though they didn’t particularly like the naan:
“the lamb roganjosh was delicious! and the place is decorated very well, better than the other two. lunch buffet service starts today…”
Photo courtesy Andrene’s
From an email:
“Andrene’s Caribbean & Soul Food Brings Dine-In to Kennedy Street
Andrene’s Caribbean & Soul Food [warning music plays on website], a neighborhood favorite on Kennedy Street NW, has removed its plexiglass and will reopen with a new interior and dine-in seating on Friday, December 12 from 2-9pm. Andrene’s Grand Reopening will feature a live DJ, free samples, and 10% of the day’s profit will be donated to So Others Might Eat.
Andrene Finn’s generous portions of jerk, stewed chicken, oxtail, goat, plantains, wings and ribs draw customers to stop in from all over the city. Now, her customers are welcome to stay a bit longer. Andrene is a resident in the neighborhood, and knows many customers by name. The plexiglass was already in place when she took over the location at 308 Kennedy Street NW in 2006. Now there are bar seats facing the street, four tables for two, a is fully ADA accessible entrance and bathroom. This feature was important to Andrene, a social worker by day serving DC’s aging community.
Andrene decided to transform her businesses with encouragement and free advise from neighbors and fellow members of the Kennedy Street Development Association (KSDA), including a construction manager, interior designer, and an architect. KSDA works with business owners, property owners, and city agencies to make Kennedy Street a better place for everyone around the street.”
Previous plexiglass:
Very good news for Brightwood and north country. Thanks to a reader for sending the news about Salt and Pepper Grill III. Despite pleas to the neighborhood, Chocolate Crust closed (just south of Walmart) at the end of October. Salt and Pepper Grill II opened up a year ago at 14th and Shepherd St, NW. The original Salt and Pepper Grill is located at 2632 Georgia Ave, NW in Pleasant Plains. You can see their menu here.
Ed. Note: I just had Salt and Pepper Grill II delivered on Friday and it was freaking delicious.
5830 Georgia Ave, NW
Potentially good news for 14th/16th Street Heights/Crestwood/Brightwood (Park)/Upper Petworth:
“A few of us from the Kennedy Street Development Association have been working on bringing a farmers market to our neighborhood.
We have approval from Dr. Corder to use the parking lot at the intersection of 14th/Kennedy/Colorado for a weekly market starting in late spring 2015. We’ve reached out to a few different folks to manage the market. Finding out if there is neighborhood buy-in is an important next step in the process in order to secure a partner organization to run this. Starting a market is always a big financial investment and we want to know if our neighbors want this and would support it.
This is where we need your help. Please take a moment to share this survey with your neighborhood listserves. We hope to get at least a couple hundred responses!
Your input is appreciated!”
5830 Georgia Ave, NW
Earlier this month things were not looking good for Chocolate Crust. Thanks to a reader for passing on the unfortunate update from the Brightwood listserv:
“It is with great sadness that I must close Chocolate Crust Bakery today, Friday October 31, 2014. It has been a long struggle. However…
I would never have been able to get this far without your incredible support! I have been incredibly humbled by the passion the local community has shown in supporting small business in this changing neighborhood. You have rallied for us and come out for us and provided innumerable suggestions and positive comments which all together kept us going this far! Thank you!
Even with an episode on the Cooking Channel, 5 times written up in the Washington post, “Best of…” in several categories by numerous publications, great ratings on Yelp, radio interviews, TV spots from here to NYC, direct support from our Ward 4 Council Member Muriel Bowser and her team and honored by being in her campaign commercial, and especially an incredible amount of support in so many ways form Emory Beacon of Light here in Brightwood, we were not able to make a solid go of it.
This neighborhood is in an interesting time of regeneration and I have been thrilled and grateful to have been a part of it getting to know so many of you and becoming your friends. I hope you will keep supporting the many neighboring businesses who are also struggling.
As for what I will be doing next… I will be finishing my chocolate cookbook quite quickly and also be teaching culinary at area institutions and do some business consulting as well. That should keep me busy until my next new idea takes form.
In love and service, THANK YOU for everything.
Chef Robert Cabeca”
From DDOT:
“District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced the start of a large-scale project to make roadway improvements to Military Road NW near 16th Street and replace the 16th Street NW Bridge over Military Road.
Residents should prepare for major impacts on traffic on Military Road and 16th Street NW during this project, which is expected to take 11 months to complete, weather permitting. The first phase of this project will last from October to March 2015, during which DDOT will focus on making improvements to Military Road NW.
These improvements will include installing a new, stone-faced median barrier on Military Road NW, between Oregon Avenue and 14th Street; improving storm drainage along the roadway and installing traffic signal and street light enhancements.”
14th and Colorado Ave, NW
Thanks to all who sent emails and tweets about the progress at Brightwood Bar & Restaurant coming to the old Colorado Cleaners space.
Previously:
From MPD:
“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection with a First Degree Sexual Abuse that occurred in the 900 block of Kennedy Street, Northwest, on Sunday, October 12, 2014, between 2:30 am and 3:00 am.
The initial investigation had indicated that the sexual assault occurred in a taxi cab. However, further investigation revealed that the victim was walking in the 900 block of Kennedy Street, Northwest when she was approached and sexually assaulted by the suspect and no DC taxi cab was involved.
The suspect is described as a black male, in his late 30s, 5’7 to 5’8″ in height.
Anyone with information regarding this case should call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.”