Dear PoPville,

This was the scene at the bus stop on 14th across from Target in Columbia Heights this morning. It’s not at all unusual to see that stop trashed. The photo doesn’t capture the smell of urine. (Really? People will pee at a bus stop at a busy intersection in plain view of everyone?) I used to live near Nationals Park, and the Capitol Riverfront folks did a good job keeping public spaces tidy and the atmosphere around the Metro stops friendly. Maybe Target, Best Buy, Chipotle, the banks, and other businesses in Columbia Heights should pony up for something similar. ‘Cause scenes like this sure don’t make me want to live, do business, or wait for the bus in the neighborhood.


Dear PoPville,

I was at our newly-remodeled Tivoli Square Giant this evening and was disappointed when I noticed the new ads they’ve put up completely covering the front windows. I hate when stores do this; at best it’s a really silly corporate branding decision. I always thought that being able to look through the windows into the store did a lot to liven the streetscape.

I also prefer to be able to look into the windows. Maybe it won’t be permanent?



14th and Park Rd, NW

From Aquiline, Laina (ANC 1A05) via the Columbia Heights Listserv:

Z Burger’s application for a sidewalk cafe was approved contingent upon the following conditions (please note: this is not the specific language used by the committee, but a summation):

1) Z Burger will choose furniture that is more consistent with the furniture at other restaurants in the Columbia Heights Public Realm, subject to the approval of the Office of Planning.

2) The layout of the sidewalk cafe as applied for by Z Burger will remain the same, except for the removal of a four-top table (the middle of the three tables to the left (west) of the granite bench) and the handicap four-top table adjacent will be shifted to the left (west), in the former table’s place, allowing greater access to the granite bench.

3) Z Burger will only have a fence that runs parallel to Park Rd. There will be no fence enclosing the bench or on either the east or west sides of the cafe.

PSC approved cafe layout plan



1326 Park Rd, NW

Back in Jan. 2012 we saw that El Rinconcito II had expanded into the space upstairs. But that’s not the only great improvement they’ve made – they have an awesome outdoor dining area. With the popularity of the restaurants on 11th St, NW it’s often pretty hard to get outdoor seating on a nice day. Well, here’s another awesome option. And the food is good too!

Anyone have any must order items from their menu?



Photo by Sarah Heydemann

From an email:

The next DC Grey Market is Sunday May 20th from 12-4pm at The Emergence Community Art Collective 733 Euclid St NW.

You can purchase sweets and savories: pierogies from Minnesota Nice, Super Vegan Cupcakes, and other items from small businesses.

Tickets for entry can be purchased online for 2.37 or at the door for $2



Photo by PoPville flickr user Matt.Dunn

From a press release:

On Saturday May 12, 2012, Howard University will host its 144th Commencement Convocation ceremony at 10:00am on the upper quadrangle of the Main Campus of the university.

Vehicle and pedestrian traffic are expected to increase in volume beginning on Thursday May 10, 2012, due to the many visitors expected, and individual colleges and schools hosting separate graduation ceremonies at different facilities on the main campus as well.

The following streets are expected to see an increase in traffic (vehicles and pedestrians) from 9:00am Thursday May 10, 2012, through 7:00pm Saturday May 12, 2012″

Full list after the jump. (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user Lauren PM

Columbia Heights

“Columbia Heights Farmers Market Opens This Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.

New and returning vendors will greet customers this Saturday for the opening of the Columbia Heights Community Marketplace. There will be fresh locally-grown fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and art for sale as well as special events like tastings, live music and dance and free yoga classes.

The market is located at the Columbia Heights civic plaza on 14th St., NW where Park Rd. and Kenyon St. intersect.”

Bloomingdale

“Bloomingdale Farmers Market [1st and R St, NW by Big Bear] reopens this Sunday the 13th and there is so much news! First we have New Hours. Repeat 3 times: BFM opens at 9 am now and closes at 1 pm.”


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