Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights Package Thief Caught?

By Prince Of Petworth

In March we learned of a rash of stolen packages in Columbia Heights. From the CH Listserv it seems the suspect may have been caught do to the work of a good Samaritan:

“Package thiefs have been arrested. At 3pm today I saw the same woman and a guy forcefully open front door of our building and pick up two packages from foyer

I called 911 and followed them for 45 minutes to corner of 16th and Florida where cops finally stopped them. Thiefs took items out of boxes in alley by 1101 then zig zagged many blocks before they realized I was STILL following them. There, they removed some more items before eventually being arrested.

They are being charged with breaking in and entering, mail theft, etc. I will be called to court to act as a witness. Officer stated that thiefs most likely will also receive stay away order for this neighborhood.

By the way, during my pursuit I had to call 911 twice as I did not see ONE police officer from 1101 all the way to 16th and Florida due to fewer police on duty becuase of Emancipation Day(holiday).”

Nicely done. And if you want a good laugh here is the story related to the photo above.

Dear PoP – Construction on Park Road

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I live in Columbia Heights and work in Van Ness, and split my commutes between walking, the H2, and riding my scooter. Unfortunately the construction on Park Road has made my scooter commute miserable! Any idea when they’re planning on being finished?”

Hmm, we addressed this same question back in January. At the time the construction was slated to be completed in February. Clearly work is still being done between Hiatt and at least 16th Street. Anyone know the new time frame? I’ll email Councilmember Graham to see what he knows.

A Look Inside The Allegro Apartments

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week we looked at the outside of the newly completed Allegro apartments. I took a tour of the inside on Friday. I have to say, it was pretty amazing. Of course, you pay for amazing. From the outside of 3460 14th Street you can’t tell just how huge the place is. There are two courtyards (at the time still getting their final touches but both will have wifi) and 297 units. Units range from studios ($1525-$1775), one bed, one bath ($1775-$2175), one bed, den, one bath (($1900-$2650), Two bed, two bath ($2450-$2725) plus a series of penthouses (ranging from $2450-$3750). At the moment 2 months free rent and one time $500 common charge are being waved if you move in by May, 31st. There also will be a fitness room, yoga room, billiard room, media room and cyber cafe. There is no pet weight restriction though certain breeds like pitbulls are not permitted. If you’d like to check it out yourself they’ll be having a party Wed. night from 6-9pm.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Potential New Restaurant/Bar Coming to Columbia Heights and Your Suggestions Requested

By Prince Of Petworth

So last week an eagle eyed reader had noticed that the “coming soon” sign for Sake to be located on Irving Street, just west of 14th Street, had vanished. So I spoke with some folks and indeed Sake is no longer coming. What I learned is that the two spots pictured above are going to be combined into one restaurant/bar (much like Commonwealth is set up.)

So here’s the scuttlebutt, it seems that there is some talk of a bar opening up in this space that could fill a gap for this section of Columbia Heights. One of the ideas is to open up a spot that, in addition to having a nice outdoor area, would have pool tables, maybe a ping pong table, maybe some table shuffleboard etc. I imagine it would be a chill spot along the lines of a Stetsons (16th and U). I do believe you would be able to get bar food like burgers and nachos etc. But nothing is in stone here.

So (and I know for a fact that your comments will be read by those considering opening up here) do you think this would be a good addition to the bar scene in Columbia Heights? If not, what type of restaurant/bar would you like to see in this combined space?

PoP Post and Comments Inspire Theatrical Event!

By Prince Of Petworth

This is probably the coolest thing I could have ever imagined.

“Dear PoP,

I am writing to invite you and your readers to a unique theatrical event partially inspired by your blog. I work for Young Playwrights’ Theater and meet with young people often to write about the things that inspire and trouble them. This semester our after-school group, the Young Playwrights’ Workshop has been writing about the intersection of technology and theater. How will technology change in the future? How is it changing the present?

On March 2nd, 2009 I read your post New Apartments At Georgia Ave. and New Hampshire Gets Tagged And I Get Intimidated By Street Thugs and the resulting comments with great interest. It occurred to me that it could be a good topic for our group. All good drama needs conflict and there was plenty to be had in this discussion. Also, while the habits and character of young people in our community were discussed at length, there were not many youth voices in the discussion. Our young writers decided to respond. They created a piece called “Who Owns the Streets?” in which they deconstruct your article, the commenters and the meaning of community online.

“Who Owns the Streets?” will be presented this Monday, April 20th at 7:00 PM as part of New Writers Now: Theater of the Next Generation. Professional actors will present a staged reading of the piece and follow up with a community talkback. We invite you, your readers and the entire DC community to attend. You could even join us at 6:00 PM for a light reception before the show in the lobby of the GALA Theatre. The event is FREE and open to the public.

We hope that you and many of your readers might take us up on this invitation.

More information can be found at www.yptdc.org

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Andrews
Community Engagement Manager
Young Playwrights’ Theater

Community Clean Up in CH Sat.

By Prince Of Petworth

I also saw some cops handing out these fliers (both in English and Spanish). The cops were super nice. I’d feel much better with cops like these “walking the beat” regularly meeting with neighbors and the community at large.

Live Music Returns To Columbia Heights Coffee Last Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

I love this guy. He always plays Bob Dylan for me. Sadly, he doesn’t have a regular slot at Columbia Heights Coffee (11th Street b/w Monroe and Park.) The owners said he is welcome to play whenever he’d like. I chatted with him for a few moments. His name is John Carter or JC and he lives in the neighborhood (Columbia Heights). He told me he likes to play at Columbia Heights Coffee from time to time to relax and give a little something back to his neighborhood. Super nice guy.

I also spotted one super cool dog outside. (This dog will be tough competition for this Summer’s coolest pet in PoPville contest…)

Judging Pop Ups

By Prince Of Petworth

These pop ups are located on Monroe Street, NW just west of 14th Street. I think we may have looked at the one on the left before but it looks like the one on the right is nearly completed. Thumbs up or down? Do you prefer one over the other?

More Disturbing News – Please Help

By Prince Of Petworth

So much for ending the week on a positive note (unless someone finds the dog.) From a reader:

“This is a tragic story and we need your help. Apparently on Tuesday night, two teenage boys stole this 92-year old man’s dog Sparky right from his front yard near 11th and Park. We all need to keep an eye out for Sparky so he can be reunited with his owner.”

From Officer Eagan:

“Sparky was stolen from his Owner in the 3200 Block of 11th Street on 04-08-09, he is wearing a Redskins collar with a purple leash. Sparky’s owner information is on a tag attached to the collar. Sparking is a poodle mix charcoal gray in color and is 5 years old. Please contact 911 or the Third District Sub Station 0n 202-576-8222 with any information. There is an undisclosed reward for his safe return. Sparky’s owner is a 92 year old man who misses him very much. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide

Respectfully,
Officer Travis C. Eagan”

UPDATE: From MPD 3D Listserv:

“ I am happy to report that SPARKY is back home and in good health. A good citizen saw some children that do not own a dog playing with it. SPARKY was taken and returned. I want to thank the community for the overwhelming support for SPARKY and it’s owner.”

GDoN Revisited by Hipchickindc

By Prince Of Petworth

In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and as a real estate salesperson in Maryland. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 1458 Fairmont St NW #2

Original List Price: $419,900.

List Price at Contract: $375,000.

List Date: 06/27/2008

Days on Market: 188

Settled Sales Price: $375,000.

Settlement Date: 03/16/2009

Seller Subsidy: 10,000.

Bank Owned?: No

Type Of Financing: Conventional

Recent Purchase and Re-Sale?: Last purchased in early 2003 for $245,000.

Original GDoN Post is: Here.

Listing with pics: is here. Make sure to check out pics by clicking on the camera icon at top left. Continues after the jump. (more…)

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