Columbia Heights

Karen Attends Community Meeting on 14th and Fairmont Shooting

By Prince Of Petworth

So here’s the scoop on the Saturday night shooting at 14th and Fairmont from the Columbia Heights community meeting last night. The investigation into what happened is still ongoing, and thus not all information could be released, but it appears the shoot out involved two crews. Two individuals, both in their twenties, were apprehended at the scene and have been charged. They were both on foot—rumors of a car being involved are unsubstantiated. Police are also looking into an additional person as possibly being involved—a lot of evidence has been recovered that they’re following up on.

There was a problem with crowd control as and after the two individuals were arrested, and a few friends and family members of the perps did attack the police apparently in protest or to prevent the suspects from being taken away. The four people who were involved in that attack were arrested, and one of those people had a baseball bat. There was also a problem in terms of controlling the surrounding area—police had to prevent several people from returning home while they secured the area and it seems there was a bit of a pandemonium for a while.

Also, and this is very interesting, apparently members of a private security firm that works the Faircliff Plaza East at 1350 Fairmont St were the first on the scene.

Police have been targeting the areas near where the shooting occurred, and it’s comforting to know that the security firm that apprehended the suspects is there every Saturday night. But violent crime has been up in the neighborhood in the past few weeks. I know it puts me, at least, on edge.

Pretty Weak Park

By Prince Of Petworth

This park in Columbia Heights makes me very sad. For I’ll say it, it is sketchy. I wonder if it would be so sketchy if it had a beautiful lawn and was well cared for. I feel like this is something we should rally around. Let me know if you want me to start a campaign of some sort to improve the quality of this park. It is pretty beat, yeah?

Even the sign is ganked…

Good Deal or Not? (And It’s Not Even A Million Dollars)

By Prince Of Petworth

So while I am very interested in knowing whether you think it’s a good deal or not, I’m also curious to know what you think of the layout, rooms, details etc. The flyer says:

“New Construction Modern Finishes Chefs Kitchen, Parking 2 cars, Exposed Duct, Master Bedroom boasts 30ft Vaulted Ceilings & Loft with ladder. 6 bathrooms Amazing Detail Must See it to believe it. Owner said No Condo Conversion here!!. Cute 2br rental wih C of O in the basement for income!!Real Estate Broker is the owner.”

There are lots more details and photos here. It was origninaly listed for $1,100,000 but is now on the market for $999,999. So what do you think about the house and of course is it a good deal or not?

Terrible Shooting at 14th and Fairmont

By Prince Of Petworth

Yikes, I hadn’t heard about this until a reader sent in some photos and video. What an insane scene. The reader writes:

“They are photos of the immediate aftermath of the gun battle/scuffle that happened on Fairmont Street on Saturday. I counted at least a dozen shots. MPD/USSS responded en force pretty quickly. I counted at least three people who were carted away.”

Another reader writes in to let folks know about a meeting on Wed. to discuss the shooting:

“I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind mentioning the next meeting of the South Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting in your blog. It will be this Wednesday, 8/20 at 7pm at the Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St, NW. Ward 1 CM Jim Graham will be there to discuss this incident, as will MPD Police Chief, Cathy Lanier and Neicy Jones, who will represent the Faircliff Apartments, an epicenter of neighborhood trouble.”

Check out the disturbing video footage caught by a reader:

Thankfully suspects were apprehended. Did anyone else witness this event?

A Note From The Organizers of Columbia Heights Day

By Prince Of Petworth

As the festival planning committee of the Columbia Heights Day Initiative, a non-profit 501-(c)(3) entity, it is our job to ensure we have reached out to all components of our booming neighborhood to join our annual festival. As you know, the central location of the festival is Harriet Tubman Elementary, just one block away from “downtown” Columbia Heights, but the celebration encompasses far more.

Our central aim is to build an impactful, sustainable community festival that celebrates one of the finest neighborhoods in the District of Columbia: Columbia Heights. After last year’s festival, one which Mayor Fenty called the “most organic festival” he had the privilege of attending, we want to make sure we grow at a reasonable pace, to keep up with our dynamic neighborhood.
We just wanted to make sure that you were given the opportunity to participate and help our fledgling festival by:

  • Attending the festival on 10/4/2008, outdoor morning yoga lesson, listening to live music, letting the kids play in the “moon bounce” and other activities, walking with the community dog walk, shop with local artisans & vendors, and visit with local officials….and lots more, with your help!
  • Dining or shopping at select neighborhood restaurants/businesses that will be offering festival day discounts and specials.
  • Supporting Columbia Heights’ fledgling festival with a monetary donation, tax deductible. (By the way, we’re not getting paid to do this, it’s all for the community!)
  • Helping mobilize our community by getting the word out to your neighbors.
  • Volunteering and planning for Columbia Heights Day and other community activities.
  • Buying a festival t-shirt at our website, attending a fundraiser, or even sponsoring your own fundraiser to help sponsor our community festival!

Your support will not only help make this year’s festival a success, but lay the groundwork to expand the festival in years to come and undertake other events promoting our community’s well-being. We will continue to seek the small donations from local fundraisers and small donors, but it is your support that will make the Columbia Heights Day Festival a success for years to come and a weekend our community will look forward to each year!
Please visit us on the web at www.columbiaheightsday.org to learn how you, your friends and neighbors can be a part of the fun. Please do not hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected].
Sincerely,  
The 2008 Columbia Heights Day Planning Committee

Details on New Bar/Restaurant Coming to 11th and Park

By Prince Of Petworth

I saw this on the CH listserv and thought it would be of great interest. It is from the owner – John Andrade:

“Located at 11th & Park, The Pint, as I’ve come to nick name it, will be 2 levels. The street level will be very much restaurant/bar similar in casualness to Commonwealth Gastro Pub with an open style kitchen. We’ll offer great food, a casual groove, 25 beers on draft and no bottles or cans, plentiful wines and yes, an outdoor seating area. Beers will be diverse including cask conditioned as well as the occasional gravity poured, firkin. There will be 2 “idiot boxes” since I do enjoy sports and I believe few things go better than quality beer while watching some football. Certainly not a sports bar, just some back ground.

The basement level will be equal in size and will have both a separate entrance and internal connection. The downstairs will have a more playful personality and will carry the name “The Joint Chiefs” while still serving the same food and beverages. There will be 4 8ft. billiard tables, to be rented by the hour, shuffle board, another bar and a spacious lounging area with the ability to section off for private party/receptions. A ping pong table top will be available for covering 1 billiard table for those interested.

Scheduled opening is based on 3DG’s renovation of the building but for now I’m hoping for spring of ’09.”

Sound good?

Good Deal or Not? Condo Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

Here’s another example of a beautiful rowhouse that has been divided into condos. (I’m not judging, I’m just saying.) It is located in a prime location at 1360 Kenyon Street, NW.

The flier says:

“Stately rowhome converted into 5 luxury condominiums w/ hardwood floors, top-of-the-line stainless steel & granite kitchens, washer/dryer in units & more! Just steps from the Metro & all of the fabulous shopping, dining and entertainment in Columbia Heights! * * Off-street parking avail for purchase at $35,000 **”

You can check out an interior photo here.

I walked into it and I have to say the layout was a little funny kind of like what they used to call rail road. Anyone else check these out. The location is great and all the condos are 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms. Prices range from $399,995 – $474,995. The $474,995 unit also comes with a rooftop deck. So given this great location – good deal or not?

Mayorga Lounge Hosting Music and Dance Party

By Prince Of Petworth

From a reader:

“Glam Racket is a new dance party happening at Mayorga Lounge. As of now the upcoming dates are this Saturday the 16th and the 30th. It’s 21+ and free. The music is a fun, quirky mix of hip hop, indie, pop, electronic, and pretty much anything you can dance to.

I’ve attached a flyer, and people can get free downloads at: http://www.zshare.net/audio/15366741c64bcfbb/ or www.djdocrok.com. We’re also giving away free CDs (and maybe cupcakes)!”

Think Mayorga is a good spot to host a party like this?

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