Petworth

Grant Circle Closed Due to Oil Spill

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user and Petworth resident Wayan Vota

From Wayan:

“Seems an oil slick down southbound New Hampshire Ave NW made a slip-slide for cars approaching Grant Circle. Three accidents later, DCPD has closed off the Circle to clean off the oil.

Expect a traffic jam on surrounding side streets as drivers look for alternate routes this evening.”

From MPD:

“All traffic approaching Grant Circle NW, will be shut until further notice; this will include northbound and southbound traffic towards the Circle; from Illinois Ave, 5th Street and Varnum Street, NW. This is an oil spill from a tanker truck. DCFD and DDOT are attempting to clean-up. We will advise the community when traffic re-opens”

Update 9:05pm: Grant Circle reopened to traffic.


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Battle of the Safeways: Haves Vs. Have Nots

By Prince Of Petworth


Petworth’s Safeway on Georgia Ave (3830 Georgia Ave, NW)


Georgetown’s new Safeway on Wisconsin Ave (1855 Wisconsin Ave, NW)

While I’m very happy with the YES! Organic Market a bit further up the block at Georgia and Taylor, I find it pretty appalling to compare the Petworth Safeway to the Georgetown Safeway. I understand that Georgetown residents have a lot of money to spend so obviously they are going to get a nice store but Petworth residents were told time and time again that this relic on Georgia Ave was going to be upgraded. Whenever I ask Mayor Fenty or Council Member Bowser they say, plans are still in the works. But Lord – how long must we wait. Quite frankly I just don’t like all the bullshit. If they’re not going to upgrade the Georgia Ave Safeway then just say so. Be honest with us, we can take it. I’ve heard lots of rumors as to why the Safeway upgrade has stalled. Some blame residents, some blame Safeway, some blame funding/tax break issues. But are we not entitled to an honest answer?

So once and for all – should the Georgia Ave Safeway be upgraded? If so, what is the responsibility of Safeway, our elected leaders and/or the residents to make sure this happens.  I believe that Mt. Vernon Square (City Vista), Adams Morgan, Georgetown, Navy Yard (SW Waterfront) all have new or upgraded stores.  Besides Petworth what other neighborhoods do you think are due for an upgrade?

I can tell you when I walked into the Georgia Ave store this weekend I was hit with a foul odor. When I walked into the Wisconsin Ave store, I could swear that the aisles were paved with gold. Not to speak for all but I’d be happy with half as nice an upgrade in Petworth.

Luncheon meats at Georgia Ave above.

A portion of the cheese selection at Wisconsin Ave below.

Petworth based author has Book Signing at Sisterspace Sat.

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to let you know that a local Petworth based author and my dear friend is going to have a book signing today in Petworth. She is an amazing Petworth woman who is worth noting. She is a female, African American Washingtonian author. She wrote the book based on her experiences traveling around the world when she was a child. Her father was a Foreign Service Officer and last Post Deputy Chief of Mission, Tunis, Tunisia.

LADYBUG by Melanie Marshall

BOOK SIGNING
Saturday 22 May at 5:00 P.M.
Sisterspace And Books
3717 Georgia Avenue NW (by Petworth Metro)”

Dear PoP – Shouldn’t SmartBike Expand to more Neighborhoods?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I’ve always thought it would make sense for Smartbike to have stations at some farther locations in DC. I mean, isn’t the point to cut down on traffic? If so, they’re not going to do the trick by only offering bikes in such a small radius! Any way to start a community petition (on your website ;-) to get a bank of bikes in Petworth?”

You are in luck – DDOT just released a press release this morning (Bike to work day and all) announcing Bike Sharing’s expansion. I know Columbia Heights is slated to get some but I’m not sure about Petworth. If folks want Petworth to get a spot as well be sure to leave that sentiment in the comments and I’ll be sure to forward to DDOT.

Here’s the press release:

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette and District Department of Transportation Director (DDOT) Gabe Klein today announced a joint effort to expand bike sharing tenfold in the Washington area. Both Arlington and the District have each signed contracts for what will become a regional bike sharing system later this year.

“We are extremely excited to lead the nation once again in bike sharing,” said Mayor Fenty. “The response to the bike sharing program has been unprecedented and we are pleased to be able to join with Arlington in our expansion efforts.”

This expanded, regional system follows the success of SmartBikeDC, launched in 2008. The new system will launch later this year with roughly 1100 bikes at 114 stations and will be largest of its kind in the U.S.

Continues after the jump including a naming contest for the new system at the bottom of press release. (more…)

Credit Where Credit is Due: Kilroy’s Cleaners Kicks Ass in Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth

Over three years ago I wrote about Kilroy’s cleaners on Upshur St in Petworth. At the time their customer service was terrible. But I told the owner if service improved I’d be happy to let folks know. Well that day has come. They have a completely new staff who could not possibly be nicer. It was amazing. Truly a 100% improvement. So I’m happy to report that Petworth has a great dry cleaning option.

For those a bit west I hear French’s cleaners on 14th Street are pretty good as well. Any other hidden dry cleaners out there that folks should check out. We spoke about OXXO and Georgetown Dry Cleaners here. I have to admit I’m still sorta mesmerized by the automatic pick up at OXXO…

But back on point – if you live in Petworth – Kilroy’s cleaners now officially get’s the PoP seal of approval. I’m not exaggerating when I say it is a pleasure from drop off to pick up. Congrats to the owner who understands the worth of good customer service.

Back in the Day, Hemp grown in DC, Petworth

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville Flickr user Mr. T in DC

“Dear PoP,

After reading yesterday’s article in the post about hemp being grown in DC:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051204933.html

I came across the official press release and it states that hemp was grown in Petworth too:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newly-discovered-diaries-of-usda-botanist-lyster-dewey-highlight-the-history-of-hemp-cultivation-in-washington-dc-area-93658099.html”

The last article says:

On Monday, May 17, 2010 at 7:30pm, the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) will display the diaries of USDA Chief Botanist Lyster Dewey in public for the first time at Capitol Hemp Clothing and Accessories, located at 1802 Adams Mill Road, NW. The diaries and personal photos of the USDA’s top expert on fiber production for more than 40 years reveal a treasure trove of information on hemp farming research by the US Government from the 1890’s to the 1940’s. Excerpts of the newly discovered diaries will be read aloud at the event and members of the media are encouraged to attend.

The five volume set of sixty-two diaries begins in 1879 and spans until Dewey’s death in 1944. Recovered at a garage sale and then resold to the HIA, there are two photo albums, one of which includes a picture of Dewey himself measuring a 20 foot high hemp plant grown at Arlington Farms, the current location of the Pentagon. The diaries also contain evidence of Dewey growing Hemp in the District of Columbia in his own backyard in the Petworth neighborhood.

Good Deal or Not? “Across from Soldiers’ and Airmen’s home” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 311 Rock Creek Church Road, NW:


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The flier says:

“Fabulous 3BR, 3BA row house in Petworth. Fully renovated in 2005. Generous room sizes. Great kitchen w/ breakfast room. Beautiful hardwood floors and high ceilings. Front porch and rear yard. Off street parking. Across from Soldiers’ and Airmen’s home. Easy walk to Petworth Metro and Petworth Rec Center with playground & spray park.”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

What do you think of the renovation? Does $529,000 sound reasonable for this 3 bed/3 bath?

Secretary of Energy, Stephen Chu, to Visit Roosevelt H.S.

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from flickr user Jared G

Well this is pretty cool. From an email:

“Wednesday, May 12th, should be a pretty cool afternoon. The Secretary of Energy, Stephen Chu, will be coming to Roosevelt (4301 13th St. NW) to see our students working on and building Balsa Wood Bridges as part of a highlight of National Lab Day. NationalLabDay.org is an online marketplace for teachers to connect with local scientists, who then come into the classroom to help out with projects.”

Update: Well that was a huge tease, I just got word that the event has been canceled.

Meet Representatives of the new CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire Aves, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Kent for sending the word. I also heard that this CVS will open its doors May 21st. From a press release:

“What: Meet the regional managers of the new CVS.
Where: Park View school auditorium (3560 Warder Street, NW)
When: Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 6:30 p.m.

Whether you have questions about the soon-to-open CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues or are just curious, CVS representatives will be in the neighborhood to meet, greet, and answer questions from the community.

Developer Robb LaKritz will also be on hand to speak about the project as well.”

Good Deal or Not? Under $200k Edition (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 726 Quincy Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“Spacious, Well-Renovated 1 bed/1.5 bath condo with Stainless & Granite kitchen, gas stove & appliances, ceramic bath & powder rooms, designer paints & carpets, recessed lighting, rear patio, secure off-street parking. Pet friendly building One block from Petworth Metro, 2 blocks from grocery. Seller definitely looking to sell, this is a short sale.”

More info and photos found here.

The reader was curious about the pricing because it is assumed to be a basement condo. It was originally going for $249 but is now on the market for $199,000. Sound reasonable? What do you think it’ll go for?

Bonus: Thanks to Nichole for sending in this one 1211 Independence Ave, SE. It’s going for $850,000 but this one’s really all about the photos…

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