A few weeks ago we learned that construction will start in November. Thanks to a reader for the word that the signs have gone up. I know some folks would’ve preferred a more dense development like retail on the first floor and apartments above it. It seems that would’ve made a lot of sense. But I have to be honest, I’m happy to be getting a CVS nearby. Especially since I sold my car…


Ed. Note: The above photo was taken after this weekend’s shooting on Upshur Street. It really saddened me how beautiful the street looked. I was thinking how this photo should be a “sweet street scene” but now is affiliated with a crime post…

From Councilmember Muriel Bowser:

“Neighbors-

We are all appalled by this week’s violence. I will be convening a Special Meeting on Crime this Wednesday, October 28, 7pm at the ROC, 801 Shepherd St NW.

Chief Cathy Lanier and 4D command staff will address concerns and actions necessary to increase public safety.

The meeting will focus on:

– recent homicides in Petworth at Safeway and 1200 Bl Crittenden ST with updates on the investigations.

-Increased reports of sounds of gun fire
and MPD response

– Gang activity in 4D, and neighboring 3D and 2D.

-Petworth Metro station safety

Do not hesitate to reach me with any questions or concerns, 202-491-4842.

Muriel”



Photo by Wayan Vota

“Dear PoP,

I heard there’s a pet costume contest/parade in Petworth this coming Wednesday.  Do you have any details? My dog and I are ready to show off our costumes!”

Following is the info from the organizer.  I’ll be there as a guest judge so if in anyone wants to bribe me, I’ve been dreaming of some pumpkin pie…

“Those of us on the Petworth Dogs listserv http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/PetworthDogs/ would like to invite you to the:

2009 Petworth Dog Walk Halloween
a costume celebration of dogs and owners
Wednesday, October 28, 7pm
@ Domku Restaurant
821 Upshur St NW
http://domkucafe.com

Contestants – meet at 6pm at the Clark School (7th and Alison Streets NW) to wear out your favorite pooch, before suiting them up in a great costume. From there, we’ll walk our bedazzled best friends down to Upshur Street where they’ll be judged on:

* Best Doggie Costume – the classic, dress ‘em up!
* Best Twins – Celebrating how dogs and owners can look alike
* Best Trick – Costume or not, show your dog’s skills

— We have prizes for every category!  —

The Domku patio will be the reviewing stand and the post-parade party spot.  Feel free to print out copies of our flier and take them with you when you’re out walking. When you see a dog + owner, hand them a flier and encourage them to come out as a participant or observer: http://wayan.com/files/petworth_dog_walk_2009.pdf

Wayan
Petworth Dogs”


This home is located at 613 Upshur Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Recent reconstruction has turned this GRAND porch-front into a neighborhood showplace! All new EVERYTHING: systems, floors, roof, walls, kitchen, baths, windows +more! 19′ wide with fully finished basement and AMAZING bonus loft/office in 2-LVL master bedroom! DEEP backyard with two car private parking! Just 4 blocks to METRO!”

More info found here and a virtual tour found here.

Wow, I wasn’t expecting the inside to look like this at all. I kinda dig the open feel. And of course I’m a huge supporter of the bay windows. What do you guys think of the reno? Does $549,000 sound reasonable for this 4 bed/3.5 bath home?


There was a shooting in the Petworth Safeway Parking lot (3830 Georgia Ave NW) around 8:30pm Tuesday evening. I will first give official reports, reader emails then I will tell you what I learned on my own.

First from MPD Commander Linda Brown:

“4d units on the scene of a shooting in front of the safeway at Georgia and Randolph. Male victim transported to local hospital in critical condition. Lookout for 3-5 black males last seen running behind the safeway. Anyone with any information about this incident, please call 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM(e).”

From CM Muriel Bowser:

“Neighbors- I regret to inform you that MPD is investigating a shooting on Georgia Avenue in front of the Petworth Safeway. I’m currently on the scene with Chief Cathy Lanier.

Please see description of the incident and lookout information posted by Commander Brown below. MPD will alert us to details as they become available.”

From a reader:

“I live on the 800 block of Quincy St NW and heard two gunshots shortly after 8 tonight. About 15 minutes later, police were taping off my block and a helicopter was circling overhead. If you have any info on this, I’m sure our fellow Petworth residents would appreciate hearing about it.”

Thanks to all the readers who sent in reports of shots fired, street closings and police presence. I was out to dinner with my Aunt and Uncle when I got into a cab and realized I had about a dozen emails about this incident. I got out of the cab at my house and asked a neighbor if she heard anything.

Only when I got a few steps closer did I realize she was crying. Apparently the person shot was a youth of only 15 or 16 years old who was friends with her son. She said the boy shot was returning from the Theodore Roosevelt Football game. She said he was shot twice in the head and has passed away is currently in critical condition at the hospital. I will have to confirm this info as it is released from the authorities but I have no reason to doubt her. My neighbor was understandably upset and was very worried about her own children. These incidents are so painfully sad. They really illustrate the two worlds that exist within many DC neighborhoods.

More info as it becomes available from the authorities.


Someone referred to this gentleman in a previous comment thread. He plays the bongos in a balcony in the Park Place building above the Petworth metro. While I’m glad I don’t live directly next door to him, I think he’s pretty awesome.


When I wrote about the IHOP coming to DC USA earlier in the week I mentioned that I had more good news coming. And the good news is some more info about the new spot coming to Petworth from the folks behind Tynan Coffee & Tea opening Friday in Columbia Heights. This spot is coming to Petworth in the retail space of Park Place above the metro. The place in Petworth is not just going to be a coffee spot. I mentioned earlier that it’s going to be in the northernmost retail space near the corner of Georgia and Quincy. There will be some outdoor seating and what has me most excited – breakfast/brunch options.

I mean proper breakfast/brunch options. This has been one of the things I’ve been craving most – a real place to sit down and eat breakfast/brunch in Petworth. Domku does a fine job on Upshur Street but that’s really one of the few options for a hot breakfast.

This spot will tentatively be called Union City and as best I understand will sorta be like a Tryst/Diner type of place. Excuse me a moment while I wipe the tears from my eyes. Ok, sorry bout that. This is phenomenal news that I’ll be following closely. Stay tuned…


This home is located at 816 Taylor Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“SIMPLY STUNNING!! A MUST SEE! COMPLETELY RESTORED and CUSTOMIZED home with four finished levels of living. * * OVER 4500 SQUARE FEET * * Beautiful BRICK/GRANITE/MARBLE/WIDE PLANK HARDWOODS surround you at every turn!! OPEN LIGHT BRIGHT CONTEMPORARY FEEL!! HUGE PRIVATE PARKING AREA. .. completely fenced yard. .large front/side porch and more!”

More info and photos found here.

The reader who sent in the listing was concerned that “a tile factory exploded all over its insides”. Other than some over ambitious tiling in the kitchen, I’d say it’s a pretty nice renovation. However, I think the asking price may be a few years a head of it’s time, though it is a very large house. This 5 bed/5.5 bath is going for $875,000. Any predictions? What do you think of the renovations?

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