The hockey game was just to the left, if you’re looking at the White House.
quality of life
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“Dear PoP,
A new cafe is trying to open at 6th & R St NW, which would be amazing. It will be a middle eastern cafe called Toque Cafe. They are struggling to get a permit to allow a few outdoor tables, and I wondered if you would put out the word that there is a petition folks can sign to support them getting a permit. I attached an email below with all of the details:
The Convention Center Community Association (CCCA-online.org) supports the application for outdoor seating submitted by the Toque Café located at 1701 6th Street NW, Washington DC 20001. We believe that outdoor seating will not only enhance the restaurant’s business operations but will likely become a popular neighborhood amenity. We also urge you to facilitate the proper and timely approval of permits and licenses for the restaurant to open and begin operations.
Toque Café also needs your and broader community support.”
You can sign the Petition here.
“Dear PoP,
any advice? these little guys were around last summer – they’re back and they’re bigger. if the windows are open they come right up to the screen and watch us. it’s kind of disconcerting.
is this something that animal control can handle or do i have to rig up my own traps and relocate the buggers?”
I know we recently spoke of racoons but I think this is a special case. If they’re actually coming up to your window and climbing all over the house – perhaps they’ll find a nesting spot in your house. Also, while I’ll go on the record again – I freaking hate racoons (and possoms) but that picture up top is pretty damn cute. Crap, I can’t believe I just said that…
This reader has to call a trapper right? I’ve previously recommended adcock trapping and some others are mentioned here.
I’ve been getting a few emails about what to do when you see lawns getting too high (both public and private properties). This question seems to come up pretty regularly every spring. If it is public property call 311. If it is a neighbor I always suggest patience as sometimes people just forget for a couple weeks. But if it is a real nuissance property DCRA has a press release:
“The Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is issuing a reminder to District residents about the seasonal grass-cutting rules, which take effect on May 1, 2010 and run through October 31, 2010.
District regulations prohibit property owners (commercial and residential) from allowing grass and weeds on their premises to grow more than 10 inches in height. Failing to adhere to the rule could lead to fines of more than $500. Between May 1 and October 31, DCRA can immediately mow properties and issues fines.
Continues after the jump. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user sophiagrrl
I was pretty surprised to see the following note on the MPD 4D listserv:
“Does anyone have any suggestions as to whom to call about the illegal farmers market in the parking lot of Mayor Fenty s campaign hq? The police won t do anything despite complaints to uniformed officers, 911 and 311. They are selling stolen merchandise and handling food without gloves. There no permits displayed anywhere and they are open 7 days a week. Is this operation a part of Mr. Fenty s campaign? If not, why is it allowed to operate? If it is, should he be selling stolen merchandise? So, can someone tell me to whom I can complain that will lead to action?”
Lots of people asked how the complaintant could know if the goods were stolen.
MPD Chief Dianne Groomes replied:
“Good evening Sir – I have sent an inquiry to DCRA to see if there is a permit for the below Farmers Market that has operated for months …and operated for years on the weekends….they can also send an inspector out for the handling of food items… . MPD can check on the stolen goods you are referring to but please advise what table (merchandise) to inspect for most tables have fruit and food items for sale .. (I will have 4d email you direct for further information on the stolen goods and your statement/evidence of such)”
Another resident writes:
“I have found out that it is not illegal because they are on private property and therefore do not need permits.”
Pretty wild, has anyone ever heard of an illegal Farmers Market before? It’s funny because I only think of positive connotations when I hear ‘Farmers Markets’. Stealing cows used to be punishable by death back in the day…
Thanks to a reader for sending the word:
“MPD is sponsoring a block party in the 500 block of Kennedy Street this Friday from 4-8pm.”
I remember a previous block party hosted by MPD wasn’t very well publicized so for the folks up in North Country this sounds like fun.
“Dear PoP,
I snapped this image of my 2-year-old at Stead Park (16th and P, NW) … I thought it was kinda cool. Amazing how many kids are running around the neighborhood now … compared to 10 years ago.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC
“Dear PoP,
My DC apartment building has been sliding into deeper and deeper disrepair, yet rent continues to go up. My specific question is about access to water. My building cuts off the water to entire building at least once a month – but usually more than once a month. We get a notice posted outside the front door the day before this happens and we’re told to not expect water from 9:30am-4:30pm while some maintenance is being done. This is seriously inconvenient when you’re on an erratic schedule (like myself being a student about to defend my thesis) and you only know the night before that the water will be turned off the next day and you will now have to change your schedule around to shower, do laundry, and cook and clean.
What rights do I have as a tenant when my water is being turned off during the day with little notice and this is occurring more than once a month?”
I realize this might be better for legal question of the week but I already submitted one for this week. So has anyone dealt with a similar situation? If so how did you deal with it? Does it say anywhere in the lease how often utilities may be disrupted? Obviously in emergencies there is nothing that can be done but does shutting off the water once or more a month sound reasonable?
From NBC Washington:
Don’t drink and drive; don’t booze and bike. The D.C. Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the city’s ban on driving under the influence also applies to bicyclists.
According to the law, drivers are prohibited from “operating a vehicle” under the influence of alcohol.
In January 2007, Baker Everton was arrested for riding his bike under the influence. According to the appeals court, police found him shouting next to his bike and barely able to stand. Officers warned him not to get on the bike, but he did it anyway. He then hit a child in a crosswalk before losing control and falling over.
Well it sounds like this guy should definitely have been arrested for something. I think arresting people like this should probably fall under public intoxication and/or disturbing the peace. I’m not sure DUI for those that ride bikes is such a good idea because I know folks who specifically ride bikes so they don’t have to drive to bars. I’d way rather have drunk people on bikes than driving cars…
I know we talk about more serious issues than this but indulge me this once. I’m a huge fan of the Banneker Swimming Pool located at the 2800 block of Georgia Ave, NW. It’s come to my attention that there is a new Facebook group that is trying to get some more chairs for the pool. I think that’d be great. Not sure how much it’ll help but it can’t hurt to sign on.
And on that note, have a great weekend!
We saw a rendering of plans to improve the park from DPR a week ago. A few days ago I had the opportunity to listen to some ideas about how to improve the park from Hector of the Tivoli North Business Association. He had some great ideas but one that I thought was particularly interesting was to replicate the triangle park in Adams Morgan on Columbia Road:
We visited the Adams Morgan Market back in Sept. ’08.
In addition to a market there could also be space for musicians and/or artists.
Do you think that type of market could do well at the 14th and Oak Streets, NW Park?