quality of life

It’s Gotta be Bad to Take These Measures

By Prince Of Petworth

I found this up in Brightwood. I respect the folks who put this out there because it must be a pain to empty. But I still think it’s sad that it is necessary, otherwise folks would just litter.

On a related matter, I was sitting on my porch drinking a beer with a neighbor when a car pulled up and was idling next to my house. The woman driving the car unwrapped a cd cover, opened her door and just threw the garbage on the street. Obviously this isn’t a mortal sin but it still really bothered me. I was staring at the car in disbelief. I was debating whether to knock on her window or do nothing. In the end I simply walked over very deliberately and picked up the trash and sorta shook it before putting it in my pocket. I’m a firm believer of picking battles and I think I was able to make my point without making a scene. Still very frustrating though…

Dear PoP – Kids Throwing Projectiles at Bus

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Today I was walking home from work on 16th St. NW, about a block behind a large group of kids probably around the age of 14-18. They were generally being loud, boisterous, and threatening to those around them so I kept my distance. If it ended at that, I probably wouldn’t even be remembering this right now. However, every time a Metrobus would drive past them, they would start throwing some sort of projectiles (looked like snowballs or ice but couldn’t really tell). I could see everything they were doing and was probably far enough away to call 911 but didn’t do so, fearing for my safety. Now, when I think about it, I probably could’ve gotten away with calling, following the kids from a block away, and updating the police on where they were. However, given the priorities of the DC police, do you believe this is something they would even bother to respond to? Has anyone else seen a group of kids around this area doing this sort of thing? While some would see this as a break, throwing that crap at buses (or cars if they so decided to) could result in a major traffic accident.”

I definitely would’ve called 911. No question. Since there’s no snow on the ground they were clearly not throwing snowballs. Whatever they were throwing, it can be an extremely dangerous situation. If a similar situation would arise, I’d hang back and tell the cops where the incident(s) occurred and they will definitely send a car to investigate.

Would anyone else feel uncomfortable calling the cops in a similar situation?

Dear PoP – Random Walking Guy and CH Metro Police Chase

By Prince Of Petworth

Watching McGruff
Photo by PoPville Flickr user Matt.Dunn

There must have been some bad mojo in the air last Friday…

“Dear PoP,

Have you, on your extensive walks, come across a man of this description? He walks around fully decked out for an urban trek, with many layers of tan/khaki/greenish clothes, a walking stick, and a backpack. He’s got a full head of hair and possibly a beard, and looks pretty pleasant. Today he had two metal rods of some sort sticking out of the top of his backpack.

I’ve seen him around Mt. Vernon Square before, but today I saw him when I was running up 14th toward U. I ask because of this – he was approaching me on the sidewalk, and as I ran toward him I said excuse me, like I do, and instead of making adequate room for two to share the sidewalk, he veered in my direction, forcing me into a bush, all with his strange mildly pleasant look on his face. I had headphones on, so I can’t be positive, but I don’t think he said anything (I keep them very low – city running and all). I’m fine – just bruised and scraped up my hip, where I hit big branches – but mostly a little weirded out. Just wondering if you knew anything about this guy.”

Wow, that’s insane. I don’t think I’ve ever passed this guy before. Does this description sound familiar to anyone else?

“Dear PoP,

At about 6pm today (Friday, Oct. 23) I got off the metro at 14th and Irving– tired from work and with my ipod on I was a little zoned out but heard lots of sirens which isn’t completely out of the ordinary. Next thing I know a kid, probably 16 or 17, sprints by me holding a backpack– again I don’t note anything too odd until I suddenly hear shouting and am shoved (nicely but forcefully) into one of the big construction cones on Irving. About 6 police officers on foot proceed to sprint by me in pursuit of the kid who had turned down an ally. The officers were quickly followed by about 4 of 5 marked and unmarked squad cars.

Any word on what may have happened?”

This is the first I’ve heard about this incident. Was anyone else by the CH Metro when this went down? Anyone know if the kid was caught?

Special Meeting on Crime, this Wednesday, Oct 28

By Prince Of Petworth

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”

Dear PoP – Any Neighborhood Networking Opportunities for Folks that Work From Home?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Are you aware of any neighborhood (CH & Petworth) networking groups for people who work at home in the area? I am an international lobbyist with an office in Seattle but when I am in DC, I work from home. I have been thinking that it would be great to have an opportunity to network and socialize periodically with others like me – since we don’t have the benefits of working at an office downtown. What do you think?”

I know Wayan Vota had a group meet at Domku (800 block of Upshur) a few weeks ago but I’m not sure if there were any follow up meetings. Are other folks interested in something like this? If you’d like to chose a location and date/time, I’d be happy to do a follow up post announcing it to others.

Dear PoP – Metro wireless service by Oct 16th? Friday Question of the Day – Are You Looking Forward to Cell Service on the Metro?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I’ve seen workers installing the wires and transmitters for the new wireless services in the Columbia Heights and a few other stations the last month, but wondering if anyone has details on whether WMATA is still on target to get the 20 Metro stations in the press release below connected by Oct 16th as promised?

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4014”

The reader sent in the photo above from the Crystal City Station. I was going to ask readers if they’ve noticed service in any stations yet, but being that the DC blogosphere can be very small world at times – DCist explored the same issue earlier on Thurs. They said they were able to get service at L’Enfant Plaza. Anyone else getting service at stations already?

I’ll be honest – I’m of the old school that sorta prefers the minimal times when I’m not connected. God help us when folks can use their cells on airplanes…

So what about you – do you even want cell phone service within the metro? I can appreciate being able to check email and the web but I’m kinda dreading dozens of phone conversations. Am I just being ornery or is cell service at metro stations and inevitably on the trains themselves a good thing?

Did You Know There Was a “Multi-Door Resolution Division” To Deal With Neighbor Disputes?

By Prince Of Petworth

I thought this was pretty interesting. From an MPD email:

“We get inundated with calls for service in regards to neighbor disputes. DC Superior Court’s developed the Multi-Door Resolution Division to assist in cases that are outside the realm of MPD. This is NOT meant to replace our responsibilities to investigate alleged criminal allegation. It’s just another tool that we can utilize. Below is a brief description off their website along with a link to their website.

Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division

Hours of Operation

Mondays-Fridays: 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m.
No appointment necessary

Location

Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
D.C. Superior Court
515 5th Street, N.W.
Suite 105
Washington, D.C. 20001

Main Contact

Phone: (202) 879-1549
Jeannie Adams, Director

The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division (Multi-Door) helps parties settle disputes through mediation and other types of appropriate dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitration, case evaluation and conciliation. The name “Multi-Door” comes from the multi-door courthouse concept, which envisions one courthouse with multiple dispute resolution doors or programs. Cases are referred through the appropriate door for resolution. The goals of a multi-door approach are to provide citizens with easy access to justice, reduce delay, and provide links to related services, making more options available through which disputes can be resolved. The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court assists parties to reach agreements that meet their interests, preserve relationships, and save time and money. Our mediators and dispute resolution specialists are trained at Multi-Door to serve in a wide range of cases, from civil to small claims, to family.”

What are the scenarios in which you think this service would be helpful?

Kate on Bringing Stooping Back to P Street by Danny Harris

By Prince Of Petworth

Danny Harris is a DC-based photographer, DJ, and collector of stories. In September, he launched People’s District, a blog that tells a people’s history of DC by sharing the stories and images of its residents. Every day, People’s District presents a different Washingtonian sharing his or her insights on everything from Go Go music to homelessness to fashion to politics. You can read his previous columns here.

“I have lived in DC for 5½ years now. I love my apartment and my location, but I don’t love the neighborhood. You know, people have a real pride about living in a place like Mt. Pleasant. But, this specific neighborhood doesn’t even have a name. We don’t know if we’re Logan Circle or Dupont Circle. It is total Puggleville. People are out walking their puggles all of the time and no one makes eye contact. There is no neighborhood feel to it.

“I love to walk. I go walking every day for at least an hour, and I walk up around Mt. Pleasant and even in the back parts of Adams Morgan. Right around dusk, especially in the summer, people are all out stooping. They’re all hanging out, pouring wine for each other and just being buddies with whomever is around. It is this whole feeling of community that is the reason why I love DC. DC is a place where 5½ years in, you can feel like you know so many people. I can’t walk outside without running into people. But, I don’t get that sense where I am living; it feels very nondescript to me. There is not a real sense of identity for this area.

“So, I went back and forth for a while about whether I should move to Mt. Pleasant. Then I realized that I could just be my own agent of change, and I started stooping. I have friends over for dinner a lot and we started a stooping routine, just hanging out on the stoop with a glass of wine. I started buying a pack of cigarettes in case people want to stoop out with that. And it’s funny, it freaks a lot of people out, especially in the twilight hour. People are super confused about why two people would be sitting outside chatting. I mean, I’ve never seen anyone stoop on this street. But, I think that I am the only person in the building who knows my neighbors’ faces. You get to hear so many stories from hanging out here. I heard this great story about my neighbor interviewing Woody Allen the other day. But, it’s still just friends that come by, no strangers, that’s the goal. People are very focused here and they miss the opportunity to just chill out.

“People are down on DC because it is not New York, because it is not big enough and because it doesn’t have a lot going on, but I think that is what DC has going on. It gives you the opportunity to make it a small town for yourself. In such a transient city, you need to set roots. That’s why I stoop.”

Read more about finding the right stoop and the games you can play on them, including stoopball, here.

Dear PoP – ADT Security Reps Knocking on Doors?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Tonight three men saying they were from ADT security came up to my basement apartment window asking me to come outside to speak to them. My roomate was inside and aware of the situation so I went to speak to them. They were asking questions like if I lived alone, and how big the apartment was, and if I had my own system installed and wondering if I was a student. They were dressed up as ADT men with polos and badges and gave me a card, but the questions they asked and the fact they were walking around after dark put me ill at ease. Have you heard of these men walking around recently and do you know how to find out if they are legit?”

A few months ago I heard from someone saying something similar happened in the Bloomingdale neighborhood. I’m not sure if it was ADT or another company. I know I had a representative from another service come to my door and start asking about my alarm system. I simply told him I was happy with my service. He then continued to keep talking about his service and I said I wasn’t interested. He continued talking and I raised my voice a level, not yelling but firm, looked him in the eye and said, “did you hear me? I’m not interested”. At that point he walked off.

My suggestion if this happens to others is to first to say you’re not interested if you open the door at all. If you are slightly interested I would highly recommend asking for identification. If they refuse to give you ID, say thank you, and close the door right away. You should also feel free to call the police if they don’t show you ID. If they do show you ID, make sure it has the companies name on it and it would also be smart to write down the name of the person.

My general rule is to never engage folks who come door to door. Has anyone else been receiving these visits?

Dear PoP – Do bad fences make bad neighbors?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Attached is a photo of the fence behind our house. As you can clearly see, it is not in the best of conditions. When we moved in this summer, there were hornets nesting in the “gate” and I had to soak the wood with bug killer to make it safe to go on the patio. It could give the leaning tower of Pisa a run for its money. It’s at the point where several of the holes in the fence are big enough for my two dogs to fit through if there was something (a squirrel perhaps) worth chasing. It needs to be fixed. The awkward part is that we are renting the house (SE DC Capitol Hill) and the owners/landlords have told us it’s not their fence, it’s the neighbors’. I have asked the landlords to address this issue with the neighbors but they live down in Maryland (like two hours away) and trying to find time for them to visit to address home issues is tough. I’m the kind of person that wants to walk over, knock on their door, and ask them to repair it because it’s becoming unsafe and obviously unsightly. We shouldn’t be able to not enjoy our patio because of the neighbors’ negligence although I also know fences are not inexpensive. Suggestions? Are there any codes that cover fences in DC? Do we suck it up and deal until we have to go knock on their door to liberate our dogs from their yard?”

A couple years ago I asked if good fences made good neighbors?. This is a slightly different scenario. What would you guys recommend in this situation? I’d think that the landlord should approach the owners of the fence. Since they live far away, perhaps they could call the owners of the fence? What do you guys think?

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