quality of life

Protest Posters Getting Removed

By Prince Of Petworth

While I’ve admired these posters in the past it does really upset me when I see workers straining to have them removed. This one is from 18th Street in Adams Morgan near the old Carribou Coffee spot. I wish there was a designated spot for protest posters. I used to have to remove grafitti for my town (Rockville Centre, NY represent) and it was a huge pain in the ass (not court ordered, just a summer job). I felt so bad for this guy scraping away the poster that was not coming off easily.

Where, if anywhere, should these posters be allowed to go? Do you think there should be something like a designated protest poster spot or does that sorta defeat the purpose?

Drug Dealers From Other Neighborhoods Moving into Northwest Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Ward-1 Council Member Jim Graham writes on his Web site:

Our friends in Northwest Columbia Heights, in the Spring/Perry and Oak Street areas along 14th Street have a great deal to be thankful for. There are several new businesses, moving into the attractive space created by the renovation of apartment buildings. Other renovations, some done by building owners, some forced by the city and some completely city managed are underway.

What we found in the walkthrough is that more work still needs to be done. We received reports that the drug territory we thought we had taken back is now being invaded by dealers from other neighborhoods. And in one case the dealer moving in is from Maryland. The police are aware of the problem and are actively investigating.

One Way Street Coming to Girard or Euclid?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Matt.Dunn

I just saw the following on the Columbia Heights Listserv:

“I live in the 1300 block of Girard and got a message in my mailbox over the weekend that there is a meeting this Thursday concerning potentially changing Girard and Euclid (or Fairmont, can’t remember which) into one way streets. Is this seriously under consideration? Anyone have any information?”

This is the first I’ve heard of this so it’s not clear if this under consideration (I’ll see what Graham’s office has to say). But I’m curious if there are any folks who think this would be a good idea?

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?

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