quality of life

Big Condo Building Vs. Rowhouse Converted Condos – Which is Better?

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve often wondered how people choose their condos. It seems like there are two clear options. One are in the big new buildings and the other option is to purchase one in a converted rowhouse. So for those who have purchased condos how did you make the decision? What are the pros and cons?

Speaking of cons a reader wrote in to suggest I put the topic of condo boards/associations out there. I am intrigued by these condo boards. Specifically the reader would like to know how do people handle unruly members? How are differences solved without any bad blood with people who you have to live with and probably see frequently? What are some complicated matters that have been resolved through compromise? It seems like a very interesting world of politics and alliances and unfortunately sometimes brutal frustrations. Are condo boards easier to work with in the big buildings?

Huge Pile Up on 13th Street in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Smash, originally uploaded by squidpants.

Thanks to Andrew from the New Columbia Heights blog for sending me an email about this insane pile up on the 13th Street. Andrew wrote: “I hope nobody here parked on the southbound side of 13th between Fairmont and Clifton – you may be in for a crummy morning. Somebody (drunk, I assume?) crashed their car tonight on almost every car on the southbound side of 13th Street.” Does anyone know if this accident, Monday evening,was the result of a drunk driver? Was he driving an 18 wheeler?

Meridian Hill Park Fountains Filled

By Prince Of Petworth

I know Meridian Hill Park is still under major construction but there is a good portion of it that is as incredible as ever. I think this fountain is by far the greatest in all DC and probably Maryland as well. If you’re ever bored on a Sunday I recommend you grab the paper or a book and head straight to this fountain. Another angle and different fountain after the jump. (more…)

Garbage Problems Persist

By Prince Of Petworth

It is amazes me that something as simple as garbage proves to be such a challenge. I mean we all get garbage cans yeah? So why the hell would people be throwing massive bags of household trash in a public can anyway? I just don’t get this but obviously it is a serious problem. I can’t believe it’s gotten to the point where the city is considering removing the public trash can. That’s one thing that we probably need more of. So who has a theory on why folks throw household garbage in public trash cans?

I’d Rather Just Have Cheaper Gas

By Prince Of Petworth

I did a double take when I went to get my Saturday afternoon Slush Puppie at the gas station at the corner of 15th and U. I don’t know if they’ve installed televisions because people were buying huge SUVs that took a while to fill up or if they installed them because gas is becoming so expensive they were looking for ways to distract the customer so they wouldn’t realize they just paid 68 bucks to fill up their minivans. I think this idea may backfire though as watching six minutes of CNN has been known to cause outbreaks of violence, depression, irritable bowels, feinting, vomiting and nausea. If you are nursing or pregnant definitely avert your eyes if Wolf Blitzer is on.

Reason #56 Petworth Kicks Ass

By Prince Of Petworth

I was out to dinner tonight and apparently my house alarm went off and I missed the call from the alarm company.  Well, one neighbor called my cell phone and two others came up to me when I came home to ask if everything was alright.  This is what I mean when I say that people watch each other’s backs here.  It’s a damn good feeling.  For the record it was a phantom alarm, whatever that means.

“I’ve fallen and I can’t reach mah beer!”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Katie for sending in the following photo and note:

“My husband was walking down Buchanan St. when a man said, “Looks like he’s tryna cool off too.” He pointed at someone’s front porch where a squirrel was cooling his belly on the concrete. My husband snapped this photo on his phone before the squirrel got annoyed and scampered off.”

I’m glad to know the squirrels are taunting others besides me… For those who have been pushed to the edge it may be worth reading this piece from the New York Times titled Peter Rabbit Must Die.

PoP’s War On Squirrels – Porch Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

After a lull in battles from the infamous car fiasco the squirrels have launched their Summer offensive on PoP headquarters. As I came home last night this squirrel was all sprawled out, just chilling. And daring me to do something. So I of course walked right up expecting him to flee the moment I got close. Ah, but these are a special breed of squirrel. They are fearless. This one scooted around the corner of the porch and as I followed this was the scene:

I am embarrassed to admit, but, I retreated. Damn that’s squirrels two – PoP zero.

Street Beautification – Vermont Avenue

By Prince Of Petworth

I just noticed how this spot on Vermont Ave has an awesome median filled with flowers and trees. It is amazing what a difference it makes over just a concrete median? Does anyone know if there are plans for these types of street beautification to come to Georgia Ave. or 14th St.?

Has Central Air Conditioning Killed Community Cohesion?

By Prince Of Petworth

Obviously this weekend was a bit extreme but I think my theory my have some truth to it. One of things that I immediately loved upon moving to Petworth was the fact that many hang out on their porches after work and folks travel from porch to porch having serious conversations. You know more than just a “hey how you doing?”. Folks are actually spending time hanging out together because they like each other but also because it can be damn hot in the house without AC. So I’m wondering with all the new renovations coming with central ac do you think that has an effect on the overall community feel of a neighborhood?

View More Stories