quality of life

“When is loitering not really loitering?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

For years, a group of men have hung out on our street in DC smoking, drinking, and mostly talking about the Redskins and Wizards. One or two live on the street but most of the men do not live elsewhere (a few drive in with MD and VA tags). One by one, they arrive in the early afternoon and stay until late in the evening or early the next morning. While annoying, we pretty much dealt with it. Recently they have started to bring folding chairs and a charcoal grill. Not only do they block the sidewalk but they leave their trash on the ground and walk into the nearby alley to relieve themselves. (more…)

“Norton, Capital Region Members Announce GAO Study on Helicopter Noise in Washington Metro Area”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Eric P.

From a press release:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), joined by Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Anthony Brown (D-MD) and David Trone (D-MD), today announced that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a study of helicopter noise within the Washington metropolitan region, a request the Members made in January.

In their letter, Members wrote, “Many of our constituents live with the impacts of regular helicopter noise that interrupts sleep patterns, causes their homes to shake and negatively impacts their quality of life. While disturbances from helicopter noise have been a longstanding problem for some, others have noted recent increases in the frequency and severity of helicopter noise in their neighborhoods. We understand that helicopter activity is an essential part of law enforcement, military and medical operations and appreciate the critical efforts of employees serving in those sectors. However, we also believe that, through information collection, analysis and coordination, we can identify strategies to minimize the negative impacts of helicopter activity without impeding the work of the agencies operating helicopters within the region.” (more…)

“Disheartening to hear when considering the tensions already present in the area.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

A group of middle-aged men wearing purple shirts and a menorah of some sort (Israelites?), claiming to be a religious group, actually just yelling into microphone in front of the Columbia Heights metro about how bad all white people are. Among complaints that major grocery stores are being run by white people and that black people should starve instead of go.

Disheartening to hear when considering the tensions already present in the area.

Has anyone else heard of these guys or know what their agenda is/desired outcomes are?”

Ed. Note: The Black Hebrew Israelites have been “preaching”, off and on, outside the Columbia Heights metro since at least 2009. They are often also seen/heard outside the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro. In January they were involved in the controversy that feels like a million years ago. Suffice it to say they are looking for a reaction and it is a free speech issue.

“I have a friend who lives further up the street and similarly dealt with developers harassing him and his roommates”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Came across this sign on a house on 13th St near Spring as I was walking back to my house in Petworth yesterday. Any info on this? I have a friend who lives further up the street and similarly dealt with developers harassing him and his roommates a few years ago for complaining to the city about their building practices, so not terribly surprised if this was also true.”

Ed. Note: Another reader sent a photo of the sign on the right hand side of the photo above a few weeks ago. I hadn’t seen the one on the left, which is also intriguing.

“We, an established DC small business, literally a mom and pop business run by a husband and wife team for over 9 years in the H st corridor, are being challenged by a neighbor who moved in just 1 year ago”

By Prince Of Petworth

From Dangerously Delicious Pie‘s Action Network petition:

“A tale as old as time: We, an established DC small business, literally a mom and pop business run by a husband and wife team for over 9 years in the H st corridor, are being challenged by a neighbor who moved in just 1 year ago. We are humbly asking for the support of the community we live to serve and have loved to be a part of over the past decade. Thank you so much for your continued support.”

There are currently 2,250 signatories (as of 9:30am).

Thanks to all who sent us the tweets from Dangerously Delicious Pie’s Pie Shop: (more…)

“How effective is the all-natural/organic/pollinator-friendly mosquito spray?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user quemac

“Dear PoPville,

I tried to hang out in our yard yesterday afternoon with our baby boy, because it was a gorgeous afternoon, but within 15 minutes, I had 8-10 bites on my legs, even after spraying up. So now I’m researching yard spraying services. We are trying to be environmentally conscious and not use the stuff that hurts pollinators, but I’m wondering how effective the organic/all-natural stuff really is. Can folks chime in on whether this is worth it, and what they’ve been quoted? (more…)

7th Sign of Spring DDOT “will begin the annual spraying of the female ginkgo street trees tonight”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin the annual spraying of the female ginkgo street trees tonight, Tuesday, April 30. The spraying will occur overnight from 9 p.m. through 6 a.m., weather permitting.

The annual spraying serves to reduce the formation of mature ginkgo fruit, which emits an offensive smell when it falls on sidewalks and roadways. DDOT will use the same spray it has used for the past 20 years, Shield-3EC 24(C). (more…)

“next time he is just going to stick his knife in them”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Yesterday I was walking by shaw metro around 5 pm, and it looked like a junkyard for electric scooters – see picture. How does this fit in with the vision for making DC beautiful?

About an hour later, on my way back at the same location, a young woman zoomed past me on one of these scooters. She almost ran into people on the sidewalk and barely swerved past them. Then I heard the guy behind me muttering something along the lines of – next time someone does that to him on a sidewalk, he is just going to stick his knife in them. Then he yelled across the street at someone else on a scooter, telling them to slow their ass down. (more…)

“any point in spraying if your neighbors don’t”?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user quemac

Ed. Note: God it’s been lovely enjoying these last couple of weeks without them. When do you think they’ll start coming this year?

“Dear PoPville,

Just thinking it might be time for another mosquito control post. I’d love to hear what people think about:

A) whether spraying for mosquitos works (especially the ‘natural’ kind) and B) whether there is any point in spraying if your neighbors don’t (won’t mosquitos just come our property from theirs?). C) Any specific companies people recommend/dis-recommend?”

Howard University President: “We appreciate pet owners respecting our campus by not bringing pets onto the private areas.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all who forwarded the letter from Howard University’s President:

“April 19, 2019

Dear Howard University Family,

Our campus is a beautiful, sacred space that provides comfort and, in many ways, sanctuary in a place that feels more like a second home than merely an academic institution. The Upper Quadrangle, commonly referred to as the Yard, is a treasured site of many auspicious occasions. Our Commencement Ceremony is the ultimate long walk that symbolizes a sacred tradition, symbolic of every student’s matriculation. The Howard University community wants to see this area remain pristine and symbolic of all that Howard University represents.

We are aware of the concerns regarding dog walking across campus. Howard is a private institution nestled in the heart of an urban city and we’ve shared a long-standing positive relationship with our evolving community for more than 150 years, which we look forward to continuing in the future. (more…)

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