quality of life

“What in the name of god is the nails-on-a-chalkboard high pitched noise emitting from the Farragut West every morning?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: Back in 2010 we posted “Anti-teen Noise-weapon Hits DC at Chinatown Metro”, which were then promptly removed. Then in 2016 we posted Anti Pigeon Devices Removed!! “Both make intermittent, high-pitched squeals that are piercingly loud, at least to my 30-year-old ears”.

Annette writes that it’s from:

“The Farragut West Metro 18th & I St exit. The noise is so piercing I can barely tweet straight. Is it one of those anti-loitering noise things that’s only supposed to be audible by teens? (more…)

“Since Friday, June 28 there has been an almost hourly activation of a car alarm from a Red Blazer with Maryland plates”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

The entire neighborhood is angry and the alarm is going off again as I write this message (10:18am). Today the guest parking pass has expired and I am not sure if this is finally groups for a tow! Thanks for any advice you may have!”

Original message:

“Since Friday, June 28 there has been an almost hourly activation of a car alarm from a Red Blazer with Maryland plates parked in the 2200 block of Ontario Road, NW. (more…)

Foul, Foul, Foul!

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Cleo Panda

Dude. Seriously?

Congratulations, you’ve made the metro riders hall of shame!! You lack an ounce of common courtesy. Well done.

Cleo writes, correctly:

“No! (shoe wearer settled in & happily shifted feet around, constantly touching the rider who attempted to move away for most of ride.)

“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…)

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