Columbia Heights metro, 2009
“Dear PoPville,
Is there a noise ordinance or something that would turn down the loud and abrasive demonstrators regularly outside the Chinatown metro? I’m all for public protests of any kind and this is not about the content at all just the noise level … Appreciate any insight.”
A reader sends from around 7th and Peabody Street, NW.
The Washington Post did a big article over the summer on the 78 year old, Milfred Ellis, who posted these signs:
“The 78-year-old retired analyst for the Bureau of Labor Statistics views his Brightwood community as a waning example of a strong middle-class black neighborhood. He wants to draw attention to the plight of black residents in the District, even if it means chiding white residents who already have moved in.”
From the organizer of the Handmade Holiday Card Drive for residents of the Old Soldiers Home/ Armed Forces Retirement Home:
“We received over 1000 handmade cards this year. The vast majority of the card makers learned of the project through Prince of Petworth/PoPville. The amount of effort and thoughtfulness that went into the cards is pretty overwhelming as I sort through them for tomorrow’s delivery. Just wanted to say thank you for spreading the word and thank you to all of the individuals, offices, churches, schools, and other groups who came together for this service project. Our neighbors at the AFRH will truly enjoy each and everyone.
Thank you and Happy Holidays
Sarah”
And thank you, Sarah, for spearheading the whole effort.
A reader sends from 5th Street, NW in Shaw
And from the Mayor’s Office:
“There have been reports in the last days about rodent control on H Street NE.
It is true that the confluence of development and large scale construction, more and more restaurants and food establishments, the proximity of residents to businesses and the mild November and December this year has made rodent control a challenge along the H Street corridor. Unabated vacant properties and lots can also contribute to this issue.
Mayor Bowser is well aware of the challenges we face on H Street and has directed the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS) to lead a multi-agency approach to address the issue. Department of Health (DOH) has dedicated inspectors and code enforcers in this area that monitor activity 4/5 days per week. They regularly abate on public property as well as work with residents and business when issues arise on private property. DOH was out on increased inspections as recently as yesterday and met with business owners to abate this issue. Department of Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the Mayor’s Office along and local ANC Commissioners also recently did a “Vacant Property Walk” down H Street to identify vacant and distressed properties. This was not only for rodent control but occupied properties are generally more taken care of and can privately contact rodent and pest control.
This rodent issue was reported last night and this morning on news channels in DC – A few clarifying points: (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood
From a press release:
“Today, DC City Council is hosting the city’s first-ever roundtable on public street harassment. The roundtable discussion, which is co-hosted by the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Housing and Community Development, will hear from DC residents, activists and City Council members about the prevalence of harassment on our city’s streets and public spaces like bars, nightclubs, and public transit—as community organizations like Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS) and partners propose solutions to make public spaces safe for everyone.
“By hosting this panel, DC is only the fourth city in the country to elevate the issue of public sexual harassment and assault, more commonly known as street harassment,” said Jessica Raven, Interim Executive Director of Collective Action for Safe Spaces (CASS). “We receive dozens of stories every month from members of our community who have been made to feel unsafe by behaviors ranging from catcalling and unwanted comments to unwanted touching, groping, public masturbation and assault in our city’s public spaces. And that’s just a fraction of the untold incidences that happen every day in DC.” (more…)
Jaslyn (posted with permission)
A reader shares from the Columbia Heights Farmers Market: “I just thought this was awesome. Chubbzy the clown painted this.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Jordan Barab
Ed. Note: I don’t mean to make light of this situation because it is a very serious one and a very frustrating one for the neighbors. Having said that, the final MPD response is one of the greatest I’ve ever read…
A resident inquired what MPD will do about a troubled house after a corpse was found on a porch in Petworth/Brightwood Park:
“Just heard a corpse was found on the porch this am???????!?!
Are we reaching an actionable point?”
MPD responded:
“All life is precious and I feel a certain way about simply referring to this person that was once someone’s baby as a corpse and in some way a reason for MPD to take police action. Everyone has a right to their life.
If it is determined that the cause of death was other than natural, our investigative unit will do their job throughly.”
Another resident wrote:
“Feel free to stop by. They are still removing the body. Her dealer was on the block last night”
MPD responded:
“Dying is not against the law per se.”
I’ve been included on a series of emails about a home in the 300 block of Gallatin Street, NW. It is painful but eye opening to read – all involved genuinely seem to want to help – but can’t. Following is just a sampling from this morning:
From a resident:
“Morning Everyone,
Just doing my monthly check to see if we are anywhere on 3xx [Gallatin St, NW]? there are still a dozen or so people in the home, it is still falling apart. there are still people living in the garage and urinating and defecating in the alley and backyards.”
Response from MPD: (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo
“Dear PoPville,
I normally would just talk my issues out with my neighbors, but I am not sure of the polite way to pose questions about, now legal, marijuana without making assumptions about any neighbors.
For the last few weeks I have had to deal with a constant smell of pot in my back yard, which I was able to handle despite it smelling awful (smelled like a skunk was spraying every night. I coped with that, but now that the weather has cooled, the smoking has gone indoors and is coming through the walls so my house smells like weed all the time.
I don’t know which neighbor is responsible and I don’t want to make any assumptions, so that is the main problem. Is there any polite way to ask who is responsible, and also point out that i’d love to buy them a vaporizer or anything that might reduce the smell.
I don’t think people realize how it permeates your whole house (I come home every day and it smells like there is a skunk hanging out in the place). I just need to find a polite way to ask which neighbor it is and buy them a vaporizer for Christmas.”
Ed. Note: Last year we spoke about Unintended Consequence for Pot Decriminalization.
“Dear PoPville,
I’m feeling annoyed today by the smokers who congregate outside the building where I work, 1411 K Street NW, smoking and then littering their cigarette butts and empty packs. What’s up with the sense of entitlement to litter that so many cigarette smokers seemingly feel? I know of no other group of adults that would and do get away with such habitual littering.”