quality of life

“I ask all your readers who live nearby or use my store to be aware of their surroundings at all times”

By Prince Of Petworth

logan_laundry
11th and Rhode Island Ave, NW via Logan Circle Laundromat

“Dear PoPville,

I am the owner of Logan Circle Laundromat (1100 Rhode Island Ave, NW) and I wanted to email you regarding changes that many Logan Circle residents should be aware of.

I took over the property and business five years ago. I’m sure many recall how unsightly the property was. After a year of renovation we have what you see today. The majority of feedback I’ve received from residences has been extremely positive and much appreciated. However, local residences and customers should be aware of recent changes.

A month ago Metro Laundromat located at 1400 Rhode Island Ave, NE closed down (large store open 24/7). Their property is under development and the laundromat will reopen, however until they do a majority of their customers have come to Logan Circle Laundromat. Since then my business has experienced an increase in problematic customers as well as loitering. Since Metro Laundromat closed down I’ve had a new customer break down and vandalize my bathroom. It cost me $1,400 in repairs. A few days later I had a new customer throw a rock at my storefront window. It cost me $300 in repairs.

My workers have also noticed an increase in loitering outside the store. I have done my best to remove loitering and solicitation off the property. Prior to me taking over the property/business illegal activity was the norm. It took several months but after working with MPD and being vigilante with security cameras I have been able to remove almost all illegal activity. However, I fear the influx of new customers could potentially increase crime and illegal activity not only for my store but for local residences and customers.

I ask all your readers who live nearby or use my store to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Thefts within my store have increased (smartphones, wallets, etc). Please call 911 if you see ANY suspicious activity. I’m grateful to have a good relationship with MPD who have assisted me with several incidences. It is my goal to keep Logan Circle Laundromat a safe and professional business for years to come. With a little help from local residents and customers I know this achievable.

Thank you,
Henry
Owner of Logan Circle Laundromat”

“Does anyone know if this is legal?”

By Prince Of Petworth

junk

“Dear PoPville,

We moved to Kenilworth a year ago, which has been wonderful, except for one thing. Our lovely neighbor is collecting old cars in the backyard. Does anyone know if this is legal? Is there anyway to get her to remove them?”

This is Great

By Prince Of Petworth

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Thanks to Betsy for sending:

“kid has a hot cider stand on Duke Ellington Bridge; 50% of profits go to refugee groups.”

“this is not about the content at all just the noise level”

By Prince Of Petworth

black hebrews 2009 ch
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 Message From Our Neighbors” – “Stop Gentrification in Ward 4”

By Prince Of Petworth

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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.”

“The amount of effort and thoughtfulness that went into the cards is pretty overwhelming”

By Prince Of Petworth

holiday card thanks

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.

“Rat Infestation. Trust Us… VENGENCE IS COMING”

By Prince Of Petworth

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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…)

“Today, DC City Council is hosting the city’s first-ever roundtable on public street harassment”

By Prince Of Petworth

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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…)

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