Bloomingdale

“Dear PoPville,

With Mayor Bowser’s twelfth year in office rapidly approaching, I wanted to see how the POPville readers see the “response to their issues” from her Office of Constituent Relations and Services (MOCRS)? And if they, too, have seen a decline in the service that was specifically set up as the “avenue of last resort” to solve our dat-to-day issues

Recently, (well for the last 5 months), my recycling has just stopped being picked up and I have experienced one of the most jaw-dropping runarounds I have ever experienced in my almost 3 decades of living in DC. I will start this with I live on a street where the majority of my neighbors have “alley access” (I do not) meaning my weekly trash and recycling pick-up is in front of my house, it has been missed many times over the years…early on in her terms, a 311 request or call to the DPW helpline did the trick but right around the beginning of this year all avenues to get this issue dealt with seem to have gone “cold”.

Since January, (more…)


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

609 Independence Ave SE
609 Independence Ave SE

Want to Build Something in D.C.? Start Here.

A shovel-ready, extraordinarily rare opportunity in Capitol Hill, fully permitted for an already approved plan for 2 two-unit residential buildings: 609 Independence Ave SE

  • 2 residential adjacent lots

  • Each building is a 3-level 2,700 sq. ft. residence

  • Each building features a lower-level apartment suite

  • Approved permit package includes full architectural, civil and MEP engineering drawings

  • Convenient location behind Eastern Market, near Library of Congress, Barracks Row and Capitol

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6BR/7.5BA contemporary-classical showpiece in Observatory Circle, directly across from the Vice President’s residence, complete with a pool, elevator, and separate guest house—all for $9.5M.

  • “A beautifully maintained row house in Columbia Heights that pairs original DC charm with true move-in-ready condition. This exceptional home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths total, including a fully separate basement rental unit with its own entrance — ideal for rental income, an au pair suite, or multigenerational living.”

  • “With more than 3,400 square feet across four finished levels, this expansive Brightwood rowhouse offers a scale and flexibility rarely found in the neighborhood. The fully finished lower level is a true second unit with its own kitchen, bath, private walkout entrance, and Certificate of Occupancy.”

  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a “classic rowhome” on Capitol Hill offering “three levels of living space and plenty of opportunity to make it your own” and “a great opportunity for a buyer looking to renovate and add their own finishes while preserving the character of a traditional DC rowhome.”


Penn Quarter


inside 709 D Street, NW photo by by Rachel Paraoan

From a press release:

“Chef and restaurateur Tim Ma brings Lucky Danger to its rightful home in Washington D.C.’s greater Chinatown neighborhood. The full-service restaurant with an adjoining cocktail bar and mahjong parlor will open May 21, 2025 at 709 D. St, NW, Washington, D.C. (more…)


Event

Music. Art. Food. Community. The Takoma Park Folk Festival brings it all together for one free, unforgettable day. Discover six stages of live music from around the world, shop an acclaimed juried craft show, enjoy international cuisine, connect with local community organizations, and let the kids explore crafts and activities in the Children's Nook. It's one of the region's most beloved traditions, and a celebration of the creativity, diversity, and welcoming spirit that has long defined Takoma Park.

New this year! Jam at the Crossroads is a place for musicians of all levels to come together and be part of the music.


wildlife


photo by Justin O’Neill

Ed. Note: Fear not, they pose no threat to humans. Also, they eat rats which is good.

Thanks to Justin for sharing this beautiful black rat snake from the Palisades, just off the trolley trail: “This is by far the biggest snake I’ve ever seen in DC.”

And speaking of rats, thanks to Al for sending this poor bastard who’s hopefully not just sunbathing: (more…)


fire

DC Fire and EMS reported: “Working Fire: 2400 Block of Kalorama Road NW – 2 and 1/2 story single family home – Smoke and fire showing from 1st floor upon arrival.

Fire out. Bulk of fire contained to one floor with minor extension. Units backing down to 1 engine 1 truck and fire investigators.

Update 2 Alarm fire 2400 block Kalorama Rd NW. Bulk of fire knocked down via outside attack. Still have pockets of fire that are being extinguished. No injuries. Fire investigators on scene. There will be a media briefing at 8 AM opposite 2443 Kalorama Rd NW.”

C. reported around 9:30pm Monday night:

“Massive house fire on our street, looks to be 2435 Kalorama Rd NW. They recently started a renovation… Place was empty, nobody hurt. (more…)


Rant/Revel


photo by Adam Fagen

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. But please no personal attacks and no need to correct people’s grammar. This is a place to vent and/or celebrate things about daily life in D.C.

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Anacostia

Update:

“As of 5:30 p.m. service has been restored to all homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break and has been updated below. Work continues on road repairs.”

“DC Water is nearing the completion of repairs on a broken 8-inch water main on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Southeast; however, motorists are advised to continue to steer clear of the road. It’s expected to remain closed between Howard Rd and Talbert Street through Tuesday and possibly longer.

Water service is expected to be restored to homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break later this evening. Work will then begin to stabilize and reconstruct the compromised road. This is expected to require the entire road to remain closed, curb to curb, for repair and repaving.

Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes such as I-295 to avoid lengthy delays in the area. Those unable to avoid the area should maintain caution and adhere to the following detours: (more…)