Petworth News

Quebec Pl fire

[from John K., PN contributor]

I saw the plumes of smoke from this fire blowing over my house around 8:20 [11/18]. By the time I cruised by on my bike at 9am, things had settled down. Barely visible in the first picture is a tall fire truck ladder angled to a roof on the south side of Quebec Pl.

NBC has more info and images about the incident here.

On Local Development

[from John K., PN contributor]

My friend works for a local architecture firm doing planning and urban design. He once met with a group of concerned citizens in Tenleytown and Upper Wisconsin Avenue to discuss their vision of development for their neighborhood. The reaction was somewhere between NIMBY ("Not in my backyard") and BANANA ("Build absolutely nothing, absolutely nowhere, anytime").   

My friend's point was different. The question was not whether they wanted development to come: it was definitely coming. With local population rising and DC's livability increasing decade-by-decade, it only makes sense that growth will occur and that a fair share of it will land in the neighborhoods of Upper Wisconsin Avenue. And why shouldn't it? Those leafy places have great houses, access to great parks and upscale retail, and they don't seem to have the same problems with crime that other DC neighborhoods face. High prices there reflect how attractive a place it can be. So the meaningful question was how did neighbors want to accommodate new growth? 

Here in Petworth, growth isn't just coming: it's here. The Park Place building will be finished at some point, and more residential development projects are gathering way across the street and up and down the block. A Yes! Organic grocery store should be moving here soon, and Safeway apparently has a major transformation in the works. I knew about most of these projects, but my planning friend (wired into the industry, I guess) told me about a few others I hadn't heard of. And I found myself playing the part of the cranky curmudgeon, upset about prospective changes in parking and traffic. 

But on balance, I am very glad for the development taking place in Petworth right now. The metro makes an ideal, close-in location for development in the District, and I'm looking forward to a few more retail options I can walk to. The safer, shorter, reconfigured pedestrian crossings at New Hampshire and Georgia have been worth the trouble by themselves. But most of all, this growth and change is happening against a pretty ominous economic background. I'm a Petworth booster to the core, but I don't think development around here is quite as inevitable as it is in Tenleytown. So I'm doubly grateful for the businesses that are investing in our neighborhoods, and I welcome our new neighbors.

ANC 4C November agenda

[from Joseph Martin, ANC 4C Chair]

Meeting date: Thursday, November 13, 2008

Start time: 6:30pm

Location: MPD Patrol Services Bureau (formerly ROC-North), Community Room, 801 Shepherd Street NW

Special Segment at 6:30pm

Councilmember Muriel Bowser & MPD Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, pertaining to recent incidents of gun violence in Petworth.

Included on the agenda:

- Support for proposed solution pertaining to traffic-calming and median-island issue between Quincy/Randolph and Shepherd Street NW

- Proposed CVS at NH and Georgia Avenues NW in Ward 1

- Speed hump recommendation to DDOT’s Muhammed Khalid letter re: the 300 block of Allison Street NW

- Speed hump petition of Mr. Lebert Williams of 4522 4th Street NW for the 4500 block of 4th Street NW

ANC 4C normally meets the second Tuesday of most months at 801 Shepherd Street NW from 6:30-8:30 pm. ANC 4C maintains an office at the same address.  Office telephone: 202-723-6670.

NEW COMMISSION IN 2009:  There will be a newly-elected ANC 4C as of January.  For more information about the composition of the new Commission and other election-rated information, go to: http://www.dcboee.org or call the Board of Elections and Ethics at 202-727-2525.

Upshur St Arts Fair

[from Kera C.]

4th Upshur Street Arts Fair @ Domku December 13

To all the past and future participants of the Arts Fair, a reminder that sign-up for space began November 1st and ends November 31st. Space is on a first-come first-serve basis. Over 25 artists participated last year. This is our 4th year of hosting this great community event, and we look forward to seeing lots of new faces this year. 

When: Saturday, December 13, 11am-5pm

Where: Domku Bar & Cafe, 821 Upshur St NW in Petworth

What: Local artists selling anything from pottery, paintings, jewelry & accessories, photos, etc.

Why: Because we know you're out there and we want to showcase your talents

How: To sign up, send an email with your contact information and what sort of arts/crafts you're offering

Upshur St Arts Fair, 2005

Financial Times article 11/8

A Capitol Investment

Sitting in a quiet pizza place about four miles north of the White House on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Angela Vassallo can’t seem to put down the sales brochure for a house she’s just seen a few blocks away.

For city living, it’s hard to beat: an updated 1926 brick townhouse with hardwood floors, a smart new kitchen, walk-in wardrobes, skylights, a yard and a parking space in the back – all listed at $379,000.

full text (free registration required)

Fall Fiesta

[from Jean B.]

Come to the free FALL FIESTA at Upshur Park on Saturday, November 8th from 11:00am-3:00pm! Sponsored by The Friends of 16th Street Heights Parks and the Upshur Recreation Center staff.

Please join us for lots of free food and fun, including:

A mariachi band from 11:30am-1:30pm

Food and beverages

2 moonbounces

Games

Arts and crafts projects

Face painting from noon-2:00pm

Don't miss the free clothes closet. Bring gently used clothing to swap with other families. And the canned food drive - bring at least one canned food item to donate to the Capital Area Community Food Bank.

Upshur Park is located at 14th and Arkansas Avenue, NW. We hope to see you at the Fall Fiesta!

Jeff Green, ANC 4C08 candidate

[from Jeff Green]

I am a native Washingtonian, who spent most of his childhood until the age of 12 in Petworth, before moving to Michigan Park in NE DC and then on to Bowie, MD. I am an Information Technology (IT) professional who works with Fortune 500 companies and the Government on a variety of technology issue and solutions.

Four years ago when deciding to return to DC, I chose Petworth as the place to settle based on my childhood memories and its location. Since purchasing and renovating my home in Petworth, I have taken a greater interest in the immediate Petworth community after seeing issues go unaddressed and/or neglected.

After some thought and determining that I had both the time and energy to devote to these issues, I have decided to run for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for Single Member District (SMD) 4C08.

Please review this PDF that outlines what my objectives and priorities will be as your ANC representative.

On November 4, 2008, VOTE Jeff Green for ANC 4C08.