Life in Mount Vernon Square

Room for rent

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:44:01 -0700

I have a room with private bath for rent on Ridge St. Contact arestad@hotmail.com

Garage Sale

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:13:30 -0700

Hello everyone,

The Wright House, an after school program in Mt. Vernon Square will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, September 18th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We have many things in our house that you can use and we are hoping all of you will stop by. All proceeds from the garage sale will be donated to the after school program.

What: Garage Sale at the Wright House

When: Saturday, September 18th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where: 450 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Also, if you have any items you'd like to donate for the garage sale to be sold, please stop by the house anytime from September 9th through September 15th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Rigoli at 202-347-5366 x 10

Thanks and hope to see you there!

September @ NW1 Library

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:24:25 -0700

Hello there NW1 Community!

Make sure to stop in to Northwest One Neighborhood Library this month for storytime, games, computer classes, book clubs, and more!

Do you have children + teens in your life who need books for class or homework help? Remember, you can have any book in the DC Public Library system sent to Northwest One for pick up. Also, we have excellent databases available 24/7 and free online tutors from 2pm-12am through tutor.com. Ask about them next time you're in and check out www.dclibrary.org/research/databases.

Start getting excited for the Saturday October 2nd DC Loves to Read Day! There will be fun programs centered around books and reading all day at Northwest One (as well every single DC Public Library)! At Northwest One we will have refreshments, a poetry reading, a literary photo booth, graffiti wall, and more! Come dressed as your favorite book character! More information and materials to follow...

See you at the library!

Bobbie @ NW1
barbara.dougherty@dc.gov

Northwest One Neighborhood Library
155 L St NW
(202) 939-5946
MWFS 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tues/Thurs 1:00pm - 9:00pm

www.dclibrary.org/northwest
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ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee September Agenda [draft]

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:47:31 -0700

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee
Draft Agenda

September 1, 2010, 7:00 pm
NPR – Board Room West
635 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

1. Sixth and K Streets NW [BZA: 17806] - Request for Two-Year Extension of Application of MidAtlantic Realty Partners LLC. (Area Variance) Pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3104.1, for a variance from the lot occupancy requirements under section 772, a variance from the rear yard requirements under section 774, a variance from the limitation on compact parking spaces requirements under subsection 2115.2, and a variance from the off-street loading facility requirements under subsection 2201.1, to permit the construction of a multiple dwelling (residential) building with ground floor retail in the DD/C-2-C District at the southeast corner of the intersection of 6th and K Streets, N.W. (Square 484, Lots 23, 811-813, and 826). Representative: Chip Glasgow, Holland & Knight; Hearing Date: 9/21/2010.[ANC 6C01]

2. Uline Arena Extension [BZA: 17809-A] Request for Two-Year Time Extension of Validity of the Decision Order for Application of Jemal's Uline LLC. (Area Variance) Pursuant to 11 DCMR §§ 3104.1 and 3103.2, for a variance from the off-street parking requirements under subsection 2101.1, and a special exception from the roof structure number and set-back requirements under section 411, to permit the expansion and renovation of the existing Uline arena and ice house in the C-M-1 and C-M-3 Districts at premises 1130-1150 3rd Street, N.E. (Square 748, Lots 8-11, 42, 43, 802, 808-812) Representative: Chip Glasgow, Holland & Knight; Hearing Date: 09/28/2010.[ANC 6C04]

3. 219 M Street, Primal Fitness Center [BZA: 18105 - reapplication of BZA 17798], Variance pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3103.2, for a variance from the use provisions to operate a fitness center under subsection 330.5, in the R-4 District at premises 219 M Street, N.W. (Square 555, Lot 805). Fitness Center, Hours 6 am to 8 pm M-F; Sat 9 am to 4 pm, Representative: Ray Valentine, Owner; Hearing Date: 09/28/2010. [ANC 6C02]

4. Zoning Case 08-06 – Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Chapters B2 & B4; Proposed text changes reflect changes in new use category system and the consolidation of height regulations throughout the code into a single height section; Hearing Date: 09/20/2010.

Please Note: The September ANC 6C meeting will be on Tuesday, September 7^th this month because our normal Wednesday meeting date falls on the beginning of the observance of Rosh HaShanah. ANC 6C meets at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE, beginning at 7:00 pm.

Please note that this a Draft Agenda and items listed on the Agenda are subject to change. If you are interested in a particular item on the agenda, please contact the ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Environment Chairperson, Rob Amos, at 202.494.5839 for the current status of that item.

Urban Concept Store BicycleSPACE Now Open in Downtown Washington, DC

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:54:53 -0700

What to do with an abandoned 1920s era truck repair depot when financing for new construction projects has dried up? BicycleSPACE owners Erik Kugler and Philip Koopman saw the perfect opportunity for urban renewal by restoring the then-vacant and boarded up building, and transforming it into a new urban-concept bicycle shop.

At 459 I Street, NW, nestled in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood, BicycleSPACE is in close proximity to the Chinatown, Penn Quarter, Petworth, Logan Circle, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods, as well as an easy trip from Near Southeast and Southwest Washington DC. The Metropolitan Branch Trail and the northern end of Highway 395 distribute incoming bicycle and auto traffic several blocks from the shop as well, making for easy access from Prince George’s County and Northern Virginia. In addition, the shop is situated alongside the central business district, making same-day repairs convenient to office workers. A major factor in making bicycle retail and service a viable proposition in the city center has been the mixed-use development that the area has experienced. BicycleSPACE will cater to those who use their bicycles frequently for activities ranging from carrying groceries and getting to and from work to weekend escapes on the area’s burgeoning bicycle trail system.

“The neighborhood was exactly what we were looking for,” explains co-owner Kugler. “After talking with Councilmember Tommy Wells at the opening of the $4MM Bikestation at Union Station, hearing about the mixed-use development plans for the area, and counting bicycles and pedestrians with armloads of groceries passing by the location all winter, we decided that the urban core was ready for our concept.”

Just what is this concept? Forget the stereotypical spandex and lycra image, this is normal bikes and gear for normal people who have discovered the convenience of getting around by bicycle. Co-owner and bicycle visionary Philip Koopman describes it as “creating community in the center of the city” by hosting fun events such as free bike rides to introduce residents and visitors to the world-class cycling facilities in Northeast and Southeast Washington DC, rolling away the display fixtures and hosting community events at the store, providing world-class bicycle service by career mechanics like Paul Reighard, who has over 25 years of experience and sets impeccable quality standards, and introducing the community to bikes that fit its transportation and health needs by carrying everything from cargo bikes which are designed to carry several suitcases (or shopping bags) to hand-made Brompton folding bikes, to the finest active clothing and accessory lines available. Koopman knows as much about using a bicycle as a daily means of transportation as anyone in the area, having served on the Bike To Work Day organizing committee for the past 20 years and having commuted over 100,000 miles by bicycle in the past 25 years. “Everyone recognizes that cycling is quicker and more economical than driving, but it reaches a new level of enjoyment when you look and feel great on the bike, and arrive at your destination energized” adds Sales Manager David Dorn. “People will be amazed when they see the range of options available to facilitate their ride.”

General Manager Jordan Mittelman joins the principals most recently from Boulder, CO, and was selected to design the entire shop including the furniture and fixtures. “Everything here was built for the purpose of giving the community a comfortable place to not only serve its cycling needs, but to provide a peaceful and harmonious environment in the heart of the city.” In that light, there is a “decompression zone” at the front of the store where visitors may park their bikes when they enter, a full-sized changing room to try on clothing, a leather chaise lounge, plenty of natural light, which is uncommon in the usually cramped and fortress-like world of traditional bike shops. The combination of all this with the bright green walls and largest retail area of any bicycle shop in the District lends credence to the term “urban oasis,” as people are already using to describe the shop.

The “official” store hours are from 10am to 7pm on weekdays, 11am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays, though often key staff is there late at night and a friendly wave is enough gain entry, and there is more information on the company’s website at www.bicyclespacewdc.com.

BicycleSPACE and its mission to serve as the “hub” for urban bicycling culture will be met with cheers from cyclists who will find a spacious new footprint entirely dedicated to fostering the legendary camaraderie amongst cyclists of all stripes, and providing its innovative urban products and excellent service. For more information, please call the store at 202 962 0123.

DC Vote rally & March 8-28

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:23:52 -0700

I got a call from the Rev. Walter Fauntroy asking me to come to this march put on by DC Vote. (The reverend does not extend his support for civil rights beyond straight people so I wont be joining this event.) Expect congestion near Dunbar high school Saturday Aug 28th at 11am. Also this update from ANC 6C Planning, Zoning & Environment chair (and ANC 6C02 candidate!) Rob Amos:

I have also been working with the logistics folks and Councilman Thomas' office to lessen the impact of the planned congestion on the residents of the "chimney" area of Ward 6.

MPD Special Operations officers will be in the area and all buses are to park at the Armstrong/CAPS school parking lots.

We will certainly be monitoring the activity along Dunbar that day to help alleviate any issues that will certainly present themselves.

Thanks Rob!

UHOP Mass Baptism by Fire Hose

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:52:09 -0700

This Sunday Aug 29th, United House of Prayer will hold their annual baptism by fire hose. The 600 Block of M Street NW will be closed from 7am-3pm according to MPD.

I encourage neighbors to come out an witness this spectacle, it is something else! ;) Also please mind any no parking signs and plan accordingly. If you do get towed, call 311 to locate your car. Have a great weekend!

Vince Gray at UHOP Aug 31

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:57:22 -0700

Vincent Gray's Town Hall Meeting

6-7pm, Tuesday, August 31
United House of Prayer
601 M Street NW
(Mt Vernon Sq / Convention Center Metro / Yellow & Green lines)

DC Council Chair and DC Mayoral candidate, Vincent C. Gray, Bring your comments, concerns and questions for an open discussion on public safety, job creation, education, economic development and restoring the public trust.

For further information, contact Gretchen Wharton (202) 291-2692

Taste of the Triangle!

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:25:32 -0700

Taste of Mount Vernon Triangle

Saturday, August 21, 2010 – 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Explore the new restaurants of Mount Vernon Triangle by dining around the neighborhood tasting appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts from seven different eateries! Participating restaurants are Busboys & Poets, Taylor Deli, Kushi, Mandu, Henry’s Café, Papa Johns, and Buddha Bar. Buy a master ticket for $15 in advance; $20 at the door to participate in this event. Tickets can be purchased in advance through PayPal at www.mountvernontriangle.org or on the day of the event at 5th Street Ace Hardware – 1055 5th Street, NW. This event will take place rain or shine.

Bill McLeod, Executive Director

Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District

mvtbill(at)downtowndc.org

www.mountvernontriangle.org

Free Fitness in MVS

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:16:03 -0700

Primal Fitness is proud to announce that we'll be running free classes on Fridays from 4-4:45PM for our neighbors. Anybody within the area of Rhode Island Avenue to the north, K St NW to the south, 7th St. to the west, and North Capitol St. to the east can come in and check out our facility and see what we're all about! We offer two kinds of training - but to avoid sounding like an ad (these classes are free and no obligation) please see our website for details. www.primal-fitness.com Suitable for kids and adults ages 7 to 77.

Northwest One Library Events

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:23:34 -0700

Summer is winding down and it's time to get ready for school once more! Help the children in your life succeed at school this year with help from DC Public Libraries. Learn more here.

Some news from Northwest One Library this week:

Come here award winning poetry and prose from the winners of the Tidal Basin Review 2010 Editorial Prize this Saturday August 21st. The readings will start at 12:30pm and go until 2:30pm. Learn more here .

Storytime at Northwest One is on hiatus for the next two week (8/25 +9/1). We look forward to seeing you all again on Wednesday September 8th!

See you at the library!

Blagden Alley restaurant

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:44:07 -0700

RJ Cooper has announced on Don Rockwell that he will open a new restaurant this winter in Blagden Alley. What will probably be one of the hottest restaurants in the city will be a short walk away. Of course, with a fixed price menu at $130, walking will be the only affordable choice.

White male kitten (appx. 12 weeks old) needs a home

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:39:05 -0700

We have been fostering this kitten (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RhEefz4tkg) for the past two weeks, but can't keep him as we're about to have a house full of babies. He is a white male with two gray marks on his forehead, approximately twelve weeks old, and has one blue and one green eye.

He was found in our backyard in Mt. Vernon Square (from the Ridge/N Street alley colony) after a pretty nasty tangle with a larger animal. He still has a bit of a scar on his forehead and chin and is eating wet food while his jaw heals from a bite, but is otherwise healthy, sweet, and extremely playful. He will sleep on my lap watching tv, loves to tangle with a ball of yarn or other cat toys, and seems like he'll make an excellent mouser. He did spend his first 10 weeks or so outside, so is a bit skittish around new humans. He's very gentle (no clawing or hissing) and just starting to get brave enough to do curious kitten things.

He has been to the vet for his first vaccinations and and just finished a 14-day round of antibiotics.

We're looking for someone who can provide him a good home as soon as possible. Please email me (Mary) at marymessick (at) gmail (dot) com if you may be able to help or for more photos or information. Feel free to forward/share.

Thanks!

Washington Mystic Storytime @ Northwest One!

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:11:00 -0700

Come join the Northwest One Neighborhood Library community for storytime with a Washington Mystics player! The program begins at 3PM on Thursday August 12th. Meet + greet a WNBA player, get an autograph or two, and pick up a book courtesy of Reading Is Fundamental! This event is open to all ages. Questions? Call Northwest One at (202) 939-5946. We open at 1pm on Thursday August 12th.

Northwest One Neighborhood Library is located at 155 L St NW. www.dclibrary.org/northwest

N.B. Media release forms will be on hand for minors.

Ms.

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:30:18 -0700

I feel the need to inform the folks who read this blog that my car was stolen Friday evening on the 400 block of N Street NW. The car was locked and parked legally. It is a 2002 Chrysler Sebring beige in color. Apparently Chrysler and Dodge models are the top cars to be stolen in DC. I hope that it turns up but if you have seen or heard anything drop me a line and also keep an eye on your own property.

Best, Ann