Ward 5 Town Hall with Vincent Gray

Please see the information below on the upcoming Ward 5 Town Hall meeting:

WHO:
Mayoral Candidate
Vincent C. Gray
and
Ward 5 Councilmember
Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.

WHAT:
Ward 5
Town Hall Meeting

WHEN:
Tuesday
October 5, 2010
6:30 to 8:30 pm.

WHERE:
Community Academy
Public Charter School
(Old Armstrong)
1400 1st Street, NW
(1st and P Streets, NW)

Volunteers Needed for Saturday Met Branch Trail Improvements

I have been posting about this for months now and wanted to remind everyone to come and volunteer this Saturday!!!

The DCBIA (DC Building Industries Association) has selected the Metropolitan Branch Trail for their 18th Annual Community Improvement Day project.

The project will consist of landscaping the hillside between Edgwood/8th Streets and the Rhode Island Ave. Shopping Center.

Date: Saturday, October 2, 2010, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Check in at the Rhode Island Ave. Shopping Center (just past the CVS)

Volunteers needed! If you would like to volunteer for this event to support the trail in our community, either RSVP to the email address below, or just show up at the morning of the event.

Food and t-shirts will be provided!

Additional information:
- Middle/High School students can earn community service hours
- Back-up Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010
- To volunteer, contact DCBIA at info@dcbia.org or (202) 966-8665
- Check out the DCBIA website www.dcbia.org for more information

Bloomingdale's Rustik Tavern to Open Tonight!

If you have not seen all the tweets and blog posts already I wanted to make sure everyone knew that Bloomingdale's first sit down bar/restaurant is opening tonight to the public at 9:00 p.m. I am hoping to stop by and have a beer or two!

Chipotle Opens at Union Station Tomorrow!

As it was pointed out to me while it is not Edgewood the new Chipotle opening at Union Station this Saturday is only a short walk/ride down the Met Branch Trail. I have been using the Capital Bikeshare station at 4th and Rhode Island Ave this week on the trail between here and Union Station and it makes for a pretty easy trip.

Home Sales in Edgewood

Here is the weekly data on homes for sale in Edgewood. I am using Redfin because it allows you to search by neighborhood, but if you have any other ideas or ways to get listings or open houses please let me know!

Here is the link to the data in Redfin:

Edgewood DC Real Estate

Edgewood has a very diverse housing stock with a wide range of sizes and prices. Right now the most expensive places listed are the new homes being built in Chancellor's Row listed at $559,900 while the least expensive listing is a 1 bedroom condo listed at $74,900.

There are no open houses listed for Edgewood. If you know of any please add the information to the comments section.

Rhode Island Metro Station Sidewalks and Staircase Improvements Needed

Recently it was brought to my attention that with the construction of the Rhode Island Station development there are no plans to improve the sidewalks and staircase to the metro station from Rhode Island Ave. I thought with such a large-scale construction project they would be improving the public space as well especially since they would be using them.

Below is my letter to Councilmember Thomas and I am encouraging everyone to write or call him in order to bring attention to this issue.

Here is his email address: hthomas@dccouncil.us
Here is his phone number: 202-439-5103

Dear Councilmember Thomas,

I wanted to write to you about a concern that I have regarding the current sidewalks and staircase that led to the Rhode Island Metro Station with relation to pedestrian safety. These sidewalks are very narrow and the staircase is narrow and in need of repair as well.

While I am excited about the construction that is going on for the Rhode Island Station development I feel that as part of this project we should be fixing the sidewalks and stairs. We are missing an opportunity to repair items for the betterment and safety of the whole community if we do not get this done as part of the current construction. The new development will increase the traffic to that metro station and site, so if the narrow sidewalk and stairs are not adequate and safe under current use it will even be worse with increased use.

I know that the new pedestrian bridge is scheduled to be built from the Metropolitan Branch Trail to the metro station and that will help pedestrians and I encourage you to help move that project as long as well. But that bridge will not help people coming from the other direction to the metro or the new retail/apartments.

Please consider using your influence and helping to correct the problems with the stairs and sidewalks as a part of the current scope of construction that is taking place.

Edgewood Civic Association Meeting September 27th

Here is the agenda for the upcoming Edgewood Civic Association meeting:

THE EDGEWOOD CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY MEETING
Monday, September 27, 2010
7:00 PM
The Edgewood View Senior Apartments – Crawford Hall, 8th floor
635 Edgewood Street NE, Washington, DC

Agenda
I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Last Meeting’s Minutes

IV. President’s Report
a. Board Membership Status
b. Election of Nomination Committee for 2011 Board Election

V. Invited Guests
a. MPD – Safety Report
b. DCBIA – Danielle Melus – Metropolitan Branch Trail Arts Project
c. Presenter re. Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center Farmer’s Market

VI. Community Updates & Discussion
a. Status of Safeway Replacement
b. Status of St. Martin’s Apartments – “The Summit”
c. Rhode Island Metro Development – Bozzuto Project & Other

VII. New Business
a. Capital Bike Share
b. Edgewood Civic Association Partnership Tree Planting
c. Upcoming events
i. DC Federation of Civic Associations 2010 Banquet
ii. Ward 5 Civic Associations Summit
d. Other new business

VIII. 2010-11 Calendar

IX. Adjournment

Met Branch Trail 5K Meeting October 4th

Please see the email below from the group starting the Met Branch Trail 5K race.

Please mark your calendars on Monday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. for the second meeting for those who are interested in helping out with organizing a 5k run/walk on the MBT trail.

Location is to be determined (it will most probably be in the NOMA area) but that information will be forthcoming shortly, along with an agenda.

Below is a summary of race details that have already been planned as well as a list of anticipated needs/ideas. If you already know you that are interested in helping out, even before the meeting, please email me at cristinaesteron@yahoo.com or Sherri at sherrimo@gmail.com and let us know in what capacity you think you can best help out.

Thank you so much!

Cristina & Sherri

*************************************************************************************************************************************

First Annual MBT 5K Race/Walk


Race Goals/Mission: To promote exercise and healthy activity for all ages and build a sense of community ownership and involvement with the MetBranch Trail in neighborhoods to which it is adjacent through an annual 5K race/walk.


Event Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011, 9 a.m.


Location: Primarily along the off-road segment of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (that parallels the Metro Red Line between Brookland and NY Av. Stations). Proposed race start/finish and organizing area is at the park at the S Street, NE entrance to the trail.


Organizational Partner: DC Road Runners Club, which will handle registration and payments, online publicity and official timing and results.


Event Size: 300+ runners/walkers (cap of 500 participants)



Needs:

Volunteer Coordinator

Public Relations Coordinator

Potentially, a Student Organizer

Involvement of four neighborhood organizations adjacent to the MBT (Eckington, Edgwood, NoMa, Brookland). To highlight the four neighborhoods along the MBT, identify a contact person(s) representing each neighborhood to eventually coordinate a comfort station (water or snacks) on race day. To recruit 2 -3 people to set up a table with water or snacks for runners and offer information/resources about that particular neighborhood.

Individual volunteers on race day

Additional Organizational Sponsors with various types of support:
Underwriting of specific race expenses (t-shirts, child/youth participants, posters and flyers, race prizes, raffles, snacks, water, outdoor toilets)
Direct donation to fundraising target project (MBT trail improvements/enhancements, etc.)
Group to organize first-aid station (Cath. U. School of Nursing? Health Department? Individual volunteers?)

DCBIA Community Improvement Day in Edgewood

The October 2nd date for the improvements coming to the Edgewood section of the Met Branch Trail by DCBIA is fast approaching. I now have even more detailed versions of the plans and I have posted them above.

The project will be taking place on October 2, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Edgewood section of the Met Branch trail will be closed during this time.

Remember this is a community project and they need volunteers! You can get involved by contributing your time or donating money by going to the website.

Upcoming WABA Cycling Events

Please see the message below from WABA about some upcoming cycling events that they have planned. I am not sure of the exact routes, but since Edgewood is bordered by a couple of states (Rhode Island Ave and Michigan Ave) they might ride around here.

Dear Friends in Cycling,

WABA has a very busy and exciting week coming up and we would love your help in promoting our upcoming events! All detailed event information is available at waba.org


Thursday, September 23- Join WABA, the Capitol Riverfront BID, and Forest City as we celebrate the full moon and the opening of the brand new Yards Park! The Yards Park is a beautiful new park along the SE Waterfront close to Nationals Stadium and is a great location for the start/finish of our bike rides and fun before hand!
The fun will begin as WABA watches as the Washington Nationals take on the Houston Astros at 4:35pm. Tickets for this game are available now through WABA's online registration! And don't forget- the Nationals offer free bike valet parking! Following the game, we will walk over to the Yards Park where there will be food trucks if you're hungry, community groups and bike shops to talk shop with and more.
Beginning at 7:30pm, riders can check-in with WABA or register on-site for one of our two rides. At 8:30pm, WABA will lead an 11-mile ride leaving the Yards Park heading west along the Potomac River taking in sights along the way including Hains Point, the Lincoln Memorial, and National Mall. There will be a turn-around point for those wishing to make their ride shorter.
Date- September 23rd, 2010

Location- The Yards Park
Time
4:35pm - Nationals vs. Astros Game
7:30pm - Ride check-in and on-site registration opens

8:30pm - 11-Mile ride departs


Saturday, September 25- The legendary 50 States and 13 Colonies Ride is back in 2010. Are you ready to try one of the hardest rides in DC? We provide the Start/Finish area and 3 pit stops fully stocked with water, food, and a bike mechanic.
The Rides
50 States
The most unique and challenging bike ride in DC! This 60+ mile ride is for cyclists experienced and comfortable with riding through the city streets with traffic. The 50 States ride covers all 50 state streets in all 8 Wards in search of the District of Columbia's statehood. Often been referred to as "brutal," "insane," and "engrossing." You have not seen the city of Washington by bike until you have done the 50 States Ride.
*Cue sheets will be available the day of the ride. Because some of the cues may change last minute due to construction projects and road closures, WABA will not provide cue sheets in advance.
13 Colonies
Not quite as challenging as the 50 States Ride, but equally as enjoyable. Ride on all the streets named for every one of the 13 original colonies. This ride is a little under 15 miles and is also for cyclists who are comfortable with riding on city streets with traffic.
*Cue sheets will be available the day of the ride
Register Now>>
Ride Information
Ride Check-In & Start:
Kalorama Park
1875 Columbia Road NW, WDC

8:00 am - Ride Check-In
8:30 am - 50 States Ride Begins
9:00 am - 13 Colonies Ride Begins Getting There:
Kalorama Park is conveniently located to the Adams Morgan/Woodley Park Metro Station on the Red Line. If you are driving, limited street parking is available.
Lunch:
Those who choose the California Tortilla burrito lunch option will receive their food at the Capitol Hill Pit stop no earlier than 11:30AM.
Post-ride Happy Hour:
To celebrate your hard pedaling, come on over to The Grill from Ipanema for a post-ride happy hour! Located right across the street from the finish area at Kalorama Park, there will be bike parking out front, a delicious brunch offered until 4pm and a full menu after that, and 1/2 price beers and $1 off drinks and appetizers for riders! Check out the brunch menu here>>


Thanks for your support of WABA and cycling in the DC area!

--
Chantal Buchser
Events Manager
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
2599 Ontario Rd. NW
Washington, DC 20009

Office: 202-518-0524 ext. 202
Mobile: 410-914-7019
Fax: 202-518-0936

Edgewood Farmer's Market?

Please see the email below about a group gathering information to host a Farmer's Market in Edgewood in the old Safeway shopping center parking lot. I think it is a great idea and it would be great if it was expanded to include the Arts Market that we had in June as a weekly event. Perhaps it could be on Saturdays, so people can go to this one or the Bloomingdale one on Sunday or both!

Please email her your answers to the questions so they have as much community input as possible.

Dear Community Member,

Premier CDC, (PCDC), is investigating the feasibility of opening a Farmer's Market at Rhode Island Ave Shopping Center in the lot where the Safeway used to be located. We would like your feedback, participation and suggestions. Can you kindly complete this short survey and return it to us as soon as possible.

1. Would you like to see a fresh produce Farmer's Market at the Rhode Island Ave Shopping Center parking lot where the former Safeway was located?

2. What types of produce fruits, and vegetables do you think your community would like to buy?

3. Would you be willing to participate on an Edgewood/Woodridge Farmer's Market Steering committee?

4. Can you recommend any young adults from your community that we can train to set up and operating the Farmer's Market?

5. Do you have any other comments or suggestions?

Name

Title

Address

Phone

Email

Fax

Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC)
Improving Housing, Economic Development, and Quality of Life

1309 Rhode Island Ave.
NE Suite B, Washington, D.C. 20018
Phone: 202.239-0888
Fax: 202.269-0136
stephanierones@yahoo.com

ANC5C Meeting Tonight

Here is the agenda for the ANC5C meeting tonight:

Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 5C
www.ANC5C.com

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Harry Thomas Recreation Center
7:00 - 9:00 Lincoln Road at S Street, NE

AGENDA (updated)
SEPTEMBER 2010 Community Meeting


ANC5C participants are invited to bring suggestions and recommendations for community improvement to the meeting. However, please observe simply courtesies at all times -- wait to be recognized before speaking and do not speak over others or while others have the floor. Please limit your comments to give others a chance for expression. Following the Commissioners’ comments, members of the community will be recognized to speak. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall maintain public order during the meeting. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Commissioner Phillips, Sergeant-at-Arms shall maintain order during Commission proceedings.

Part I: Administrative 7:05 pm

Call to Order .…………………………………………..…….… Commissioner Bonds, Chairman

Roll Call ...................……………………………….….……….. Commissioner Edwards, Vice Chairman

Approval of the Minutes …………………………………....... Commissioner Grant, Recording Secretary

Community Comments ………………………………………. Commissioner Farmer-Allen

Status of Action Taken ...........................................................................................

- Commission voted to support the October 2 Metro Branch Trail Cleanup Project

- Commission prepared and adopted “Guide on Restaurants and Liquor License Establishments”

Part II: New Business 7:30 pm

Red Tulip Project Grant Application /5C02 …………………………………………..... Rodderick Terry

United Youth Athletic Club Revised Proposal /5C04 ………………………………….. Arnold Hudson

October 27 ABRA Hearing on Big Bear Liquor License /5C03 …………..…………….. Mrs. Karla Lewis

Zoning Text Amendment for Horning Brothers Management/Trinity Square Mall (122 Michigan Avenue, NE and 7-11 Strip Mall (333 Hawaii Avenue, NE) …………………Commissioners Ransom and Edwards

Resolutions ……………………………………………………………..

Part IV: Executive Session 8:50 pm

Treasurer’s Report ……………………………………….Commissioner Day, Treasurer

Pay Bills …………………………………………………… Commissioners Day & Daneker, Financial Secretary


Next Meeting of ANC5C will be held on October 19, 2010

---- Meeting Adjourn ---

Reminder: All Grantees must submit financial reports every 60 days through grant

New Edgewood Business T - Nails

I tweeted a couple of weeks ago about a new business that opened up in Edgewood called T - Nails at 329 Adams Street NE. I was able to stop by yesterday and check it out. The place is not fancy, but everything is clean and new. They offer hair, nail and waxing services at very reasonable prices. I did not see the hair prices, but manicure and pedicure together was listed at $30. I did not have time to get my nails done, but did get my eyebrows waxed and she did a great job and it was only $8. They are open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Home Sales in Edgewood

Here is the weekly data on homes for sale in Edgewood. I am using Redfin because it allows you to search by neighborhood, but if you have any other ideas or ways to get listings or open houses please let me know!

This week was a good week for home sales in Edgewood with three sales:

323 Bryant Street NE sold for $375,000
106 V Street NE sold for $265,000
2824 6th Street NE sold for $160,000

Here is the link to the data in Redfin:

Edgewood DC Real Estate

Edgewood has a very diverse housing stock with a wide range of sizes and prices. Right now the most expensive places listed are the new homes being built in Chancellor's Row listed at $559,900 while the least expensive listing is a 1 bedroom condo listed at $74,900.

There is one open house listed for Edgewood at 330 Bryant Street NE this Sunday (September 19th) from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. If you know of any others please add the information to the comments section.

Help launch Capital Bikeshare -- Ride to Edgewood Station near MBT

The launch of the Capital Bikshare is only one week away and you can be a part of the group that rides the bikes from the depot to the stations around the city.

Please see the details below for the Edgewood station ride.

Hello everyone –

Help launch the new Capital Bikeshare program on Monday, 9/20. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and DDOT will be leading a group from the bike warehouse near Navy Yard to the CaBi station in Edgewood, via the MBT! See details below. Hope to see you there.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Come be the first to ride on DC and Arlington’s new Capital Bikeshare bikes! Join a group ride at the CaBi launch on Sept. 20th and help stock the stations with bikes!

Riders will bike to a CaBi station with a small group and be the first to use the station.

Riders must:
Be a Capital Bikeshare member – register at www.capitalbikeshare.com
Wear a helmet on the ride

Event Date: Monday, September 20, 2010
Event Time: 10:15 AM
Location: near Navy Yard Metro station

Ready to ride?
Contact Kelly Pack at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy by Wednesday, September 15th if you’re interested.
Email: kellyp@railstotrails.org
Phone: 202-974-5148

DCBIA Community Improvement Day in Edgewood

A couple of months ago I wrote about the improvements coming to the Edgewood section of the Met Branch Trail by DCBIA and promised updates as I received them. I now have copies of the plans and layouts and I have posted them above.

The project will be taking place on October 2, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Edgewood section of the Met Branch trail will be closed during this time.

Remember this is a community project and they need volunteers! You can get involved by contributing your time or donating money by going to the website.

Edgewood Run/Walk/Bike Group Meeting Tonight

The Edgewood Run/Walk/Bike group is meeting at the Edgewood Recreation Center at 6:30p.m. tonight to go to the Metropolitan Branch Trail for some exercise. This group meets every Tuesday so feel free to join us every week!

Please remember to bring some water.

Edgewood: Man Posing as Pepco Employee

Please see the message from our neighbor about an encounter with a man posing as a Pepco employee today. I remember reading about cases like this over the summer in other parts of the city, but this is the first I have heard about in Edgewood. Please be cautious!

Here is the message:

Be on the lookout, there's a guy in the neighborhood posing as a Pepco employee trying to get in people's houses. I called 911 but I'm not sure they were able to get to the guy. I live at 3rd and Bryant St, NE, not sure how much ground he's covering. Here's what happened:

As I was heading back up my front walk after walking my dog this morning I was approached by an African-American male, mid-40s about 5"3 wearing a bright orange polo shirt with a pretty fake looking Pepco patch and tan Pepco hat, carrying some sort of electrical box and a flashlight. He told me he was here to come in the house to read the meter. I immediately thought it was strange because I hadn't heard from Pepco about them needing to come to the house, plus I saw no truck. I asked him for identification. He went into his wallet kind of showed his drivers' license and then said he didn't have an ID because it was his first day. I told him to come back when he has ID, he muttered something about putting a "refuse service" on my account and walked up 3rd St.

House/Condo Sales in Edgewood

Here is the weekly data on homes for sale in Edgewood. I am currently using Redfin because it allows you to search by neighborhood, but if you have any other ideas or ways to get listings or open houses please let me know!

Here is the link to the data in Redfin:

Edgewood DC Real Estate

Edgewood has a very diverse housing stock with a wide range of sizes and prices. Right now the most expensive places listed are the new homes being built in Chancellor's Row listed at $559,900 while the least expensive listing is a 1 bedroom condo listed at $62,900.

There is one open house listed for Edgewood at 330 Bryant Street NE this Sunday (September 5th) from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. If you know of any others please add the information to the comments section.

Edgewood: Potential Theft and Found Bike

Please see the message below from our neighbor in Edgewood:

Hi Neighbors,

An off-topic note:

Yesterday, my daughter and I left our house about 10am and I did not lock the door because my husband works from home and was still inside (and I am lazy and overly trusting!), and within one minute of us pulling away an unknown young man came into our house and charged up the steps towards our bedroom with a bag ready to loot. My husband and he crossed paths and he got scared and ran (fast!). Several neighbors witnessed it and we called the police and filed a report but he was not apprehended. So part 1 is just to put it out there to please be careful, and if you've gotten like me, comfortable in your neighborhood, please keep your doors locked, even when you are inside. We are lucky we had this warning without any consequences!

Part 2 of this message is, that (we think) the perpetrator left behind a stolen bicycle. We called the police and they said it was not registered and told us we might as well sell it on Craig's list (I'm still struggling with the fact that we were told to this by a police officer...?!) but we wanted to make an effort to return it to it's rightful owner if possible. It is a Trek 400 road bike. If your bike has been stolen and you think this may be it, please contact me with a description.

Thanks and be safe out there!

Please email me if you think the bike is yours and I can pass the message along.

5D COURT WATCH COMMUNITY MEETING

5D COURT WATCH COMMUNITY MEETING

DATE: September 15, 2010; TIME: 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.; LOCATION: Fifth District Police Headquarters, 1805 Bladensburg Road, NE

5D COURT WATCH

SPECIAL GUEST:

ISAAC FULWOOD JR.

CHAIRMAN, U.S. PAROLE COMMISSION

WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM WORKS TO MAKE IT MORE RESPONSIVE TO OUR NEEDS.

DO NOT MISS THIS IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD


CONTACT: KATHY HENDERSON (202) 397-2777

Refreshments

REMINDER Edgewood Neighborhood Cleanup is TOMORROW!

Just wanted to send out a reminder that tomorrow is the Edgewood Neighborhood monthly cleanup. The group meets in front of the Edgewood Rec Center at the corner of 3rd and Evarts NE at 10:30 a.m. The cleanup is sponsored by the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center and occurs the first Saturday of every month same time and location. The group picks up trash around the neighborhood including the rec center.

If you cannot come try and cleanup around your block today or tomorrow morning so we can cover more areas!!!