Edgewood Farmer's Market

This year Edgewood is getting a Farmer's Market at the Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center in the parking lot between the CVS and the Met Branch Trail. While there has been discussion that this is not the most attractive location it is definitely an accessible one. It is located off of the trail, near the metro and there is plenty of parking. The plan is for market to be on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and to start the first weekend in April. There are still negotiations ongoing with the shopping center, so a firm date cannot be announced yet. I know that when I talked to the center about what would be replacing the Safeway they stated that it would impact if there could or could not be a farmer's market. I am wondering if this means that a discount grocer or a non-food store will soon be filling that space.

Here is the press release:

Premier Community Development Corporation


MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Contact: Hazel Bland Thomas
February 24, 2011 (202) 491-9245


Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC) annouced today that PCDC members anticipate opening the PCDC Edgewood/Woodridge Farmer's Market at 4th & Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center starting inApril 2011. The Saturday market will seek to provide Edgewood residents and, especially senior citizens, with an option to buy fresh, local produce. The community unfortunately lost its Safeway last year at the very time that Georgetown had a champagne re-opening of its long-celebrated "Social Safeway."

PCDC has been working with community leaders, elected officials and the property management to establish aFarmers Market opposite the CVS in the shopping center - to at a minimum- provide residents with a source of fresh fruits, vegetables and bakery items.

For more information about the PCDC Edgewood/Woodridge Farmers Market, Premier CDC or to volunteer, please contact Hazel Thomas at (202) 491-9245 or Michael Byfield at (202) 679-2712.

Edgewood Home Sales

Here is this week's 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 $609,900 while the least expensive listing is a 1 bedroom condo listed at $114,900. It seems that there continues to be a steady number of houses selling across the price ranges and there are quite a few pending sales that have yet to be posted.

There are no new sales posted.

The Chancellor's Row development continues to be a high seller in the neighborhood having sold 39 houses at the last count. They have also announced their Model Home Grand Opening (650 Jackson Street NE) for Saturday March 5, 2011 from noon till 4:00 p.m. with an appearance of the ever popular lobster truck!

There is an open house listed for Edgewood. The house at 507 Montana Ave NE is open Sunday, February 27, 2011 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. If you know of any more please add the information to the comments section.

Artspace Lofts Nearing Completion Applications Now Available

****Update***** 02MAR2011: the location of the March 26th Info session. It will still be the 26th from 10-12, but will now be at Source – 1835 14th Street NW


The Artspace Lofts (3225 Eighth Street NE) are nearing completion and set to be finished on time in June. When finished the development will consist of 41 live/work rental units directly adjacent to Dance Place's Headquarters and studio space for qualified DC artists making 60% or less of the area median income.

They have now opened up the applications for potential residents and posted a link on their website. They also have a slideshow of pictures that they have taken during the construction. Jaime Fearer, fellow Ward 5 resident and blogger, was able to attend one of the hard hat tours and graciously agreed to share some of her photos which you can see here.

Artspace will be holding informational meetings in March and you do not need to RSVP to attend.

Thursday, March 3rd
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dance Place
3225 8th Street, NE

Saturday, March 26th
10:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Flashpoint's Mead Theater
916 G. Street NW

Casey Trees announces Spring Community Tree Planting schedule

Please see the press release from Casey Trees below which outlines their very busy planting schedule in March and April all around the city. They are always looking for volunteers and from my own experience I can tell you it is a lot of fun. I always learn something and meet some great people!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jared Powell
Director, Communications
D 202.349.1894
M 202.680.3553
F 202.833.4092
E jpowell@caseytrees.org

Casey Trees announces spring Community Tree Planting schedule

Volunteers needed to help plant trees at record number of events.
(Washington, DC – X June 2010) – Casey Trees will plant more than 750 trees at 47 sites across the District this spring through its Community Tree Planting (CTP) program. The spring 2011 CTP schedule includes the greatest number of planting events Casey Trees has undertaken in one season to date.

Of note is the number of schools and learning centers — 21, another record this season — scheduled to receive trees. Casey Trees’ education department works with public, private and charter K-12 schools located in the District to coordinate tree plantings on and surrounding their campuses and to develop educational programming such as tree rallies to prepare students to plant.

Orr Elementary School students and faculty will kickoff Casey Trees’ Arbor Day celebration on April 30 by planting 15 trees on their campus. Immediately following, Casey Trees will host an Open House at its new headquarters in Brookland featuring family friendly activities, demonstrations and tours highlighting the new building’s green features.

Additionally, The Farm at Walker Jones Education Campus is one of three sites that will plant edible fruit-producing trees as part of Casey Trees’ pilot fruit tree program. The small orchard will help deepen student understanding of urban agriculture, provide hands-on learning opportunities and develop knowledge of health and nutrition.

This spring also marks the start of Casey Trees’ partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. With funding from ING and The Home Depot, the Festival is underwriting the planting of 35 cherry trees spread across eight CTP sites, one site in each Ward. All additional trees at these sites will be paid for by Casey Trees.

On April 21, Casey Trees will coordinate the second and final Rails-to-Trails Conservancy-sponsored planting along the Metropolitan Branch Trail with funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation.

Casey Trees welcomes volunteer support at its CTP events, with the exception of school plantings, which are not open to the public. Advance registration is required. Individuals can register at www.caseytrees.org/education.

Established in 2005, the CTP program provides trees, tools and technical assistance to individuals and groups interested in adding 10 or more trees to private property in the District free of charge. Groups commit to watering and caring for the trees for two years following their planting. Casey Trees has planted more than 3,300 trees through the CTP program since its inception.

March
2 SEED Public Charter School
3 Hyde Leadership Public Charter School
3 Friendship Public Charter School
4 Kennedy Street NW – ANC 4D
5 The Catholic University of America
9 Columbia Heights Education Campus*
9 St. Columba’s Nursery School
10 JC Nalle Elementary School*
12 Fort Mahan Park
16 Leckie Elementary School
17 Johnson Middle School
17 Garfield Elementary School
18 Restore Mass Ave
19 Tait Triangle Park*
19 Friends of 16th Street Heights Park – Hamilton Recreation Center*
22 St. Colleta of Greater Washington
23 St. Colleta of Greater Washington
23 The Farm at Walker Jones
24 Two Rivers Public Charter School
24 J.O. Wilson Elementary School*
26 Congressional Cemetery
26 Congressional Cemetery
30 C. Melvin Sharpe Health School
30 Powell Elementary School
31 LAMB Public Charter School
31 Brightwood Education Campus

April
1 The Catholic University of America*
2 Woodland-Normanstone Neighborhood Association Centennial
4 Golden Triangle BID
6 Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys
6 THEARC
7 Calvary Baptist Church*
7 Tudor Place Foundation
9 Columbia Heights Village Tenants Association
9 Latin American Youth Center, Inc.
13 Georgetown Visitation Prep School
16 Turkey Thicket Recreation Center
16 Michigan Park Citizens Association
20 St. Paul’s at Rock Creek Church Parish
21 Metropolitan Branch Trail
22 David M. Stemper Memorial Rain Garden
22 13th & C Street SE Community Park and Garden
23 Crestwood Citizens Association
30 Orr Elementary School
30 Congress Heights Community Park
30 Ballou Senior High School*

May
7 Alice Deal Middle School

* National Cherry Blossom Festival sponsored site

March 5th EYA Model Home Grand Opening in Edgewood

Please see the news release by EYA about their upcoming model home open house. They have already sold 39 houses in their development and we will be getting new neighbors in Edgewood starting in March.

NEWS RELEASE Contact: Jack Lester
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (301) 634-8600
February 23, 2011


MODEL HOMES OPEN IN DC’S FASTEST SELLING TOWNHOME COMMUNITY
Saturday, March 5th, from Noon – 4 PM

Washington, DC – Just steps from DC’s Red Line at Brookland/CUA Metro, EYA is celebrating the grand opening of its two new decorated model homes at Chancellor’s Row.

The new 10-acre townhome neighborhood anchors the expansive redevelopment of northeast Washington and features 237 townhomes, three acres of green spaces preserves and immaculate views of DC’s iconic Basilica of the National Shrine.

Chancellor’s Row is within walking distance of shops and restaurants along Brookland’s historic main street. Also adjacent is the ABDO Catholic University South Campus retail main street development which will soon include 750 luxury apartments, 17,000 square feet of artist studio space and 83,000 square feet of retail space. Other planned projects nearby include the 901 Monroe redevelopment of Colonel Brooks’ Tavern and the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station redevelopment.

Built to LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood Development standards, the new townhome community exemplifies today’s best practices in sustainable design and smart growth. Chancellor’s Row is steps from Metro, moments from the downtown business district, anchored by countless neighborhood amenities and includes both Zip Car and a bike sharing kiosk. Energy Star features, third-party insulation inspections and recycled/sustainable building materials also add to the homes’ environmentally friendly design.

New four-level townhomes include garage parking, rooftop terraces, three or four bedrooms and luxury finishes throughout. A limited number of new homes remain for 2011 move-in and are priced from the upper $400s.

Since opening in May 2010, EYA has sold 39 townhomes at Chancellor’s Row and the first homeowners are expected to move in this March.

MODEL GRAND OPENING
Special Guest: Red Hook Lobster Truck
Saturday, March 5, 2011 • 12 PM – 4 PM
650-T Jackson Street NE • Washington, DC 20017

ABOUT EYA
EYA is a smart growth developer, specializing in walkable new townhome communities and mixed-use developments. Since its founding in 1992, the company has built over 30 neighborhoods in the Washington Metropolitan area, including seven communities in Washington, DC. For more information on the company or its neighborhoods, visit http://www.eya.com/.

Edgewood Home Sales

Here is this week's 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 $596,900 while the least expensive listing is a 1 bedroom condo listed at $114,900. It seems that there continues to be a steady number of houses selling across the price ranges and there are quite a few pending sales that have yet to be posted.

There ia a new sale posted:

230 Cromwell Street NE sold for $165,000 on February 16th

The Chancellor's Row development continues to be a high seller in the neighborhood. They have paved the first roads in the development and posted a gorgeous picture on their blog. They have also announced their Model Home Grand Opening (650 Jackson Street NE) for Saturday March 5, 2011 from noon till 4:00 p.m. with an appearance of the ever popular lobster truck!

There are two open houses listed for Edgewood. The house at 326 Bryant Street NE is open Sunday, February 20, 2011 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. The house at 507 Montana Ave NE is open Sunday, February 20, 2011 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. If you know of any more please add the information to the comments section.

PSA 501 Monthly Meeting Tonight

PSA 501 Monthly Meeting

Date: Wednesday February 16, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeats: This event repeats every month on the third Wednesday.
Location: Harry Thomas Recreation Center
Notes: This is our monthly meeting with the Metropolitan Police Department to identify community crime problems and discuss solutions

ANC 5C08 J. Jioni Palmer Resigns

J. Jioni Palmer was recently appointed the director of communications and public affairs for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and had to resign his position as one of the ANC representatives for Edgewood. I am happy for him and his appointment, but sad to lose a great neighborhood leader! I hope that someone is ready to step up to represent Edgewood! I will post an update when information on the special election to fill this position is posted.

Here is his resignation letter:

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Togo D. West, Jr, Chairman
Board of Elections and Ethics
Government of the District of Columbia
One Judiciary Square
441 4th Street NW, Suite 250 North
Washington, DC 20001

Chairman West:

I have recently accepted a presidential appointment with the Obama Administration, which requires me to resign from my position as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, effective upon receipt of this letter.

It was a humbling honor to be elected by my neighbors to serve as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and it has been a pleasure to serve my community, albeit briefly. Although circumstances require I vacate my post, in no way does this diminish my commitment to the issues I championed during the course of my campaign.

As I return to the role of private citizen, I look forward to continuing to work with my neighbors and former colleagues to make Edgewood an even stronger community.

Sincerely,
J. Jioni Palmer
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 5C08

Cc:
Mayor Vincent C. Gray
Ward Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr.
Commissioner Ronnie Edwards, Chair ANC 5C

May 14th Metropolitan Branch Trail Fitness Day Planned

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2011

Contact:

Sherri Morgan or Cristina von Spiegelfeld, MBT5K Race Directors, 202-455-5628; email: info@gometbranch.com

Chickaro Martin, Program Manager, Project Fitness Community, 202-269-0050, 301-237-4643; email: chickaro@gmail.com

May 14 Metropolitan Branch Trail Fitness Day Planned

Local Youth Benefit from Multiple Groups' Efforts

WASHINGTON, DC - Community organizers from several DC-based groups have announced plans for multiple fitness activities along the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT), one of Northeast DC's hottest new amenities, on Saturday, May 14, 2011. "The synergy of several events occurring along the MetBranch Trail on one day really highlights Northeast DC's neighborhood vitality, something recognized by long-term residents and newcomers alike," said Robert Albrecht, founder of United Social Sports and a resident of nearby Edgewood.

Starting at 9:00 a.m., the day will kick off with a 5K Run/Walk, convened by the MBT5K Race Committee and the DC Road Runners Club. The first 150 students under the age of 18 who register online will be able to participate without charge. Race co-sponsor DC Road Runners Club, which organizes more than 30 races annually in the DC area, will provide online registration, official timing and logistical support for the 5K event, which will be held on the newly paved portion of the MBT, starting at S Street NE and 4th Street NE and the trail entrance.

Organizers hope to make this an annual signature event, with the goal of promoting exercise and healthy activity for all ages and building a sense of community ownership and involvement with the MetBranch Trail in neighborhoods to which it is adjacent, including Capitol Hill North, NoMa/Union Station, Eckington, Edgewood, Bloomingdale, Brookland, North Michigan Park, Ft. Totten, Takoma Park and Silver Spring. As a charitable event, proceeds will go to subsidize youth runners and fund other MBT trail/community linkages. Organizers, comprised mainly of neighborhood volunteers, expect 500 - 600 participants of all ages and encourage early registration.

Following the 5K race, Project Fitness Community, a nonprofit initiative, will host the Second Annual DC Fitness Challenge. The Challenge is a community-focused health and fitness competition designed to bring attention to the city's overweight and obesity crisis among children. The Challenge began last year as a way to motivate fitness enthusiasts and fitness professionals to reach back into their communities and inspire young people. Through friendly competition, participants will motivate future generations to start their fitness journey. All proceeds, including registration fees and sponsor donations, go to WIAS, a local nonprofit addressing childhood obesity.

The Challenge is open to youth 15-17 and adults 18 years and older. Participants will run a Mile Run and then complete four stations targeting strength, cardio, flexibility and endurance. Youth ages 7-14 will have an hour of fun activities (yes, a Boot Camp for Kids!). Additional activities will include yoga, Zumba, tug-of-war competitions, and much more.

Separate registration is required for each event.

The Challenge will take place at McKinley Technology High School, 151 Street NE. For specific times and details, visit www.dcfitnesschallenge.org.

To register for the 9 a.m. 5K Run/Walk, starting at S Street and 4th Street, NE, and for business sponsorship information, visit www.gometbranch.com.

Ward 5 Council on Education Meeting Tonight

The Ward 5 Council on Education will host its monthly meeting tomorrow night at Michigan Park Christian Church at 6:30pm. Guests will include Kevin Moore the Principal of Emery Education Campus, who will be discussing their relocation. The W5COE will also be sharing information on its upcoming Gala on May 13, 2011 which will honor Ward 5 students and teachers. Tickets are on sale now for $35. The Gala will be held at the beautiful St. Francis Cathedral. More information to come.

ANC5C Meeting Tonight

Just wanted to remind everyone that the ANC5C meeting is tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Summit at St. Martin's.

Home Sales in Edgewood

Here is this week's 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 $596,900 while the least expensive listing is a 1 bedroom condo listed at $114,900. It seems that there continues to be a steady number of houses selling across the price ranges and there are quite a few pending sales that have yet to be posted.

There are new sales posted:

2601 3rd Street NE sold for $150,000 on February 7th
2436 2nd Street NE sold for $145,000 on February 8th

The house on 3rd Street is currently being completely gutted and renovated. It will be interesting to see if it goes back up on the market or not.

The Chancellor's Row development continues to be a high seller in the neighborhood.

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

Metropolitan Branch Trail 5K

Please see the information below about the MBT 5K and sign up here. I imagine that this race is going to sell out quickly given the number of runners I see on the Met Branch Trail and around the neighborhood. There is still plenty of time to get in shape before the race too. You can even join your neighbors for practice runs on the trail; it is such a nice place to run without having to worry about traffic or waiting to cross streets.

Race Information

RACE DATE: Saturday, May 14, 2011: 8:00 a.m. Warm-up and Orientation; 9:00 a.m. Race Start

RACE START: S Street, NE and 4th Street, NE entrance of the Metropolitan Branch Trail

REGISTRATION FEES:

Under 18: FREE! (limit 150 preregistered participants)

18 and over:

Until April 15: $20
April 16 -May 12: $25
Race-day (If bibs are available): $35

Chocolate City Beer Brewery

I was lucky to get to meet Ben Matz and Jay Irizarry at Chocolate City Beer Brewery last Friday and get to see the building and taste their product (it was really good and not even carbonated yet!). I am impressed with both their knowledge of their craft and their commitment to grow a business that is part of the community. They have spent a lot of time cleaning out the building to get it ready and are currently waiting on electrical upgrades before they can officially start brewing for production.

While they are waiting they have been working on recipes, testing products and looking into ideas for improving their business. A few things that they are thinking of doing are adding beehives on the roof to harvest their own honey and recycling their waste products as fertilizer for local farmers or community gardens. They have also talked to DDOT about the expansion of the Met Branch Trail behind their brewery. I must admit that my favorite idea of theirs is to make a seasonal hard cider from local apples. While I am a huge beer fan I am an even bigger cider fan, so I was very excited.

A Spring launch is their hope and they will be having a launch party as well as selling to bars all over the District. I was told that we will most likely be able to sample their products at RFD, Looking Glass, the Pug and Wonderland. They will be posting a list of the bars selling their beer on their website as it becomes available. They may be able to sell kegs and large bottles from their brewery directly depending on production.

I am looking forward to them getting up and running and cannot wait to sample more of their products! I think that they are an excellent addition to our neighborhood.

Home Sales in Edgewood

Here is this week's 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 $596,900 while the least expensive listing is a 1 bedroom condo listed at $114,900. It seems that there continues to be a steady number of houses selling across the price ranges and there are quite a few pending sales that have yet to be posted.

There are new sales posted:

None posted this week still many pending.

Also, I believe that there are now 36 houses in the Chancellor's Row development that have been sold.

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

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!!!

Casey Trees Summer Crew Hiring

Casey Trees Summer Crew, launched in 2002, is a team of highly motivated high school students who serve as caretakers for the District’s trees for eight weeks in the summer.

General responsibilities include watering, weeding, mulching, tracking tree condition and educating the public about basic tree care. Crew members travel by truck or street bike. When not caring for the District’s trees, crew members participate in a series of career development activities.

This summer job opportunity requires a full-time commitment from June 20th through August 12th, 2011.

Why Apply?

• Earn a paycheck. Crew members earn $9.00 an hour and work 35 hours a week, Monday – Friday.
• Develop employment skills. For most, this will be their first job.
• Get exposure to “green” careers. This sector of the job market is fast-growing and personally rewarding.
• Meet new people. Crew members are from all around the Washington Metro Area.
• Have fun. In addition to caring for trees, crew members participate in exciting activities such as tree climbing.

How To Apply

Casey Trees began accepting applications in January 2011. All applications must be completed and submitted online by May 1, 2011.

To be considered, you must complete and submit an application — including an essay and two references — and be:

• enrolled in or just graduating high school located in the Washington Metro Area.
• 16 years or older.
• willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions with a variety of landscaping tools and equipment.
• interested in learning about and caring for trees.
• a great team player.

What is the Selection Process?

A select number of candidates are invited to interview based on their application and reference responses. Finalists participate in a field tryout in May, where prospective crew members learn firsthand the type of tree care work they will be doing for eight weeks.

Decisions are determined by the end of May 2011.

The number of available Summer Crew positions is limited. Selection is competitive.

Developments Surrounding Edgewood

While I am on a roll with development updates I thought I would do a post on the ones that while not in Edgewood are close enough that they are of interest to the neighborhood. I just did one on the Rhode Island Station so I will not repeat that information.

Mint Condos (329 Rhode Island Ave NE) - This project is currently underway and is across the street from Edgewood in Eckington. The burnt out shell of a building is being converted into 20 luxury condos priced between $200,000 and $300,000. The building is also supposed to include five retail units and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2011.

901 Monroe Street NE - This project is just entering the planning stages across the street in Brookland, but looks promising. The plans are to demolish the current buildings and build 224 Apartments, 8 % at below market rents, and 13,000 sq. ft. of neighborhood-serving retail including a restaurant. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Spring 2012.

Washington Gateway (Intersection of New York Ave and Florida Ave) - This project which has been recently revived and perhaps modified to include more residential instead of a hotel will connect NoMa with the Eckington neighborhood. A huge empty 3 acre lot will be transformed into office space and residential with a small retail component. There will be improvements made to the Met Branch Trail which will connect to this development. The groundbreaking is scheduled for June 2012.

McMillan Sand Filtration (North Capitol Street, Michigan Ave, 1 Street NW) - This huge 25 acre site has been the focus of many meetings and plans over the years and I'll put its timeline as I'll believe it when I see it. The current plans call for mixed-use development and park space which I think would be amazing! There are many sites and posts about this development as everyone seems to have an opinion as to what should happen with this piece of land.