Edgewood Community Meeting Tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Friends,

There is a special Edgewood community meeting planned for this Wednesday April 27th at the Edgewood Recreation Center (3rd and Evarts Street NE). DPR is asking us what activities we would like to see at the rec. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm. The flyer is attached. Come on out!

Michael Henderson

Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center

Chocolate City Beer T-Shirt Give-Away in May

Chocolate City Beer is have a T-Shirt Give-Away in May.  They are collecting photos of your favorite spots in DC and will pick two winners every Friday in May to give free T-shirts.  You can send your photos via twitter to @ChocCityBeer or post them to their Facebook wall. 

Smart Security Tour Saturday, May 7, 2011

Please see the attached document which serves as an invitation to learn about SmartKey Technology which can be used to aid in burglary prevention. This event is a joint operation between the National Crime Prevention Council and Kwikset locks. All are welcome. It will also serve as a Neighborhood Crime Prevention Fair and will include demos and a drawing for $4500 in tools.

Event: Smart Security Tour

Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: Home Depot-901 Rhode Island Avenue, NE-Washington, DC

For more information, contact:

Point of Contact:

Ms. Marsha Hott (mhott@ncpc.org)

Director, Community Outreach

National Crime Prevention Council

2001 Jefferson Davis Highway Suite 901

Arlington, VA 22202

Casey Trees urges residents to practice 25 to Stay Alive

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 urges residents to practice 25 to Stay Alive

Casey Trees to issue weekly watering alerts, offer supplies to help residents water their trees.

(Washington, D.C. – April 26 2011) — Beginning May 2 and lasting through September, Casey Trees will issue weekly watering recommendations as part of its 25 to Stay Alive campaign. The alerts notify residents of the week’s rain forecast and encourage them to water trees on and surrounding their property in times of little or no rainfall.

Casey Trees’ will post its watering recommendations each Monday morning on its website’s homepage and Facebook and Twitter accounts throughout the spring and summer. Precipitation and streamflow data determine the conditions — Dry, Normal or Wet — and the associated watering recommendation — Water, Additional Watering Optional or No Additional Watering Needed, respectively.

Trees, especially those that have been in the ground less than three years, need 25 gallons of water — equivalent to approximately a 1.5” rainfall event — a week to become established and thrive.

Casey Trees’ 25 to Stay Alive campaign aims to educate residents of the importance of watering trees, when and how to properly water and to provide them with the supplies to make watering easier and less time consuming.

In addition to following Casey Trees’ online watering recommendations, residents can track weekly rainfall totals at home with complimentary rain gauges, which Casey Trees mails to residents who sign the online tree watering pledge at www.caseytrees.org/iwatermytrees. The rain gauges help residents determine when they need to water their trees. If less than 1.5 inches of rain falls, residents should water their trees the recommended 25 gallons of water.

Casey Trees also provides free slow-release watering bags to make watering trees less time consuming for D.C. residents. Each irrigation bag holds the recommended 25 gallons of water, shortens watering time, allows air circulation around the trunk and reduces water runoff. Ooze Tubes may be picked up from Casey Trees’ Brookland headquarters at 3030 12th Street NE during normal business hours.

Residents are also encouraged to mulch their trees to keep soil moist and discourage summer weeds. Individuals should apply using the 3-3-3 Rule — three inches of mulch in a three-foot ring with a three-inch space around the trunk. Additional tree care and planting techniques can be found at www.caseytrees.org/resources.

Rhythm in NoMa Expands to 2 Locations, 20 Weeks

Please see the press release below from NoMa BID about their free summer concerts.  Only a short ride down the Met Branch Trail from Edgewood.


For immediate release

News media contact: Rachel Davis
202-289-0111, rdavis@nomabid.org

Rhythm in NoMa Expands to 2 Locations, 20 Weeks

Washington, D.C., April 25, 2011 – Get ready to groove to the music, as NoMa’s concert series has grown to two locations and 20 weeks. Rhythm in NoMa is a free lunch-time concert series featuring a variety of local musicians and styles – from blues to reggae, and top 40s hits to smooth Motown favorites. This year, concerts take place in two locations: New York Avenue Metro Plaza at Second and N Streets, NE, on Thursdays, and Union Center Plaza at 810 First Street, NE, on Fridays.

Buy lunch at one of NoMa’s local retailers, and enjoy the live music while you eat. All concerts are free, running from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Thursday Concerts, New York Avenue Metro Plaza, Second & N Streets, NE

May 12, 2011, Quiet Fire (Soul)
May 19, 2011, Sam'O (Reggae/Caribbean)
May 26, 2011, Sin Miedo (Salsa)
June 2, 2011, Johnny Artis (R&B)
June 9, 2011, Monster Band (Funk/Dance)
June 16, 2011, Liz Briones (Jazz)
June 23, 2011, Jimi Smooth & the Hittime (Motown)
June 30, 2011, Ten Feet Tall (Funk)
July 7, 2011, John Stone (Reggae)
July 14, 2011, Kelly Bell (Phat Blues)
July 21, 2011, Salsaley Orquestra (Salsa)
July 28, 2011, FrameWerk (R&B)
August 4, 2011, N2N (Soul)
August 11, 2011, Monster Band (Funk/Dance)


Friday Concerts (Acoustic), Union Center Plaza, 810 First Street, NE

June 3, 2011, Liz Briones (Jazz)
June 10, 2011, Johnny Artis (Blues)
June 17, 2011 Miguel Aubertin (Reggae)
June 24, 2011 Raddy & the Cats (Jazz/R&B)
July 1, 2011 Joe Daniels (Soul)
July 8, 2011Paul Pfau (Blues)

Rhythm in NoMa is organized by the NoMa BID; sponsored by the Union Station Business Center; and managed by Last Call Entertainment.
Many thanks to the property owners who host the concerts: Courtyard by Marriott, Au Bon Pain, Lincoln Property Company, Akridge, Union Center Plaza Management Corp., and G&R Management Company. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About NoMa

NoMa is a vibrant, growing neighborhood north of Union Station and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. In the last five years, private developers have invested more than $3 billion in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID, and have plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space. In 2010, more than 6,000 people moved into NoMa to live or work; and eight new retailers opened for business. NoMa has 15 modes of transportation, including two Red Line Metro stops, and the best biking facilities in DC, with the only East Coast Bikestation, the 8-mile Met Branch Trail, and six Capital Bikeshare stations. For more information about NoMa, visit http://www.nomabid.org/ and sign up for our bimonthly newsletter. Follow us on Twitter @NoMaBID; or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nomabid.
###

Rachel L. Davis, LEED AP

Marketing & Events Manager
NoMa Business Improvement District
1200 First Street NE, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20002

Vote for Heather Deutsch ANC 5C08 on May 17th!

While I have steered clear of making endorsements for city-wide races since this is a neighborhood blog I feel comfortable endorsing Heather Deutsch for ANC 5C08 - now if only I could move my house 1 block and across the street so I could vote for her! Please take the time to go vote on May 17th for Heather because Edgewood needs a strong, community-building representative!!

Reminder Tonight's Meeting of the Edgewood Civic Association at 7:00 p.m.

Please see the message below about this month's meeting of the Edgewood Civic Association.

Greetings Eckington & Edgewood


The Edgewood Civic Association (ECA) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, April 25, 2011 from 7pm-9pm. The meeting will be held at 635 Edgewood Street NE, 9th floor Crawford Hall. The meeting flier is attached for distribution.
This is a chance for residents to discuss crime, development, community events and other topics of interest. As usual if your unable to attend the meeting and would like to share a question, comment or concern you can use our on-line comment submission form.http://www.theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org/community-feedback.php and we will address it at Mondays meeting. It is important that we all take part in shaping our community. Remember to bring a friend.
theedgewoodcivicassociationofdc@yahoogroups.com

The Edgewood Civic Association DC

http://www.theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org/

Metropolitan Branch Trail Tree Planting Thursday, April 21st

On Thursday, April 21, join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy as we volunteer with Casey Trees for a planting on Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). As spring begins to bloom and the summer sun approaches, help us bring more green to neighborhoods along the MBT!


Where: At the corner of 3rd and R streets, NE

Closest Metro: New York Avenue (Red Line) - Street parking available

When: Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Bike commuters encouraged to attend!

REGISTER ONLINE

Questions? Contact Carol Herwig, Casey Trees Volunteer Coordinator (cherwig@caseytrees.org or 202.349.1907)

Dress for the weather; wear durable, close-toed shoes and bring your own water bottle. Tools and instruction are provided. This event will occur rain or shine unless the weather is severe.

This tree planting is supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation.

Happy trails,

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

PSA 501 Meeting: Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 at 7pm

PSA 501 Meeting


Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 at 7pm

Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE

This is an opportunity to meet with our Officers to discuss specific concerns.

Topics may include:

Specific crimes in the neighborhood

Areas you wish for MPD to focus on or address

Redistricting of Police Districts

Other safety concerns

CVS Moving to Rhode Island Station

According to staff at the CVS at Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center they are moving to Rhode Island Station.  Hat tip to our neighbor, Michael Henderson, for sharing the information.

I wonder what this means for the timeline for the Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center.  I wrote about it awhile ago with the leasing agency stating that most leases still had 8-10 years left on them.  That meant that nothing would happen before then.  They did also state that they would be comfortable redeveloping the center in stages though.  There has not been any sign of the store coming to the Safeway spot that was promised in Spring.

I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.  The CVS move will likely take awhile as Rhode Island Station has to be completed and then the store has to build out its own space.  I sure hope that the bridge from the Met Branch Trail to the metro station is completed by then because the seniors will need better access to the pharmacy.

ANC 5C Meeting Tuesday April 19th at 7:00 p.m.

Tomorrow is the monthly ANC 5C meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. Please see the agenda for more information.

Don't Forget to Register for the Met Branch Trail 5K

Don't forget to register for the MBT 5K if you have not already and help spread the word.  There are free registrations available for our youth and neighbors that might not be able to afford to pay.  Please help us make this a true community-wide event.  See the press release below for more information:

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Provides a Path to Better Health


Free Registration Offered to Ward 5 Residents for May 14th 5K Race/Walk



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION Sherri Morgan or Cristina von Spiegelfeld, 202-455-5628 Info@gometbranch.com

April 12, 2011 (Washington, DC) – Organizers of the first 5K race to be held on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) in Northeast DC on Saturday, May 14 announced today that Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), with funding support from Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, will provide free adult registration to the first 50 community members residing in Edgewood, Eckington, Brookland and all Ward 5 neighborhoods. By raising awareness about the trail and promoting its use, the mission of this annual event is to further integrate the Metropolitan Branch Trail into building strong and thriving communities.

The MBT has the ability to transform the health, safety and lifestyles of the citizens of Ward 5 by providing access for walking and bicycling for recreation and transportation, safe alternatives to dangerous and difficult street crossings to access Metro trains and buses, a new connection to green space for people of all ages and a place to foster outdoor activity, play and community. RTC and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States are committed to creating opportunities for nearby residents to use and enjoy the trail and are pleased to support this community event.

Organizers also announced that PEPCO has recently joined as an event sponsor. Additional sponsors include residential developer EYA and local grocer, Harris Teeter. All proceeds will be used to fund further community-trail linkages.

DC Road Runners Club, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is co-convening the race, which will be held on a USATF-Certified course along the the newly paved portion of the MBT, starting at S Street NE and 4thStreet NE and the trail entrance. Early registration fee of $20 ends April 15, and then increases to $25. To register for the MBT 5K Run/Walk as a runner, volunteer or sponsor, go to: www.gometbranch.com.

Free registration will be available to the first 50 adults within Ward 5 on a first-come first-served basis. If runners are able to pay the registration fee, please consider contributing to this community event in order to allow for need-based free registration. Contact Kelly Pack to inquire about free registration: 202.974.5148 or kellyp@railstotrails.org.

# # #

About the Metropolitan Branch Trail

The Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) is an 8-mile trail that runs from Union Station in the District of Columbia to Silver Spring in Maryland. Following the Metropolitan Branch Line of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, the trail passes through numerous vibrant and historic neighborhoods as well as connecting to the National Mall. The MBT is an important transportation route providing connections to homes, work and play as well as access to seven Metro stations. Current plans include connections to the area’s trail network such as the Capital Crescent Trail, Anacostia Trails System, and integration into the East Coast Greenway.

ANC 5C08 Election May 17th!!!

We are electing a new Commissioner for ANC 5C08 (one of our Edgewood Commissioners). The meeting will be held at Beacon House (601 Edgewood Street NE) on Tuesday, May 17th, 6:30-7:45 PM. See the  flyer for voter eligibility and details.

This is a very important election for our neighborhood!  Please take the time to vote and get to know the two candidates if you live in this single member district.  An active, helpful commissioner is essential to building a strong community.

Casey Trees Open House April 30th

Casey Trees to host Open House to celebrate opening of headquarters, Arbor Day


Family-friendly activities, demonstrations, tree walks and building tours planned.

(Washington, D.C. – April 12, 2011) — Casey Trees will celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 30 with the official opening of its new headquarters at 3030 12th Street NE in Brookland.

The Casey Trees Open House is scheduled from noon to 5:00 p.m. and will feature family-friendly activities, program spotlights and demonstrations, building tours and neighborhood tree walks. Attendees can come and go as they wish, view exhibits, participate in presentations, talk directly with Casey Trees staff and volunteers and provide comment.

"We are excited about the opportunity to welcome everyone to our new home,” Executive Director Mark Buscaino said. “We think of our new headquarters as the Nation’s Tree House, a place for all Washingtonians to learn about the importance of trees and the programs we offer to re-tree D.C.’s neighborhoods.”

Scheduled activities include:

Building Tours: 12:30, 1:00, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00

Presentations:

Walking Papers: Mapping trees online with pen and paper 1:00, 3:00

Rain gardens: Trees, plants and tips to consider 3:00

Green workplace exterior case study: Casey Trees 4:15

Tree Walks: 2:15, 2:45, 3:15, 3:45, 4:15

Tree Id Crash Course: 2:00, 2:30, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30

Youth offerings include tree themed arts and crafts, face painting and a moon bounce. Door prizes will be given out to attendees throughout the afternoon and slow release watering bags and trunk guards will be available free of charge while supplies last. Light refreshments will be served.

Casey Trees is a 10-minute walk from the Brookland-CUA Metrorail station and is accessible by the D8 and H8/9 Metrobus routes. Complimentary street parking and bike valet will be available.

Advance registration is encouraged at www.ct.convio.net/calendar.

About the headquarters:

Casey Trees’ headquarters is located in the historic Brookland neighborhood and includes an administrative building and tree yard, marking the first time both are in the same location. The administrative building, half new, half renovated, is approximately 10,000 square feet. It was included as one of more than 150 projects in the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) Pilot Program and features three green roofs, a “cool roof” and bioretention planter capable of handling a four-inch rain event. The tree yard, a revamped redfield site, includes a rain garden boasting an elaborate mix of trees and plants mitigating stormwater from the site

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.

Also, this weekend we are pulling double duty and meeting at the Edgewood Rec Center on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. to install signs on all the storm drains in Edgewood asking folks to not throw trash into them and letting them know the water goes to our local rivers.  So, please come out one of both days to help out and meet your neighbors!!  I will be there both days!

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

Edgewood Homes 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 gutted rowhouse ready for renovations listed at $74,500. 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.

649 Franklin Street NE sold on March 18th for $479,000

326 Bryant Street NE sold on March 25th for $270,000

2400 2nd Street NE sold March 30th for $162,000

The Chancellor's Row development continues to be a high seller in the neighborhood having sold 44 houses at the last count.

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