A decision on the Riyad Market

While I appreciate the effort any person puts in to start and run a business legitimately, the owner of the Riyad Market, Osman Mohammed, never seemed to want to be a part of the Petworth community or support the neighborhood. The closed up windows, the odd store hours, the off-putting signage and lastly, getting caught selling synthetic drugs. It’s that last one that is the downfall of the Riyad.

The Riyad has been evicted and will be closing its doors in November.

I spoke with Michael Aniton, the DC Assistant Attorney General in charge of the case against the Riyad. “The basis of the eviction case against the Riyad Market was the sale of synthetic drugs. We had detectives prepared to testify to the sale of synthetic drugs and community members prepared to testify to the negative impact that the market has had on the surrounding community.” 

Mr. Mohammed, the owner of the Riyad, has signed a written agreement with the landlord to vacate the property by November 13, 2015. They agreed to resolve the issue in Landlord and Tenant court on Thursday, August 20th. If Mr. Mohammed fails to vacate the property or hand over the keys, or to pay the rent for September and October, the owner can have the U.S. Marshalls carry out the eviction.
 
“The role of the community is extremely important,” Mr. Aniton said. "The community should continue to report any suspicious or illegal activity that they observe at Riyad Market. I would also encourage the community to try to work with the owner of the property to make sure that the next tenant is a good, upstanding business that will bring positive energy to the community.”

I hope the Dudley family (the owners of the building) do bring in a business that will contribute to Petworth. 

Sexual assault reported on Grant Circle

A woman was forcibly sexually assaulted on the unit block of Grant Circle sometime between 2am and 3:50am Monday morning by a man described by MPD as a "black male, 25-35 years old, dark complexion and short haircut. He was observed wearing a white shirt."

MPD thinks it's possible the suspect is an Uber driver, and was driving a white "sports" car with black leather seats. 

Keep your eyes out and be careful.

Anyone who has information regarding this case should call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. 

Southwest Petworth Lemonade Social this Wednesday

The next Southwest Petworth Lemonade Social is this Wednesday, August 26th from 6:30pm to dark at the grassy triangle at Kansas Ave and Quincy Street. There's always some tasty lemonade and people have been bringing cookies, veggies and other treats -- feel free to bring something for neighbors (or local bloggers) to enjoy!

And make sure you tell your neighbors who may not be online -- getting out to meet people and kids in a causal setting makes for a great community event.

The SWP Lemonade Social is the fourth Wednesday of every month. 

Elevator rehab at Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro

If you're a fan of the elevator at the Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro station, it's going to be "rehabilitated." (I'm assuming that means a replacement or at least an update to include air fresheners...)

According to an email from Ann Chisholm at WMATA, the elevator will be out of service on August 25th until December 2015. 

Shuttle service can be arranged by calling 202-962-1825. 

Here's hoping they get all the escalators fixed before August 25th. 

(h/t Commissioner Zach Teutsch)

Image courtesy of Raymond Bryson.

Grant Circle Social is Wednesday, 8/19

The next (and 8th!) Grant Circle Social is Wednesday, August 19th from 6-7pm at the Grant Circle, appropriately enough. 

Stop by on your way home from work, on your way to the grocery store, before grabbing a bite to eat, or while walking your dog. Stop by with friends, neighbors, and/or kids for 5 minutes or the full hour! And please, invite your neighbors who may not be online and drag them along! 

To help beat the heat, this week will feature refreshing ice pops courtesy of neighbor (and Petworth News sponsor) Eddie Suarez! 

Hope to see you out there. And if you are interested in co-hosting a future Grant Circle Social please contact Rob Mandle.

August Grant Circle Social
Wednesday, August 19th (Every 3rd Wednesday)
6pm to 7 pm

About Grant Circle Socials
The Grant Circle Social series is a casual, no-agenda gathering of neighbors in Petworth's signature green space with an underlying goal of building social capital and fostering a sense of community.  Grant Circle Socials are held from 6pm to 7pm the Third Wednesday of the month.