July 29, 2017

A collapsed retaining wall gets attention from DCRA and the Mayor's office

July 29, 2017/ Drew

I tweeted out a picture that a reader sent me of a collapsed retaining wall that has been blocking the sidewalk at 8th and Illinois Ave for the last two weeks. The Mayor's office responded and is trying to help the owner get it fixed.

March 09, 2017

A look at some questions about basement apartment conversions and zoning

March 09, 2017/ Guest Contributor

The topic had clearly struck a nerve.

When Roshani Kothari, neighbor and real estate agent with DCRE Residential, invited fellow residents to come to learn more about “Understanding Zoning and Legal Basement Conversions” back in November 2016, the community meeting room of the Petworth Library pretty much filled up.

July 24, 2015

What’s next for the Riyad Market?

July 24, 2015/ Drew

I spoke with Michael Aniton from the DC Office of the Attorney General about the Riyad, the inconvenience store at the corner of 8th and Upshur St NW. Mr. Aniton has been working with MPD, DCRA and residents for the better part of a year to get this store to either conduct business above board or to close. After a recent hearing and a failed mediation, the Riyad looks to be headed for an eventual closure. Read more about the OAG's actions and next steps with the Riyad:

May 05, 2015

WAMU looks at "toxic renovations" and DCRA problems

May 05, 2015/ Drew

Ward 4 resident and WAMU reporter Martin Austermuhle has started publishing his three-part series on problems with flipped / renovated homes in the area. (He went on a neighborhood walkthrough with CM Vincent Orange the other week.)

It's a good read and focuses on a young couple, Stuart Crampton and his wife Violeta Roman, who purchased a flipped house on Perry St NW.

April 27, 2015

CM Orange walks through Petworth with residents

April 27, 2015/ Drew

Councilmember Vincent Orange is working to prohibit pop-up conversions in R-4 zoned areas around the city (with his proposed Prohibition on Single Family Dwelling Conversions Emergency Amendment Act).

CM Orange went on a neighborhood walk-through with several residents and ANC 4C Commissioners Joe Martin (SMD 4C09) and Kathleen Crowley (SMD 4C10) to look at alleged permit violations at recent or ongoing construction of conversions, pop-up and complete redevelopments of existing properties.

“Councilmember Vincent Orange, chair of the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, walked with me and Kathleen for about 90 minutes in our SMDs,” said Commissioner Martin.

Live music, dancing, fitness, and a giant book sale: The Parks at Walter Reed

Summer isn’t over yet! The Parks at Walter Reed has a full lineup of family-friendly neighborhood events coming up from August and into November, including free concerts, outdoor fitness classes, dancing, flea markets, community festivals and a massive used book sale.

Lincoln's Cottage hosts free events for America’s 250th

The Cottage is hosting a series of fun, informative and free events for the neighborhood and friends to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday and shine a light on civic mindfulness.

Porchfest is Saturday, May 30th — get ready!

Petworth Porchfest kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, May 30th with 430 bands from 31 different musical genres playing on 164 porches across greater Petworth neighborhoods.

Check out 3 ways to find great Petworth Porchfest music on 5/30

Petworth Porchfest 2026 will feature more than 400 bands performing on over 150 porches. That’s a lot of free music within walking distance! This year, organizers have launched three new tools to explore the neighborhood and find the musicians, genres and porch locations for all the music and bands.

Take advantage of the DC Security Camera Rebate Program (updated)

Here’s how to take advantage of DC's Private Security Camera System Incentive Program. DC offers up to $500 to residents and up to $750 for businesses and churches to cover the hardware costs. Article includes background, how to sign up and camera suggestions.

The Parks at Walter Reed brings a full season of fitness, music, markets and community events

The Parks at Walter Reed has announced a packed calendar of events stretching from spring through late fall ensuring the Great Lawn and plaza remain the beating heart of Uptown. The calendar mixes free fitness classes, live music, cultural programming and fan-favorite markets. All events are free (or low-cost for fitness), all-ages and welcoming to all.