Florida Market Tour - Saturday, February 23

Join Richard (Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space) and Elise (Frozen Tropics) for another installment of the popular walking tours of the Florida Avenue Market, February 23, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There are considerable development pressures on the area and it's important that the neighbors understand what is there now so we can better understand what stands to be lost or gained by development. There are many resources for more information on the Market, but none of these will replace walking the Market yourself.

» Capital City/Florida Market posts at Frozen Tropics
» "The Bigness Complex, Urbanism and the Florida Market" from Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space
» Capital City Market (aka Florida Market) blog (also in the sidebar)
» Capital City Market interactive piece from Josh Williams
» FreeRide's wrap-up
» DCmud on the redevelopment plans
» Sang Oh Choi's vision for the Gateway Market & Residences, "The Gateway to the Next Great Place"

Florida Avenue Market Study First Public Meeting - Tuesday, April 24th

From the flyer above:

The Office of Planning (OP) has initiated a study of the Florida Avenue Market and is engaging property and business owners within the Market, as well as residents, institutions and other stakeholders surrounding the Market. The purpose of the Study is to conduct an existing conditions analysis, an economic analysis of the wholesale and retail market functions, and an operational analysis. Additionally, the Study will provide demand projections for other potential uses on the site, resulting in various redevelopment/revitalization scenarios for consideration. The Study will also address sustainable development (green technology), urban design, transportation and historic preservation issues. Before any decisions are made regarding the future of this site, it is critical that the District and all affected parties have a full and balanced understanding of the opportunities, constraints and fiscal impacts of redevelopment, and that the public is significantly involved in considering these findings. The Florida Avenue Market is at a critical juncture of its history. Your participation in the coming months is critical for creating a successful and responsive plan!

First Public Meeting
Tuesday April 24th, 2007
Overview
3:30-5:30 pm - for Market stakeholders, vendors, etc., especially, but the content at the two meetings is the same.
6:00-8:00 pm - open to all

The Office of Planning invites property and business owners within the Florida Avenue Market and neighborhood residents and stakeholders around the Market area to help us create development recommendations for this site.

Our goal is to produce recommendations for:
• Urban Design/Public Realm
• Uses
• Parking
• Greening
• Historic Preservation.

2nd Public Meeting
Wednesday May 30th, 2007
Highlights of Possible Redevelopment Session
3:30-5:30 pm
6:00-8:00 pm

Both public meetings will be held at:

Gallaudet University
Foster Auditorium in the Student Academic Center
800 Florida Avenue (enter at 8th Street NE)

For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Neighborhood Planner, 202.442.7615 or deborah.crain@dc.gov; or Jeff Davis, Ward 6 Neighborhood Planner, 202.442.7704 or jeff.davis@dc.gov.

» Capital City/Florida Market posts at Frozen Tropics
» "The Bigness Complex, Urbanism and the Florida Market" from Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space
» Capital City Market (aka Florida Market) blog (also in the sidebar)
» Capital City Market interactive piece from Josh Williams
» FreeRide's wrap-up
» DCmud on the redevelopment plans
» Sang Oh Choi's vision for the Gateway Market & Residences, "The Gateway to the Next Great Place"

Walking Town DC Spring 2007 - Saturday & Sunday

Saturday, April 21, 2007 - Sunday, April 22, 2007
Location: Across the City

Join Cultural Tourism DC for more than 60 free walking tours (and a few bike and boat tours) in 18 neighborhoods across Washington, DC. Check the overview schedule, email info@CulturalTourismDC.org or call 202-661-7581 for more information.

What you need to know:
· All tours are free.
· Reservations are not required, with the exception of the bike tours and a few others. Just show up!
· Consider taking Metrobus, Metrorail, or the Circulator. Most tours are readily available via public transportation.
· Tours are held rain or shine.
· Visit the City Guide at washingtonpost.com to check special features and post a review.
· Need more info or tips to plan your day? Click here!

Just a sampling of the tours that may be of interest to folks in NE:

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Anacostia by Bike: The River and the Ridge
Saturday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Meet at the Harbor Police parking lot at the south end of Water Street, SW
Reservations required: 202-518-0524 or waba@waba.org
This 26-mile ride combines a tour of the Anacostia River Walk Trail with the spine of the Potomac Ridge. See Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, historic Anacostia, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and the Anacostia Community Museum. Participants should expect rough pavement, hills, and traffic, which will be heavy in spots. Helmets are mandatory. Bring water, food, and ID. Led by volunteer Jon Fleming and presented by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

Anacostia by Bike
Saturday 9 am – 12 noon
Meet at the entrance to the Washington Fish and Seafood Market Place, 1100 Maine Avenue, SW
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Experience the Anacostia River by bicycle with Emeka Moneme, director of the District Department of Transportation. Ride the route of the future Anacostia River Walk Trail to see Anacostia Park and RFK Stadium. You’ll also learn about the many projects that will soon transform the Anacostia waterfront. Presented by the District Department of Transportation.

Explore Florida Market/Capital City Market
Saturday 9 – 11 am
Meet outside the north entrance of New York Avenue Metro station (exit to Florida Avenue)
The Florida Market is the city’s major wholesale food distribution center. Walkers will visit two Korean restaurants and vendors inside the DC Farmers Market building. The tour will also address development issues, such as increased demand for urban living. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Citizens Planning Coalition, Frozen Tropics weblog, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

History of Brookland
Saturday 9 – 10:30 am
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE
Learn about the development of Brookland over the last 120 years. Hear about the contributions of famous Brooklanders such as Ralph Bunche and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and discover neighborhood architectural styles. Led by volunteer residents and presented by Brookland Tour Committee.

History of Brookland
Saturday 10:30 am – 12 noon
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

African Americans at the Top of the Hill
Saturday 1 – 3 pm
Meet in front of Union Station next to the Freedom Bell
Visit notable African American sites such as the first Washington home of Frederick Douglass, the statue of Mary McLeod Bethune, and the Emancipation Monument. Tour highlights also include the Supreme Court where Justice Thurgood Marshall made landmark decisions and the capital rotunda where Rosa Parks was honored. Led by Noel Paige and presented by Urban Communications (UC) Tours.

History of Brookland
Saturday 1:30 – 3 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 3 – 4:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 4 – 5 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

Rediscovering Kingman and Heritage Islands
Sunday 10 – 11:30 am
Meet outside Stadium-Armory Metro station (north exit)
Kingman Island and the adjacent Heritage Island, located near RFK Stadium, are envisioned as a publicly accessible, 45-acre natural park that reconnects the neighborhood and all District residents with the natural wonders of the Anacostia River. Join Howard Ways, Anacostia Waterfront Corporation Ward Seven project director, as he tours the area and discusses plans for this space. Presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE


Exploring the Hill East Waterfront
Sunday 1 – 2 pm
Meet outside Stadium-Armory Metro station (north entrance)
Hill East Waterfront lies along the shores of the Anacostia River at the southeastern end of Capitol Hill. This community will be transformed into an urban multi-use district, connecting the surrounding neighborhood to the Anacostia Waterfront via tree-lined public streets, recreational trails, and accessible waterfront parklands. Led by Jeff Seltzer, Capital Projects Manager for AWC and presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 1:30 – 3 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

Heard It Through the Grapevine: A Tour of Marvin Gaye Park
Sunday 3 – 5 pm
Meet outside Capitol Heights Metro station
Plans for the restoration of 55-acre Marvin Gaye Park call for a green stream valley with recreational amenities that complement and enhance surrounding communities. The project also includes a rejuvenated streambed, a multi-purpose trail, upgrades to sewer and stormwater management, and improvements to the pedestrian bridges. Led by Washington Parks and People and presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 3 – 4:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Sunday 4 – 5 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

Emergency Legislation on MLK Library - Sign the Petition to Preserve It

Mayor Williams has scheduled a(nother) vote on an emergency library bill next Tuesday - despite others not passing. Williams believes "all the issues have been ventilated." Wow. Interestingly enough, many of us don't agree. In addition to contacting your and others' Councilmember [see Council contact information in previous posting here], you can sign this petition to save the MLK Library. And, honestly, if you're for building a new library on the old convention center site, that's a valid option, but at the very least demand more accountability from the current and incoming Council, as well as the DCPL Board of Trustees and Ginnie Cooper. Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space goes into more detail on DC residents' MLK Catch-22.

Oh, and it looks like the Council will also be making a final reading and vote Tuesday, December 19th on temporary legislation on the Florida/Capital City Market (scroll down their schedule for "New Town at Capital City Market Revitalization Development and Public /Private Partnership Temporary Act of 2006"). Read some of Richard and Elise's comments on the proposal and search their sites for more.

Council Moves Forward on "New Town" Proposal

The Council has given preliminary approval - without minimal input from the current businesses and surrounding community - to Vincent Orange's "New Town" proposal which would raze the current Florida/Capital City Market. No, it's not pretty, but it's far from "blighted." I don't have time to comment right now, but keep checking in, and take a look at the reactions from both Frozen Tropics and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space. You can also read the Post's take here.

Updates forthcoming....

7th Annual Ward 5 Economic Development Summit - Saturday, October 28th

What: 7th Annual Ward 5 Economic Development Summit

When: Saturday, October 28th, 2006, 8:30am-2pm

Where: Trinity University, 125 Michigan Avenue, NE

Invited Developers, Presentation, and Updates: Armed Forces Retirement Home; Fairfield Residential, LLC; DC Office of Planning; Florida Market - "New Town"; Fort Linclon - Costco/Shoppers Food Warehouse/Target; Irving Street Conference Center - Mariani Architects Engineers; McMillan Reservoir - National Capital Revitalization Corporation/NCRC; New York Avenue Arboretum - Abdo Development; Rhode Island Metro - Mid-City urban, LLC; Riggs Plaza Apartments - The Cafritz Foundation; Travel Lodge - Hotel Development Complex; Yes! Organic Market

For additional information please call the Ward 5 Council Office at 202.724.8028.

Florida Market Tour - Saturday, October 14th / Public Hearing - Friday, October 20th

Both Richard and Elise have posted a wealth of information on the tour they're hosting this Saturday. I've gone, I've enjoyed, and you should, too.

Also, if you can, consider attending the public hearing Friday, October 20th, 2006 on proposed legislation for Bill 16-868: "New Town at Capital City Market Revitalization Development and Public/Private Partnership Act of 2006." The proposal intends to "create a public/private partnership between the District of Columbia and New Town Development, LLC for the purposes of economic, social, and cultural revitalization of a 24 acre site located in Ward 5." Richard and Elise have written extensively on the future of the Florida Market and what we could lose if New Town becomes a reality (searches on their respective blogs will bring up the relevant posts).

Two Teens Shot Outside Market Lounge

A friend called this evening and was giving me the details of her bus rides (yes, plural) home to SE from H Street NE. Much of the story revolved around a group of teens both on the bus and at her transfer that was quite excited and vocal about some other kids getting shot. Because I can't help it, I had the TV on in the background. About an hour into our conversation, there was the shooting on Fox 5 news! Now, Fox 5's website stinks, imho, and they don't have RSS, but NBC4 has the goods:

Police are investigating a shooting incident that left three people injured Monday evening in northeast Washington.

Authorities said two teens exchanged gunfire just after 6 p.m. in the 1200 block of Fifth Street Northeast [though I believe I first heard the argument occured at 5th and Morse]. Investigators said the shooting occurred shortly after a concert for teens let out at the Market Lounge, which is a club above the D.C. Farmer's Market in the 1300 block.

Officials said three 15-year-olds were injured [see update below]. A female sustained gunshot wounds to the legs. A male was shot in the hand. Another male was pistol-whipped.

Two teens were arrested for fighting. One had a gun. Investigators said they recovered a car and another gun that may have been related to the shooting, but the person who police said fired the shots is still on the loose.

The dance was scheduled to end early enough so teens could get home before the new 10 p.m. curfew.

Police believe the shooting may stem from an ongoing dispute between two groups of young people.

I'm bothered more by the likely age group of the perpetrators than the fact that this is the second shooting at the Capital City/Florida Market in less than a week. That and how "cool" the incident was to about 200 of our young people....

- - -

At least three other people were shot last night in the District:

An adult male was shot in the 300 block of 61st Street NE just before 10pm. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Just after midnight, another shooting was reported in the 5200 block of Just Street NE. A male suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

A fourth shooting incident occurred at 3am in the 4600 block of Livingston Road SE. An adult male suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The victim was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.

***UPDATE*** This WaPo article has more details. Those injured include a 14-year-old girl shot in both legs, a 13-year-old boy shot in one leg, and a 17-year-old youth who was pistol-whipped. Another 17-year-old who sped away from the scene was stopped by MPD and arrested after they found a shotgun in his car.

Armed Robbery at Capital City/Florida Market

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in attempting to identify the suspect wanted in connection with an armed robbery and shooting.

At approximately 6:50 am on Friday, August 4, 2006, four men were sitting in front of the Donald Chin Supply Company located at 1323 4th Street, NE. It was at that time that a lone male subject armed with a handgun approached the group and forced them inside. One of the victims was subsequently shot in the right and left leg and robbed of his wallet before the subject fled on foot. That victim was transported to an area hospital where he was admitted in critical but stable condition. His name and the identities of the other victims in this case are being withheld due to the fact that they are witnesses.

The suspect in this case is described as a black male, possibly in his 30s, 5’10” tall with a slim build, medium complexion and large sideburns. He is further described as wearing a light gray tee-shirt, light blue jeans and black and white tennis shoes.

This case remains under investigation by detectives from the department’s Fifth District. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any robbery committed in the District of Columbia.

You can watch the surveillance tape (the actual shooting is not on tape) here.

- - -

In other news, an arrest was made in the November 2005 shooting death of 29-year-old Patrick Carter on the 1800 block Corcoran Street, NE.

Finally, New Kid on the Eckington Block gives a shout-out to the cops for getting one more gun off our streets.

Florida Market Tour - Saturday, July 29th @ 9am

I enjoyed last month's tour, but I'm mad at myself for skipping breakfast at Young's Deli, which closed quite suddenly just a little over a week after I was there....Details of Saturday's tour from Richard Layman:

The Capital City Market, more commonly known as the Florida Market, is the primary wholesale food distribution center in the city. A number of the businesses sell to retail customers. The cinder block "DC Farmers Market" building on Neal Street is comparable to Eastern Market, except it is privately owned, and less pretty.

The market area is under great development pressure because of its location and the attractiveness of the New York Avenue subway stop. The Office of Planning Cluster 23 Study proposes that the market be revitalized through a food-centered plan. An alternative proposal suggests demolishing everything and starting over. We're interested in showing people the assets that the market has to offer. The July issues of the Hill Rag and DC North had an article about the market and the issues involved (PDF versions).



On Saturday, Elise Bernard of the Frozen Tropics blog, and I will lead a free tour of the market. It will start at 9:00 a.m. at 4th and Morse Streets, NE.

We will visit one dozen places that sell retail, including the multi-vendor cinder block "Farmers Market" and the outdoor flea market, before finishing at Litteri's, which in my opinion, has the best Italian sub sandwich in the city (sorry Vace, sorry Mangialiardo's). We should finish up around 11 a.m.

New developments. In the month since we've done the last tour, Young's Deli has closed because the landlord wants to sell the building. Councilmember Orange announced at a Mayoral candidates forum that he has entered legislation with 11 co-sponsors!!!!!!!!!!!! to proceed with the "New Town" plan, which to go forward requires (1) hundreds of millions of dollars of city subsidies; and (2) eminent domain takings; because (3) the initiators of the New Town "plan" only control 10% of the land.

Also see this feature from the Post food section, published in May, "The Insiders' Market: For International Finds, Those in the Know Shop at Capital City in the Warehouse District."

Capital City/Florida Market Tour Saturday, June 24th

From Richard Layman:

The Capital City Market, more commonly known as the Florida Market, is the primary wholesale food distribution center in the city. A number of the businesses sell to retail customers. The cinder block "DC Farmers Market" building on Neal Street is comparable to Eastern Market, except it is privately owned, and a lot less pretty. The market area is under great development pressure because of its location and the attractiveness of the New York Avenue subway stop. The Office of Planning Cluster 23 Study proposes that the market be revitalized through a food-centered plan. An alternative proposal suggests demolishing everything and starting over. We're interested in showing people the assets that the market has to offer.

On Saturday, Elise Bernard of the Frozen Tropics blog, and I will lead a free tour of the market. It will start at 9:00 a.m. at 4th and Morse Streets, NE. We will then go eat at Young's Deli (inexpensive Korean and other foods). People could join us at 9:40 at Young's (300 block of Morse St., NE) for the rest of the tour if they are not up for kimchee. We will then visit eleven other places that sell retail, including the multi-vendor cinder block "Farmers Market" and the outdoor flea market, before finishing at Litteri's, which in my opinion, has the best Italian sub sandwich in the city (sorry Vace, sorry Mangialiardo's). We should finish up around noon.

We will repeat the tour on Saturday, July 29, at 9 a.m., beginning at the same meeting place.

In addition to getting to explore more of NE, I'm excited to physically meet some of the neighborhood bloggers I read (so far, Richard's the only one I've run into). For more info on the Capital City Market see:

• Frozen Tropics
• Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space (multiple posts)
• "The Insiders' Market: For International Finds, Those in the Know Shop at Capital City in the Warehouse District" - WaPo
• Map of the Capital City Market - WaPo, though not inclusive of everything on Saturday's tour

I've also been alerted to a Ward 5 Democrats Convention this Saturday, though I haven't been able to locate any further info....Sadly, an early afternoon improv commitment limits me to just this tour. Oh, the sacrifices we must make for our art :)

Gateway Arts District Open Studio Tour Saturday, May 20th

The ultimate in multitasking fun! Come out to support community bloggers Sean Hennessey and Rania Hassan and local arts at the annual Mount Rainier Day Festival (10am-7pm) and the Gateway Arts District Open Studio Tour (12-5pm). Sean has posted detailed info and directions to his and Rania's studio at the Washington Glass School here. I hope to make it out between morning and afternoon work commitments (I'm not complaining - BEA is like heaven for me).

I can't help but see the opportunities for Woodridge's "gateway" by partnering with the budding arts district just steps away. This should not be overlooked by our ANC or the Council. I guess the pestering starts here.

Also of note on Saturday: A tour of the Florida Market area, hosted by Richard Layman and Elise of Frozen Tropics. Count me in for next month!