Estella's Hats & Boutique Building For Sale

Estella Wheeler (be sure to click on the link for a lovely tribute from NPR's All Things Considered) passed away earlier this year, and now the building that has long been home to Estella's Hats & Boutique is for sale (login required, MLS #DC6564419). The current list price for the 2 retail storefronts with 4 apartments above is $825,000.


» NPR/All Things Considered - June 14, 2007, "Hats Off to Beloved D.C. Haberdasher"
» NPR/All Things Considered - March 27, 2005, "Easter Hat Roundup: Estella's View from Church"

ANC-5C Monthly Meeting - TONIGHT

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 16th, 2007, 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: St. George’s Episcopal Church, 160 U Street, NW

Agenda Includes:
· Alice Thompson, Ward Coordinator, Community Relations and Services Office
· MPD-5D Public Safety Update
· Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.
· Dance Place Expansion Presentation and Coyaba Dance Group Introduction
· Children's National Medical Center East Wing Expansion Presentation
· Announcement of Procedure to Fill Vacant 5C-05 Seat

**Kudos to 5C for keeping up on their minutes!**

NE DC Historical Society Meeting: DC's Climatic History and the Future - Sunday, October 14th

What: Join the NE DC Historical Society as they continue to explore the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come. This month's meeting will take place in the Kenilworth community. Chris Weiss, Director of the DC Environmental Network, will provide us with a "Briefing on the Activities of the Capital Climate Coalition."

When: Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 1-3 p.m. (please note earlier time!)

Where: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th, 2007. The meeting will take place at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place, SE. Speakers will include Diane Dale, president of the Anacostia Historical Society presenting on "The History of Black Anacostia" and Claire Douglass from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network speaking on "Global Warming and What You Can Do About It."

NE DC Historical Society meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting - Sunday, October 14th

What: SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting with Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 2-3:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Future Meetings:
Sunday, November 11th
Sunday, December 9th

Chairman Gray Attending Brookland Civic Association Meeting - Thursday, October 11th

What: Council Chairman Vincent Gray will be the special guest at the next Brookland Civic Association meeting. Chairman Gray will answer questions on public safety, education, infrastructure, and economic development.

***This would also be a good time to voice your concerns over the demolition of previously hidden and original Deco detailing on the shopping center at 10th and Perry. View pictures taken last week after the most recent façade was removed for renovation. Since those photos were taken, the panels have been removed and the Historic Preservation Office deemed the structure to be of no historical merit. This is what the final renovation is slated to look like - bleh in comparison to the original - and seemingly well preserved - enamel panels.***

When: Thursday, October 11th, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

For more information: Contact Mary Baird Currie, President, at 202.635.1970

Ward 5 Meeting on Crime & Safety - TONIGHT

What: Ward 5 Constituent Meeting - Share your thoughts on crime and safety concerns in Ward 5 with the new Commander of the 5th District, Lamar Greene.

When: Tuesday, October 9, 2007, 6-8:30 p.m.; reception will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Noyes Elementary School, 2725 10th Street, NE

For additional information contact the Ward 5 Council Office at 202.724.8028

Listerv Squabble Over "The Library" Makes the News

Because what we say on our neighborhood listservs isn't behind closed doors....FreeRide also points to a CUA Tower article on students being arrested recently for providing false IDs on the way in.

2 More Children Missing FOUND in NE

**UPDATE** from WUSA9:

Missing siblings 4-year-old Wali McJunkin and 15-year-old Chantryce Johnson have been found safe.

The brother and sister were located, apparently safe and healthy, at a location on Rhode Island Avenue NE, this afternoon. DC police officials are reuniting the two children with the parents. Their mother told 9NEWS NOW that she planned to hug them and kiss them, and to get help for her daughter.

Previously from WUSA9:

On WTOP this morning, Police Chief Cathy Lanier said police may have a lead in the case of missing siblings 4-year-old Wali McJunkin and 15-year-old Chantryce Johnson.

They have been missing since yesterday when Johnson picked up McJunkin at the Peaches 'N Cream Day Center located in the 300 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Police sources say Johnson has been listed as a runaway since September 22. She was spotted Wednesday for the first time when she picked up her little brother from daycare.

Police tell 9NEWS NOW that they have set up two command posts in the girl’s Southeast neighborhood and in the 300 block of Eastern Ave. NW at the daycare center.

The children’s mother, Gwen Johnson, tells 9NEWS NOW that she finds it difficult to eat or sleep with two of her children missing. She says the staff of Peaches 'N Cream Day Center should never have allowed a minor to take her son.

The mother of five children says she has tried everything she could to get help for the 15-year-old. She says, her daughter has run away eight times since December. She had her daughter in therapy prior to the disappearance.

Two 9-Year-Old Girls Missing FOUND; Last Seen in NE

WTOP is reporting that Brittany and Deasia have been found by PG County police.

From NBC4:

The Metropolitan Police Department asked for the public's help in locating two missing 9-year-olds on Wednesday night.

Deasia Tashay Wooten and Brittany Bennett went missing from Rudolph Elementary School in D.C. around 3:17 p.m.

They were last seen at a McDonald's restaurant on South Dakota Avenue and Delafield Street.

Wooten is black with black hair in cornrows and brown eyes. Family said she is about 4 feet 7 inches or 4 feet 8 inches tall and was wearing a white shirt and blue jumper.

Bennett is black with a medium complexion. She is about 75 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. She is 4 feet 5 inches and was wearing a white jacket with blue pants.

Police said anyone who locates the children should immediately call 911.

Updates on Artist Housing in Woodridge and Brookland

I missed it a couple of weeks ago, but the Post ran a piece on artist housing in DC, featuring the Douglass Street project I mentioned back in July. The application process will likely open up again in the spring, and I'll post the info here if I catch it in time. Overall, a good article, if you just strike the following:

The biggest downside of the Douglass Street project is its location. While Mather Studios is in the heart of downtown, the Douglass [sic] Street project is in Northeast, near New York Avenue.

God forbid. Seriously, who wants to live near the Arboretum, the Gateway Arts District in Maryland, or Abdo's forthcoming Arbor Place? Oh, maybe it's not that bad....


But I digress. Artspace's Dance Place Project is gathering steam, with construction estimated to start in early 2008:

Artspace will develop a mixed-used project that will include 30 to 40 affordable live/work units for artists and a new home for Dance Place, a nonprofit organization that operates a dance company, a school, and a variety of children's programs. Two existing buildings on the site will be torn down to make way for the project.

A hearty welcome to our future neighbors!

Brookland Preservation Meeting - TONIGHT

Concerned Brookland resident Dan Vera has called an emergency preservation meeting this evening:

We're having a meeting this evening at 6 p.m. to see what can be done about the beautiful art-moderne façade imperiled in Brookland at the 10th Street market. We'll be meeting there to look at the beautiful tiling underneath and then having coffee or whatever at Cardinal's Nest in the complex.

If you only know this place from the last 30 years of its being covered up, you really owe it to yourself to see what lies underneath. It is reminiscent of the Stop-and-Shop on Connecticut Avenue, and we're trying to get people to do what they can to stop further demolition.

It's a glimpse into Brookland's unique beauty.

I know it is short notice but you can do something about this. We all can.

Hope you can join us. We *especially* need old hands in historic preservation.

6 p.m. Tonight!
Cardinal's Nest, 3748 10th Street NE (across from Turkey Thicket)

» You can view Dan's photos, taken today, here.

11th Annual Brookland Day Festival - Saturday September 29th

11th Annual Brookland Day Festival 2007
Saturday September 29th, 2007, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
12th Street, NE (between Monroe and Otis Streets)

Brookland, one of Washington DC's Main Street communities, will hold its 11th annual Brookland Day Festival on Saturday, September 29th, 2007. The festival is a community-oriented event for all ages and it always captures and highlights the special small-town-in-town flavor of Brookland.

At 10:30 a.m., a parade featuring bands and the Festival's spoof brigades of neighborhood residents, including phalanxes of dog walkers, lawnmower pushers, and baby stroller pushers, will march up 12th Street from Franklin Street to Michigan Avenue, NE.

Between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., performance and exhibit pavilions, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, and arts and crafts exhibitors, will be featured in booths along Brookland's commercial district, on 12th Street, between Monroe and Otis Streets, NE.

Performance stages will feature the ADTI Inspirational Choir and Moroccan Ensemble led by percussionist Jason Walker, the Archie Edwards Blues Foundation, Bemcha - a latin Jazz ensemble, the Backyard Blues Band with members of Barrellhouse Brawl, the salsa group Movimiento, the Brian Settles jazz trio, and demonstrations by Northeast Tae Kwon Do, Dance Place's Carla & Company, and DC World Beat Ensemble, among others. You can view the complete performance schedule here.

Click here to see a slide show from the 2006 festival.

Festival Schedule:
Parade, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
12th Street NE, between Rhode Island and Michigan Avenues

Children's Fest, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Newton Street NE, between 12th and 13th Streets

Entertainment & Exhibits, 12:30-5:00 p.m.
12th Street NE, between Newton and Monroe Streets

Arts & Crafts Fair, 12:30-5:00 p.m.
12th Street NE, between Otis and Newton Streets


The Festival is sponsored by Citibank, DC Lottery, Douglas Development Corporation, EYA, Mayor Fenty's Constituent Services Fund, Horning Brothers, Keller Williams Capital Properties, Menkiti Group, PNC Bank, Verizon, and The Washington Post.

The festival is coordinated by the Brookland Community Development Corporation, the parent organization of Historic Brookland Main Street, the commercial district revitalization program working with property owners, business proprietors, residents, and other stakeholders to bring about focused improvements to the commercial district.

For further information on sponsorship or to participate in any events, contact the Brookland Festival Committee by phone at 202-526-4848 or e-mail rl.brookland@yahoo.com.

**Volunteers are still needed in the following areas:

Set up: 7:30-10 a.m. (10 volunteers needed to help filling balloons, setting up tents and chairs, decorating the children's area etc)

Cloths Line Art Sale 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 12-5 p.m. (2 volunteers needed for each shift to help set up and hang art for sale and assist in transactions throughout the day)

Parade Marshals: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (10 volunteers needed to help coordinate parade participants, block off streets and direct participants during the parade)

Clean Up: 5-6 p.m. (10 volunteers needed to help take down the tents and decorations and put away chairs and tables)

Please email Mary Hodges at maryphodges@gmail.com to sign up for any of these volunteer jobs.

- - -


Neighborhood Tours of Brookland
Saturday September 29th, 2007 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As part of Cultural Tourism DC's WalkingTown DC program, the Brookland Tour Committee will be offering neighborhood tours throughout the day. Teh "History of Brookland" tour offers insights into the development of the one-time trolley suburb and its rich heritage. Discover neighborhood architectural styles and the work of architects such as John Joseph Early, Howard Mackay, and Hilyard Robinson. See the homes of famous residents such as Ralph Bunche, Justine Ward, and Pearl Bailey (or in some cases, the sites where their homes once stood). Each tour is 1.5 hours long and meets at St. Anthony's Church at 3400 12th Street NE. Tours start at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.

You can view more information as well as a listing of all the tours being offered that day here. You can also participate in the WalkingTown DC photo contest.

Four-Alarm Fire at Coosemans' Warehouse in NE

Two firefighters were injured in DC's first four-alarm blaze in nearly 7 years....From WUSA9:

DC Fire and EMS units fought a warehouse fire at 2144 Queens Chapel Road, Northeast, Thursday night. The location is off of Bladensburg Road near New York Avenue.

About 60 workers were inside the warehouse when the fire started. They told 9 News Now the flames first appeared near the rooftop sometime before 8pm. They tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher, but when their efforts failed, they called 911.

More than 160 firefighters were still battling the blaze three hours after it started.

"This is a very significant event. You can see the plumes of smoke even in the dark," said D.C. Fire Spokesman Alan Etter.

The first units responding ordered an exterior attack shortly after calling the second-alarm. The fire then grew to four alarms.

"Whenever you get into a sprawling structure like this, there's always a danger to firefighters," said Etter. "Our roof team could actually see part of the roof bowing in, so that's when you got to get everybody out."

At 7:50 p.m., Battalion Chief Kenneth Crosswhite, on the scene, told STATter 911 this is a 200 by 200 foot warehouse housing the DC operation of Coosemans Worldwide Produce. Chief Crosswhite said the crews were pulled out of the building because of the bowing of the exposed bar joist roof structure. He said there was fire throughout the building.

Coosemans workers said there were 8 diesel trucks inside the complex as well as hundreds of boxes containing highly flammable materials. However, firefighters were able to contain the fire so it did not reach those boxes.

Here's how Coosemans DC describes itself on its website:

For over 20 years, Coosemans DC has been providing some of the best specialty and exotic produce in the Washington/Baltimore area. First as Rock Garden and then joining forces with Coosemans, we have steadily grown to become a major importer, re-packer and distributor of over 400 specialty items.

Mayor Adrian Fenty visited the site around 10pm. Firefighters were still using a double ladder hose to reach the deep-seated pockets inside the building.

Fenty compared the fire to the Eastern Market blaze. "This is devastating," he said.

Additionally, about 145 people were relocated from two nearby homeless shelters when the power was shut down on the block.

You can view raw video footage shot by D.C. Fire & EMS photographer Vito Maggiolo here.

» dcfd.com
» dcfire.com

Eastern HS Teacher Honored with the 2007 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education

Reynauld Smith, a social studies and AP American History teacher at Eastern High School, was one of three educators nationwide honored with the 2007 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. According to the Mc-Graw Hill Companies, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education "annually recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to enhancing learning in this country and whose accomplishments are making a difference today."

Mr. Smith is being recognized as an innovative educator who took over Eastern's fledgling Model United Nations program in 1999, and introduced the program as part of his AP American History class. Smith has worked with 500 students in his Model UN program and has taken dozens of students to Ecuador, Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He previously taught in Montgomery County, MD, where he helped start a diversity club for U.S. and international students.

Homicide in Kenilworth Monday

From MPD:

At approximately 9:07 pm on Monday, September 24, 2007, officers from the Sixth District responded to 45th and Quarles Streets, NE for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival they located 30-year-old George Hill, of the 1300 block of Cougar Lane in Capitol Heights, Maryland, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was transported to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedStar Unit and pronounced dead.

The case is under investigation by members of the department’s Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, September 26th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting

When: Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 at 7pm

Where: North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Fatal Shooting on New York Avenue NE

Haven't seen the press release from MPD - though they've been spotty at best lately....From NBC4:

Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Northeast D.C.

Authorities said that at about 3 a.m. on Monday, officers were called to the intersection of First Street and New York Avenue for the report of a shooting.

When they arrived at the scene, police found a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

Police said they do not yet have a suspect or motive in the shooting.

As always, if you have information regarding this case call MPD at 202.727.9099.

Violence Erupts Among Day Laborers in Brentwood; Community Opposes Proposed Multicultural Training & Employment Center

The Washington Times - perhaps because of their NE home base - have been closely following the controversy over the proposed multicultural training and employment center in Brentwood. They recently reported the only mention I've found of a brawl erupting Thursday, September 13th among the day laborers:

Community leaders scheduled a public-safety meeting in a Northeast neighborhood after a bloody clash among a group of Hispanic men that residents said began in an area where day laborers gather looking for work.

As many as 200 mostly Hispanic day laborers congregate each day at a shopping plaza in Brentwood looking to link up with area contractors for jobs....

The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. last Thursday, when police found a Hispanic man lying on a sidewalk and bleeding from his head near 10th Street and Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast — only a few hundred feet away from the shopping plaza.

Police said the victim — who was identified only as "John Doe" in police reports — also had a stab wound in the center of his back.

Mr. Chandler said his constituents who live in the area told him the man was assaulted during a fight involving a large group of men that began behind the Bank of America at 915 Rhode Island Ave.

The clash then spilled over from a hill behind the bank onto 10th Street, where [ANC Commissioner Raymond] Chandler said men were "rolling over people's cars" during the fight....

Mr. Chandler and other residents adamantly oppose constructing the center, saying employment services already exist in the area and that city money should not be used to fund a center for day laborers, many of whom are illegal aliens.

The incident caused Mr. Chandler to organize a public-safety meeting for community residents and businesses to voice their concerns to police.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Isle of Patmos Baptist Church [1216 Saratoga Avenue NE/1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza NE] in Northeast.

The same day they also ran one of Tom Knott's "insightful" columns, where law-abiding citizens get screwed at the expense of "lawbreakers":

The good folks of Brentwood have made it clear to D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. that they do not want a day-laborer center in a Northeast shopping center on Rhode Island Avenue....

But Mr. Thomas, Ward 5 Democrat, presses forward, because he thinks on a higher plane than the good folks of Brentwood. He knows many of the day laborers are illegal aliens, and he knows many of them urinate and defecate on the properties belonging to the good folks of Brentwood, and he knows that if impotent lawmakers at all levels of government merely enforced the existing laws, there would be no illegal-alien mess in this nation....

But our lawmakers, who purport to be in the public-service business, are not heeding the words of those who elect them to office. Mr. Thomas is not unlike so many other legislators at the local, state and federal levels. He blames the illegal-alien problem on some other part of the bureaucracy. He is merely trying to address a situation in the Home Depot parking lot, even if he is dead wrong, even if his constituents in Ward 5 do not want public funds being spent on an illegal-alien center....

I could hang out at the day-laborer center and read Spanish-language materials. And if anyone ever objected to my illegal existence, I would shout racism and bigotry, because that always works, especially around pathetic, whiny white people who have this profound sense of guilt.

Our useless lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are showering our dollars on illegal aliens, who turn around and wave the silly-looking flag of their country. Sorry. I forgot how it works. If they wave the flag of the country they abandoned, it is called pride. If Americans wave their flag, it is called jingoism.

Mr. Thomas undoubtedly expects the legal residents of the city to follow every last law. But there he is ready to reward lawbreakers. While he is at it, he might as well appropriate more of our tax money to equip the illegal-alien center with a health spa.

It is crazy.

As are you, sir.

» The Washington Times, 9.20.07, "Melee spurs calls for action on day laborers"
» The Washington Times, 9.20.07, "Note to Brentwood: Don't doubt Thomas"
» Previous community workshop, 9.8.07
» Previous town hall meeting, 8.15.07
» WaPo, 6.17.07, "As Plan for D.C. Day-Laborer Center Idles, Anger Over Workers Grows"
» The Washington Times, 7.5.07, "Day laborers shower us with culture, irrigation"
» The Washington Times, 7.16.07, "Two sites eyed for D.C. day-labor center"

Developer Pulls Out of Washington Gateway in Ft. Lincoln/New Town

Unfortunately I don't have the time right now to comment on this other than to say I'm happy the discussion with any potential developers will include the desire for less big-box design and an emphasis on protecting the wetlands, but all-in-all the news is a big blow to the surrounding community....from the Friday, 9.21.07, Washington Business Journal:

Real Estate
Peterson quits Washington Gateway project in D.C.

Washington Business Journal - September 21, 2007
by Prabha Natarajan, Staff Reporter

The Peterson Cos. has pulled out of the project to develop Washington Gateway, a massive retail center on New York Avenue NE that was slated to include D.C.'s first Costco.

"There's a time and place for everything, and it was not the right time for us at Washington Gateway," said Paul Weinschenk, vice president of retail at Peterson.

The $67 million Washington Gateway, which was scheduled to start construction next April, would have housed 412,000 square feet of retail including big-box stores, such as Staples and Target, at the corner of New York and South Dakota avenues NE.

The plan was approved by the National Capital Revitalization Corp., whose responsibilities are now under the deputy mayor for planning and economic development, and received a preliminary nod from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).

However, this spring, the deputy mayor's office suggested changes to address any impact on the property's wetlands and alter the design from that of a big-box complex to a more contemporary look.

According to Weinschenk, the changes would mean more delays and more work on a project thought to be in its home stretch.

"From our perspective, we felt that until some of these issues could be worked out it didn't make sense for us to continue with this process and we needed to suspend our efforts," Weinschenk said.

Fort Lincoln Realty Inc., a D.C. developer, had brought in Peterson in 2003 as the developer of the retail/restaurant portion.

Peterson came back with a proposal to put in a 151,700-square-foot Costco, a 67,500-square-foot Shoppers Food Warehouse and a 123,735-square-foot space for both Staples and Target stores.

People in the neighborhood loved the plan. The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A endorsed it, and it was seen as a destination for the 128,000 cars that drive in and out of the city daily on New York Avenue.

After last fall's preliminary NCPC approval, Peterson and Fort Lincoln Realty were going to present an updated plan and either an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement concerning the wetlands to the commission this October.

The deputy mayor's office and the Office of Planning, however, had ideas that would have changed the existing plan and accommodated the wetlands in the development.

"We had a different development scheme to protect the wetlands," said Harriet Tregoning, D.C.'s planning director.

"If the city was interested in a Costco on the site and a Target, ... then you can't assume you will keep all the natural features on the site as they exist," Weinschenk said. "The city has to decide whether it wants those [retail] uses and allow land to be developed to support these uses, or you allow the land and its natural features to drive the uses."

Tregoning said the city still wants retail on that site, which ties in with its objective to get more stores in the District.

"We think the original design, which is 20 years old, can be improved upon," she said.

At this point, it is unclear what will happen to the retailers that signed on or expressed interest in being a part of the project.

Peterson said the leases were in various stages of negotiation, and it is up to the retailers to pursue the space. Industry insiders say Fort Lincoln Realty is looking for a retail developer to pick up where Peterson left off.

A change in developers is not something new to this site.

Before Peterson, there was Federal Realty Investment Trust of Rockville and Trammell Crow Development. A $10 million tax-increment financing deal was approved in 2004. The 42-acre project was expected to create 124 construction jobs and $6.2 million in new taxes for the city.

All is not lost yet, said Robert King, ANC 5A commissioner.

Fort Lincoln Realty is expected to give a project update at the ANC board meeting Oct. 10, including information on will happen to the retail site, and King said the news will be good.

"As far as we know, the project is moving straight ahead with a new developer. The train is still on track," he said. "I have been working for 20 years on this project and would jump off a bridge if it doesn't happen."

» A bit of history on Ft. Lincoln/New Town, "Fort Lincoln: Finding a Leafy Enclave" - WaPo, 7.18.92
» Our litigious buddy, Roy Pearson, and a 2002 lawsuit against Fort Lincoln New Town Corp., "Residents sue, charge Ft. Lincoln New Town developer with fraud" - The Common Denominator 8.12.02
» New residential development in Ft. Lincoln, "Hope Stirs In Fort Lincoln: Growth, New Neighbor Inspire Pocket of D.C. to Believe in Change" - WaPo, 4.30.07

Are the DC Rollergirls Moving to NE?

I just caught wind of a fantastic rumor...the DC Rollergirls may be skating in the District next year - they're currently skating out in Virginia. Even better, the new location, while not finalized, is likely to be in NE! While we wait for official confirmation, why not check out their last scheduled bout of the 2007 season this Saturday:

Come help your DC Rollergirls determine the fate of our great nation by participating in a Raucous Caucus on Saturday, September 22nd! Don’t miss the last match-up of the season between Scare Force One and the DC DemonCats!

Purchase your tickets here from BrownPaperTickets.com, the first and only fair-trade ticketing service!

Date: September 22, 2007
Time: Doors @ 4pm, Bout begins @ 5pm
Price: $12
Location: Dulles SportsPlex, 21610 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling, VA

Dwellings Will Be Closing Soon

Less than a month after Basements & Attics abruptly closed, Brookland's Dwellings will be closing soon:

Dear Friends & Customers,

It is with much sadness that we must announce that Dwellings will be closing at the end of October 2007. Although it was our desire to be a part of the Brookland landscape for many years to come, the store was not growing at a rate that could ultimately sustain itself. We truly enjoyed serving the Brookland community and will miss the relationships that we established with so many of you. We sincerely thank you for your patronage during the past 2 1/2 years.

Yours truly,
Roz Moore
Owner

This is a terrible loss and a severe blow to the revitalization of Brookland's retail core. While many in Brookland want to see a more dynamic and successful commercial "main street" along 12th Street, the fact remains that the neighborhood's density, along with the selection of businesses, are factors in the corridor's struggle to become a destination for shoppers. And while we'd all like shops and restaurants that serve "us" (however broadly or narrowly each resident defines "us"), we have two university communities right next door who would also utilize a commercial strip that serves them. I'd love to see the same number of CUA and Trinity students populating 12th Street Thursday-Saturday as I normally see on the Metro platform, taking their money out of Brookland and down the Red Line.

Would promoting that type of foot-traffic have kept these two stores open? Would it be the impetus for more - and better quality - sit-down restaurants along 12th?

We all seem to know what we want, but too often fight our neighbors and proposed density that will help get us there.

Book Drive to Benefit DC Youth - Through Sunday, September 23rd

From the inbox - I can't resist spreading the word about an event that pairs children and books:

First Book, a nonprofit organization, has teamed up with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, SunTrust Bank, and SunTrust Mortgage to host a book drive in DC through this Sunday, September 23rd. The drive will enable First Book to achieve its mission of providing children in low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. Social venture company Better World Books will sell the books online and First Book will use the proceeds to bring thousands of new books to children in need in the DC community.

Between now and this Sunday, September 23rd, you can drop off your used books at select DC SunTrust locations, or, if you don’t live in the area, donate them by following the instructions on our webpage: www.firstbook.org/betterworld. This site also provides guidelines on which kinds of books are most helpful.

Volleyball with Your Neighbors at Turkey Thicket - Tuesdays and Thursdays

What: Amateur, adult volleyball - no particular skill level required; no leagues, just good exercise and neighborly fun!

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m. (Thursdays were added for the summer, but will continue if attendance stays up)

Where: Turkey Thicket Rec Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE in the main gym

Chungs Close Custom Cleaners in NE

Despite successfully defending themselves against judge Roy Pearson and his $67 million pants (generously reduced by Pearson to $54 million), the Chung family has closed two of its three Custom Cleaners, including the 3174 Bladensburg Road, NE location. If you live or work near the Convention Center, consider taking your delicates to their Happy Cleaners shop at 7th and M, NW while they fight Pearson's appeal.

» "Chung Family Closes Custom Cleaners" - DCist
» "Financial, Emotional Toll Too Much on Dry Cleaners" - WTOP
» "Family Sells Cleaners Caught In $54 Million Lawsuit" - NBC4
» "Business Sold After Million-Dollar Pant Suit Case" - WUSA9

600-Pound Man Found Dead In Brentwood Apartment

Wow, I wonder if he had any immediate family or was isolated...from NBC4:

A 600-pound man was found dead inside his apartment in Washington Wednesday morning.

D.C. fire said they will have to use a crane to remove him from his apartment in the 1300 block of Adams Street in Northeast.

The cause of death is unknown.

Volunteers and Participants Needed for the 2007 Brookland Day Festival on September 29th

From Mary Hodges and the Brookland Day Festival Planning Committee:

The Brookland Day Festival Planning Committee is in full force and could use some help from additional volunteers and participants.

Brookland Day is a great way to promote your company or organization to the Ward 5 community. If you would like to be in the parade or have a booth at the event, please contact me (Mary Hodges) at mary@menkitigroup.com or Richard Layman at rl.brookland@yahoo.com.

We are seeking help from volunteers in the following areas:

1. Exhibitor Recruitment (This would involve contacting a list of local community organizations, artists and craftsmen and businesses and encouraging them to participate in the festival)

2. Parade Participation Recruitment (Contact groups and encourage parade participation- antique car owners, duck tour etc.)

3. Event Promotion and Marketing (Work with designers to create flyers and distribute to local businesses and organizations)

4. Day of festival set up and cleanup support.

We meet Mondays from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Brookland Visitors Center. Please email me at mary@menkitigroup.com or call 202.243.7717 if you would like to volunteer.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
The annual Brookland Day Festival on 12th Street NE between Monroe and Otis Streets is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th, 2007.

Greater Brookland celebrates this year the 80th Anniversary of what could be considered the first Brookland Festival, held in 1927 to celebrate the paving of 12th Street NE. The occasion included a parade, an 80-piece band, remarks by District Commissioners, and dancing at St. Anthony’s Hall.

In honor of this auspicious anniversary, we are planning a grand event, with special emphasis on expanding dance, music, and spoken word performances and on enhancing the Children’s Fest, an area of the Festival designed to engage children.

Mark your calendars for September 29th and be sure to join us for Ward 5's premier annual celebration!

Mary Hodges
202.243.7717
mary@menkitigroup.com

Celebrating Brookland Artists 2007 - September 15th-October 13th

» Roxanne's ARTiques & Gallery, 3426 9th Street NE
» The Miller - Peralta Gallery

Saint's Bourbon Street - Live Music in September

Check out the free, live music at Saint's Bourbon Street, 1812 Hamlin Street NE, in September:

Friday, 9/14 - Stacey Brooks and Friends Blues Band @ 8:00 p.m. Stacey Brooks and Friends are coming back for a repeat performance. This talented new band play well together and the stellar vocals by Ms. Stacy Brooks herself add to that blues and rhythm sound that has them performing all around the country.

Saturday, 9/15 - Allan and Friends @ 8:30 p.m. Award winning local songwriter with several CDs. Allan will be releasing 2 more CDs this summer, and will be playing songs from those, as well as his earlier material.

Friday, 9/21 - Meteor Band @ 8:30 p.m. This blues band has a sound all their own. Their style has people all over DC area coming in on Fridays to hear them. Get here early!

Saturday, 9/22 - After Hours Band 8:30 p.m. At Saint's for the second time! If you were here last time, you may have noticed the superb showmanship, polished professionalism, and musical magic of this jazz and blues band. You know they say it only gets better the second time around! Can't wait to prove that one true!

Friday, 9/28 - First Thing Smokin' @ 8:30 p.m. With a motto that reads "If you cant feel it, it ain't real," these acclaimed blues performers are always welcomed and celebrated by Saint's customers. They play national blues festivals and are known for giving people a good time.

Two Teens Shoot in Brentwood Overnight

From NBC4:

D.C. police are investigating a double shooting in Northeast.

Authorities said the shooting happened in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road at about 10 p.m.

Many people were hanging out in the courtyard, including two male teens, a 14-year-old and a 19-year-old, who were playing with boxing gloves, when three people in hoods walked up and opened fire, hitting the teens, News4's Pat Collins reported.

Police said the victims were struck in their stomachs.

Both were taken to a hospital in serious condition. Both are expected to survive.

There's been no word on a suspect or possible motive in the case.

People who live at the complex said violence is not unusual there.

» Video here - Councilmember Thomas makes an appearance

SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting - Sunday, September 9th

What: SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting with Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, September 9th, 2007, 2-3:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Future Meetings:
Sunday, October 14th
Sunday, November 11th
Sunday, December 9th

NE DC Historical Society Meeting: Community History & DDOT Archives - Sunday, September 9th

What: Join the NE DC Historical Society as they continue to explore the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come. This month's meeting will take place in the Michigan Park community. Bill Rice, Washington community historian, will share photos and other materials from the District of Columbia's Department of Transportation (DDOT) archives.

When: Sunday, September 9th, 2007, 1-3pm (please note earlier time!)

Where: HSC Pediatric Center (formerly known as the Hospital for Sick Children), 1731 Bunker Hill Rd NE

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 1-3pm on Sunday, October 14, 2007. NE DC Historical Society will be exploring the climatic history of DC and its water resources. The meeting will take place at the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE. (Please note earlier meeting time.)

NE DC Historical Society meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

Friends of the Woodridge Library Monthly Meeting - Saturday, September 8th

I'm currently on hiatus from the Friends of the Woodridge Library due to a scheduling conflict with my monthly DC Neighborhood College classes, but this was the first group I became involved with when I moved to Woodridge, and we are always looking for new members. FWL raises money to support programs and services at the library and works with other like-minded groups to advocate on behalf of all the city's libraries. Part of this month's agenda will include tentative scheduling for our fall book sale.

When: Saturday, September 8th, 2007, 11 a.m.

Where: Woodridge Branch Library, 1801 Hamlin Street NE (on the south corner of Hamlin and Rhode Island Avenue)

Brookland Crime Solutions Meeting - Saturday, September 8th

What: In response to the summer rash of crime in Brookland - frequently near the Metro, and most recently a mugging/shooting Saturday night on 10th Street NE in the alley between Perry Place and Quincy - Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. and MPD are hosting "Brookland Crime Solutions Meeting: Real Concerns; Real Talk; Real Solutions"

When: Saturday, September 8th, 2007, 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Where: Brooks Mansion, 901 Newton Street NE

Etc.: For more information or to reserve a seat contact 202.724.8028

Ward 5 Community Workshop on Proposed Multicultural Training & Employment Center - Saturday, September 8th

What: Attend this workshop and share your thoughts on the need for an inclusive job readiness, training, and employment center located in Ward 5 in close proximity to Home Depot.

When: Saturday, September 8th, 9-11:30 a.m.

Where: Noyes Elementary School, 2725 10th Street NE

Etc.: For additional information contact the Ward 5 Council office at 202.724.8028

From Councilman Thomas:

WARD 5 MULTICULTURAL TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT CENTER FACT SHEET

What it is: The Center will be an inclusive training, career, and employment center that will provide a range of services to Ward 5 residents—particularly the residents of Brentwood, Edgewood, and Montana Terrace—and other under-served groups.

Why it’s needed: The Brentwood, Edgewood, and Montana Terrace neighborhoods traditionally have had high rates of unemployment. On average, one in 10 adults in these neighborhoods are unemployed. A Center that addresses employment and training needs is greatly needed for these neighborhoods. An organized system linking contractors and individuals seeking work from contractors at the Home Depot site is also needed.

What it will do: The core mission of the Center will be to provide comprehensive employment and training services to residents of the adjacent Ward 5 neighborhoods and other under-served groups. The Center will offer a wide range of classes, ranging from language immersion to financial literacy and assistance with preparing local and federal income taxes. The Center will also have services geared toward manual laborers, including those seeking work from contractors at the Home Depot site.

Community: The Center will include local labor and community organizations like Israel Baptist Church's Facing It Together (FIT) Academy as partners. The FIT Academy is a neighborhood-based organization with a track record of providing residents of Brentwood, Edgewood, and Montana Terrace with job training and readiness skills. In the past year, the program has placed more than 30 individuals in jobs. By linking with local labor and community organizations and leveraging their program successes, the Center will bring effective employment and job training services to Ward 5 residents and other under-served groups.

A national model: The Center envisioned for Ward 5 has the potential to be a national model showcasing how employment and training services focusing on African-Americans, Latinos, and any other under-served group can be incorporated together in a single, inclusive facility. The Center brings job readiness and placement programs directly to the Ward 5 neighborhoods that need them the most.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Angel Nix at 202.724.8107 or snix@dccouncil.us
Vicky Leonard-Chambers at 202.727.8204 or vleonardchambers@dccouncil.us

» Previous town hall meeting, 8.15.07
» WaPo, 6.17.07, "As Plan for D.C. Day-Laborer Center Idles, Anger Over Workers Grows"
» The Washington Times, 7.5.07, "Day laborers shower us with culture, irrigation"
» The Washington Times, 7.16.07, "Two sites eyed for D.C. day-labor center"

Labor Day in Chicago

I'm on my way out of town for work, so posting will be light-to-nil for the next week...be safe and have a wonderful holiday!

Ward 5 Youth March Against Violence - Saturday, August 25th

What: Ward 5 Youth March Against Violence

When: Saturday, August 2th, 2007, 1-8pm

Where: Starts at 12th and Rhode Island Avenue NE, ends at the concert ground at 2413 14th Street NE

Etc.: Live performances and inspirational speakers, including: Al-Malik Farrakhan, Minister Vincent Hucks, The Trumpet Kings, Chaka Rollins, The Miracle Tones, Israel Baptist Youth Choir, Mt. Calvary Youth Choir, Yango Sawyer, Copper Rose and Bone, and more.

For questions and information, contact Preston Haythe at 202.526.8454.

First Annual Community Open House at Bunker Hill Elementary - Saturday, August 25th

From Bunker Hill ES Principal Amanda Alexander:

What: Come and tour our stunning schoolhouse, meet our outstanding teachers and staff, and enjoy free barbecue! If you haven't been in a DC public school in a while and are just a concerned citizen, please come see this wonderful neighborhood asset. If you're still deciding where to send your child to school, or if you have already enrolled your child in an area charter school, you owe it to your child to see what we have to offer. Invited guests include Chancellor Michelle Rhee, School Board Member Lisa Raymond, and Councilman Harry Thomas!

When: Saturday, August 25th, 2007, 3-5pm

Where: Bunker Hill Elementary School, 1401 Michigan Avenue, NE

Etc.: Please RSVP at amanda.alexander@k12.dc.us

Homicide on Benning Road

From MPD:

On Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at approximately 8:53 pm, police responded to 17th Street and Benning Road, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 37-year-old Melvin Watson, of the 1600 block of K Street, NE, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was transported to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedSTAR Unit where he was pronounced dead.

The victim, who has not yet been positively identified, was transported to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedSTAR Unit where he was pronounced dead.

The case is currently under investigation by detectives assigned to the department’s Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone who has information regarding this case is asked to call 202-727-9099.

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Clean-up at Emery Elementary - Saturday, August 25th

In conjunction with the Annual DCPS Beautification Day, the residents of Eckington have coordinated a "Clean-up Green-up" at Emery Elementary.

When: Saturday, August 25th, 9am-2pm

Where: Emery Elementary School, 1720 1st Street, NE

Details: Demonstrate your concern for the community and our young people by helping to fix up the outside of the school and the surrounding grounds before classes begin Monday.

We will tackle the following projects:
· Paint the outside doors around the building
· Fill a 50ft x 8 ft tree box with topsoil and plant flowers in it
· Set up tree boxes for our fall planting of trees from Casey Trees
· Create a new garden bed in front of the school
· Prune and remove branches from a large tree behind the school
· Weed and edge sidewalks and sweep the parking lot.

We have the tools and supplies but what we really need is you!

Missing Person: Victor Evans

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in attempting to locate a missing person identified as 21-year-old Victor Evans. Mr. Evans was reportedly last seen on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at approximately 5:35 pm at the Safeway store located in the 300 block of 40th Street, NE.

Victor Evans is described as a black male, 6’0” tall and weighing approximately 250 pounds. He is further described as having a medium complexion, brown eyes and black hair. He was reportedly last seen wearing dark blue shorts and a dark blue shirt.

Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Victor Evans is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

Brookland Woman Raped, Forced to Take Out Money From ATMs

Absolutely sickening - my heart goes out to the victim. Any thoughts thoughts on this summer's uptick in near-Metro muggings (and now rape)?

From ABC7:

D.C. Police say a woman was sexually assaulted inside her Northeast apartment Friday night, then taken to ATMs around the area and forced to withdraw money before the suspect fled.

Officers say the victim was returning to her basement apartment on the 900 block of Perry Place, NE when she was grabbed and dragged inside before being raped and beaten.

Investigators say her attacker then forced the victim into a vehicle and drove to different locations where she was ordered to withdraw money from her bank account.

Police say after visiting several ATM locations, the suspect returned to the victims apartment where he fled on foot.

While it isn't the ultimate protection from maniacs, think about purchasing pepper spray - it's legal in the District, though it must be registered with MPD. I purchased mine from Arnold Passman of Live Safe America when he spoke on personal safety at my office; if you tell him you live in DC, he can supply you with the proper paperwork to file. And, for the love of god, leave your porch light on, and ask your neighbors to do the same.

Immediate Arrest Made in Carver-Langston Homicide Yesterday

From MPD:

At approximately 1:05 this morning, Tuesday, August 14, 2007, police were called to an apartment building located in the 1100 block of 21st Place, NE, for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival they located 33-year-old Tameka Hill, of the 21st Place, NE address, suffering from apparent multiple stab wounds to the body that were allegedly sustained during an altercation with a neighbor. She was taken to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedStar Unit and pronounced dead.

Arrested, without incident, at the apartment building was 26-year-old Gloria C. Tyndel also of the 21st Place, NE address. She was charged with Murder Two While Armed and is expected to be arraigned today.

Ward 5 Town Hall Meeting on Proposed Multicultural Training & Employment Center - Wednesday, August 15th

What: Share your thoughts with Councilman Thomas regarding the need for this center to be tentatively located in Ward 5 in close proximity to Home Depot.

When: Wednesday, August 15th, 2007, 7-9pm

Where: Israel Baptist Church, 1251 Saratoga Ave, NE

From Councilman Thomas:

WARD 5 MULTICULTURAL TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT CENTER FACT SHEET

What it is: The Center will be an inclusive training, career, and employment center that will provide a range of services to Ward 5 residents—particularly the residents of Brentwood, Edgewood, and Montana Terrace—and other under-served groups.

Why it’s needed: The Brentwood, Edgewood, and Montana Terrace neighborhoods traditionally have had high rates of unemployment. On average, one in 10 adults in these neighborhoods are unemployed. A Center that addresses employment and training needs is greatly needed for these neighborhoods. An organized system linking contractors and individuals seeking work from contractors at the Home Depot site is also needed.

What it will do: The core mission of the Center will be to provide comprehensive employment and training services to residents of the adjacent Ward 5 neighborhoods and other under-served groups. The Center will offer a wide range of classes, ranging from language immersion to financial literacy and assistance with preparing local and federal income taxes. The Center will also have services geared toward manual laborers, including those seeking work from contractors at the Home Depot site.

Community: The Center will include local labor and community organizations like Israel Baptist Church's Facing It Together (FIT) Academy as partners. The FIT Academy is a neighborhood-based organization with a track record of providing residents of Brentwood, Edgewood, and Montana Terrace with job training and readiness skills. In the past year, the program has placed more than 30 individuals in jobs. By linking with local labor and community organizations and leveraging their program successes, the Center will bring effective employment and job training services to Ward 5 residents and other under-served groups.

A national model: The Center envisioned for Ward 5 has the potential to be a national model showcasing how employment and training services focusing on African-Americans, Latinos, and any other under-served group can be incorporated together in a single, inclusive facility. The Center brings job readiness and placement programs directly to the Ward 5 neighborhoods that need them the most.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Angel Nix at 202.724.8107 or snix@dccouncil.us
Vicky Leonard-Chambers at 202.727.8204 or vleonardchambers@dccouncil.us

» WaPo, 6.17.07, "As Plan for D.C. Day-Laborer Center Idles, Anger Over Workers Grows"
» The Washington Times, 7.5.07, "Day laborers shower us with culture, irrigation"
» The Washington Times, 7.16.07, "Two sites eyed for D.C. day-labor center"

Second Subject Arrested in Edgewood Terrace Shootings; Motive Still Unknown

From MPD:

Today, Monday, August 13, 2007, Fifth District detectives arrested a second subject in connection with the Saturday, July 28, 2007, shooting of seven individuals in front of the Edgewood Terrace apartments located in the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE.

As a result of the investigation into the shootings, Fifth District detectives obtained an arrest warrant, charging 26-year-old Marcus Octavious Ham of the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE, with Assault With Intent to Kill. At approximately 9:30 this morning, Fifth District detectives arrested Marcus Ham, without incident, in the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. He is expected to be arraigned today.

The investigation into the shootings is continuing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or the department's Crime Solvers Unit at 1-800-673-2777. All calls to Crime Solvers are confidential. If a caller provides information through Crime Solvers that leads to an arrest and indictment, he/she will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

» Additional details from WaPo

Feds Attempt to Seize Problem Woodridge Home

In addition to the details surrounding Odell and Margaret Hale's house at 1923 Rhode Island Avenue NE, longtime neighborhood activist Martha Kinter Ward is quoted and Janice Booker's redevolpment plans along the businees corridor are mentioned in the WaPo article:

The modest 1 1/2 -story residence with the steep stairway and iron railings has been the scene of numerous episodes of drug use, drug sales and prostitution in the past seven years, court records show, so many that police filled 24 pages describing the house's history for a federal judge. Police have searched 1923 Rhode Island Ave. NE six times since 2000 -- four times in the past nine months -- and in each visit have reported finding a combination of cocaine, heroin, guns and prostitutes. In each visit, they said, they also typically found some crimes in progress and have brought charges against the house's owner, Odell Hale, or some of his fellow residents, resulting in numerous convictions.

Woodridge neighbors complain that the house is a base for street-level drug sales day and night, and say that women who appear to be prostitutes, some of whom apparently live in the house's basement, frequently offer their services along the busy avenue in front of the property.

Now, police and federal prosecutors say they are abandoning their regular crime-fighting strategy concerning 1923 Rhode Island. The U.S. Attorney's Office is asking a federal judge to let them seize the property in order to eliminate the nuisance the house has long been.

Authorities say they are concerned about the impact of the house and its activities on the surrounding Woodridge neighborhood, particularly the children. The St. Francis de Sales Grammar School and adjoining convent are a block away, as are a neighborhood playground and the Langdon Park recreation center. Children congregate in the afternoons at the 7-Eleven store a few yards from the property's entrance.

"Since at least April 2000, the defendant property has come to the attention of law enforcement and police authorities because of a shooting on the front porch, drug sales and drug use in the house, related disorderly conduct and residents' activities with prostitutes. . . . For many years, law enforcement officers have undertaken to curb this abuse and nuisance at the defendant property," prosecutors Barry Weigand and William Cowden wrote of the repeated searches and arrests.

The prosecutors said the arrests and pending charges aren't making much of a dent in the activities in the house. They wrote: "Standard law enforcement techniques have not sufficed to cause Mr. Hale to stop using, and allowing the defendant property to be used unlawfully."

....

To neighbors of Woodridge, that sounds a lot better than the seemingly futile police raids at 1923 Rhode Island Ave. Relying on warrants signed by D.C. Superior Court judges, police have searched the house on June 6, 2000; Aug. 23, 2003; Nov. 24, 2006; Dec. 6, 2006; April 20, 2007; and May 25, 2007. In the course of those searches, police have arrested 15 people at the house on various charges, including Hale on charges of assault with a deadly weapon.

Each time police sought to search the house, they provided to a judge "evidence that a person at or inside 1923 Rhode Island Avenue NE had unlawfully distributed a controlled substance, usually cocaine, to a confidential police informant or special police employee," the prosecutors stated.

To get permission to seize the property from its owners, prosecutors now have to go to federal court. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman is the judge who will rule on whether Hale will have to forfeit his property. Hale listed the property for sale in early June, and a Metro Real Estate for-sale sign remains in the front of the property.

» Watch ABC7's report
» Read Ofc. Maslona's affidavit
» Read the court documents

NE DC Historical Society Meeting: Rhode Island Avenue Corridor - Sunday, August 12th

What: Join the NE DC Historical Society as they continue to explore the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come. This month meeting will take place in the Brentwood neighborhood where will continue our study of the Rhode Island Avenue Corridor. Dr. Jean Pablo, the president of the Tenleytown Historical Society, will share with us how to do an analysis of the historical and architectural significance of the Rhode Island Avenue Corridor.

When: Sunday, August 12th, 2007, 2-4pm

Where: Premier Community Development Corporation, 1309 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, Suite B (in the Brentwood Village Shopping Plaza)

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 1-3pm on Sunday, September 9th, 2007. Bill Rice, community historian, will share with us many interesting photos and other materials from the District of Columbia's Department of Transportation (DDOT) archives. The meeting will take place in Michigan Park at the HSC Pediatric Center, at 1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE. (Please note earlier meeting time.)

Our meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

1 Suspect Arrested in Last Week's Edgewood Terrace Shootings; Police Search for Another

Police are still looking for a second suspect in the shooting that wounded seven - including three children. From MPD:

Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today that an arrest has been made in connection with the July 28, 2007 shootings at 625 Edgewood Street, NE. Seven people were wounded, including three children, when at least two men fired into a group. None of the injuries was life threatening

A warrant was issued for 23-year-old Marquette Dugar, of the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. He has been charged with Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in connection with the shootings. At approximately 10:20 this morning, Monday, August 6, 2007, Mr. Dugar surrendered himself to detectives at the department's Fifth District located at 1805 Bladensburg Road, NE.

Immediately after the shootings, Chief Lanier increased foot, horse-mounted and canine patrols. "Today's arrest was due to the hard work of detectives who are piecing together clues and continue to canvass the neighborhood. As always, we count on residents to come forward with any information they have."

Fifth District detectives are continuing their investigation in an effort to identify and locate any other person or persons in connection with this case. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or the department's Crime Solvers Unit at 1-800-673-2777.

If a caller provides information through Crime Solvers that leads to an arrest and indictment, he/she will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Beef or no beef? You decide:

Lanier and others declined to say whether there is an ongoing rivalry within the neighborhood, though residents say they hear gunfire most nights.

The night before the shooting, there was so much gunplay in Edgewood Terrace that "it was like Iraq," said Karlyn Jones, 52, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1999. Asked how often she hears bullets, Jones replied, "If I get one free night, I'm doing good."

Cmdr. Jennifer Greene, who heads the 5th Police District, said residents in the housing complex tend to identify themselves by which building they live in -- 601 or 611 Edgewood St. But she said she has not seen prolonged internal tension between them.

Carver-Langston Teenager Missing FOUND

**UPDATE** Tyesha Smith was found unharmed on Thursday night and police returned her to her family.

From ABC7:

D.C. Police are asking for help locating a missing teenager. Fifteen-year-old Tyesha Renee Smith was last seen at about 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, in the 900 block of 19th Street, NE.

Police say she is described as a black female, medium complexion, 5'5", weighing 105 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

She was last seen wearing a white skirt and a pink and green shirt.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Tyesha Renee Smith is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

Ward 5 Education Town Hall Meeting - Thursday, August 2nd

I've been out of town for a few days and am just catching up on the news....I'm aware of the shooting at Edgewood Terrace that left 7 wounded (where we seem to need "all hands on deck" at all times, not just on special occassions) and the off-duty firefighter who was shot and carjacked. Both of these incidents suck, and August is just beginning.

- - -

What: Share your thoughts and concerns about DC Public Schools with Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. and new Chancellor Michelle Rhee

When: Thursday, August 2nd, 2007, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Agenda: 6:30 p.m. Athletic Field Walk-Thru; 7:00-9:00 p.m. Forum

Where: McKinley Technical High School, 151 T Street, NE

For More Information Contact: Ward 5 Council Office at 202.724.8028

**In anticipation of the townhall meeting, Harry Thomas's office has created an education survey you can take here. The results will be shared at the meeting.**