So You Have a Question About the DC9 Case?

Well, who doesn't? Like, what was the deal with the blood in the infamous Washington Post picture? What's going to happen to DC9 now that the ANC voted not to support a renewal of its license? Do police suspect race as a motivating factor?

Today, TBD hosted an online chat (specifically, it was hosted by editor Sommer Mathis) where interested parties could submit questions that had been at the top of their minds. It's actually pretty informative, so if you have a few moments available head on over to TBD and check it out.

Capital Bikeshare Bringing New Bike Stations to Logan and Shaw

The District is ready to move forward with plans to significantly upgrade its fledgling bike sharing program, and mid-city neighborhoods stand to benefit significantly.

Beginning this fall, the District will roll out the expanded program, now called Capital Bikeshare, which will replace the existing SmartBike program. SmartBike is currently a joint venture between the District and Clear Channel. As you may recall, last year the city announced plans to greatly expand the SmarkBike program, only to have Clear Channel express a less-than-enthusiastic reception. Seems that the 10 station/120 bike program was sufficient enough for them, thanks very much. But it wasn't for District transportation officials, who very much wanted to expand the program so that it mimicked programs in cities such as Paris, whose program features hundreds of stations and thousands of bikes (as well as significant amounts of theft and vandalism).

Undeterred, the District sought out a partner, and found one in Alta Bike Share, a Portland, Oregon-based firm that works with jurisdictions here and abroad to set up bike sharing programs. They recently launched a 600 bike program in Melbourne, Australia. And this fall, they will be implementing the expanded version of DC's program, which will feature 1100 bikes and 114 stations throughout the District and Arlington.

Predictably, most of the new stations are centered around the District's core, with the largest number of stations existing in the area bounded by the Mall, 25th Street, Florida Avenue and North Capitol. However, stations will be located in farther afield neighborhoods in all quadrants of the city, including Tenleytown, Petworth and 16th Street Heights in NW, Brookland and Deanwood in NE, and Fort Dupont and Barry Farms in SE, among others. Nearly 15 stations will also be located in Pentagon City and Crystal City in Arlington, with plans to expand into the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor as well.

Logan and Shaw both stand to benefit significantly from increased stations throughout the neighborhoods. Currently, the are is served by SmartBike stations at 14th and Rhode Island, 7th and T streets, and U and 14th Streets. To these existing stations, Capital Bike Share plans to add stations at 15th and P, 14th and R, 10th and U, 16th and U, 7th and M (Convention Center) and 13th and M. (See area map below for all neighborhood locations.)



According to a message I received this weekend, existing SmartBike users will be able to use Capital BikeShare at no additional cost through April 2011, at which time they must apply for Capital BikeShare membership. The Capital BikeShare membership registration will be available, according to DDOT, sometime this month.

As someone who has pined for the District to continue focusing on alternative methods of intercity transit, particularly with the likelihood of further Metro expansion likely placing somewhere between a Nationals World Series trophy and a Leo Alexander mayoral term, it's truly wonderful to see the city investing so heavily in such a program. With this program and DC's focus on the installation of bike lanes across many major corridors, and development requirements that mandate the placement of bike rails near the new development (and don't forget the recently opened Union Station Bike Center), DC is well on its way to becoming one of the country's most bike-friendly cities--and the more people who can be coaxed off of our traffic-clogged roads (and, increasingly, rider-clogged Metro)--the better off we'll all be in the long run.

One final brief transit note, for those who may have missed it: the infamous "Blue Bus" will soon be no more. Last week, the District announced what many had anticipated for some time: the Circulator will replace the Georgetown Metro Connection on its existing Dupont-Rosslyn route, which passes through Georgetown along the way. This move makes perfect sense, and will provide a roomier and, hopefully, more reliable form of transit into Georgetown. The K Street Circulator line had already replaced the Metro Connection on one route, from the Foggy Bottom Metro stop to Rosslyn. Additional information can be found at the Circulator's website.

U Street Neighborhood Association Holiday Party Tomorrow

Looking for something to do on what promises to be a lovely Thursday evening? Plan to join friends, neighbors and local businesses at the U Street Neighborhood Association's Annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction. From the USNA:

The time is here us to celebrate another successful year of working for and in our neighborhood! Join your friends and neighbors at the U Street Neighborhood Association’s Annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction on Thursday, December 10, 7 pm, at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street, NW. Many thanks to Town for their generous support of the neighborhood by hosting this year's event!

More information can be found at the USNA's website.

Pre-Thanksgiving Fun: Final Farmers Market, Christmas Trees

In addition to the all-important OSU - Michigan game tomorrow (Go Bucks), there are a couple of things in the neighborhood that you can do to occupy your pre-Thanksgiving time.

First, tomorrow is the last farmer's market of the year at 14th and U streets--and it looks like they'll luck out with some great weather (sunny, highs in the upper 50s). So, if you're looking to pick up some fresh meat and produce for your Thanksgiving meal, head up to the Reeves Center for your last chance this year.

Secondly, the Garden District will receive their annual shipment of Frasier Fir Christmas Trees this Sunday. So, after you've picked up some fresh squash and spent a day recuperating from celebrating the Buckeye victory, head over to the Garden District for a dose of holiday cheer. In addition to Christmas trees, they're having a 50% off anniversary sale on their perennials, trees, shrubs and other items on their outdoor lot.

So get out there, enjoy the good weather and support your local businesses.

Brave or stupid? You decide.

Via Borderstan, this interesting piece from the weekend:

The victim of a Saturday-night mugging on the 900 block of U Street NW fought back with the help of two friends and caught the mugger, according to a friend who saw the incident.

Seems a would-be mugger picked the wrong group of guys to accost on U Street on Saturday night. After snatching something from one of them, the mugger took off east on U Street--followed by the three men. They caught up with him in front of Nellie's, where they proceeded to administer a beat-down in front of cheering bystanders.

Now, there is a part of me that relishes this. After all, muggings have been plaguing our neighborhood in increasing numbers for some time, and there's a certain sense of justice in seeing one of them "caught in the act." Who knows--if it had been me, I might have done the same thing. God knows it can be infuriating to have your purse or wallet taken forcibly by some thug.

But this could have ended much worse for all parties. Luckily for the three men who gave chase, the mugger was not armed; otherwise this incident might have become a homicide. (Although it seems that even homicides aren't attracting that much ire from prosecutors these days...) As it was, it made for a nice story of vigilante justice--but what about next time?

So what do you think: were the actions of the three man vigilante crew an act of justice-seeking bravery, or spur-of-the-moment stupidity?

New Pizza Place, American Restaurant For 14th Street; New Wine Bar Headed to U Street

My, aren't Logan and U Street busy these days?

We've received a number of requests recently regarding the status of some of the new bars/restaurants that are looking to set up shop in the area. Rather than put together a bazillion posts about each one, we thought we'd be economical and condense everything into one single post. One caveat: in some cases, I might not have the most up-to-date information, so by all means if you have something to add do so in the comments section.

The guys that brought us U St. hangout Local 16 are about to make a foray onto 14th St. with Local 14, to be located at 1832 4th Street (next to the L&N Thrift Store). They are applying for a restaurant license class, and are planning to serve American fare. This one will likely raise some eyebrows: seating for 199, a sidewalk cafe, a rooftop deck with seating for 40, and a balcony with seating for 8. I sense a voluntary agreement in their future...

Over on U Street, plans are in the works for a new wine bar by the name of Dickson Wine. Dickson, which is petitioning to be open until 2 AM during the week and 3 AM on weekends, is planning to serve some light food and is applying also for live music--perhaps planning to bring in some jazz to go along with the charcuterie? Dickson will be located at 903 U Street, near Nellie's.

Further down 14th Street, at the corner of 14th and Church (in the old Metropole sales office), we have received a tip that a pizza joint is going to be opening up. That's all the info I was able to obtain as of writing--if anyone has any additional info, please provide in the comments section.

Many of you are no doubt aware of the pending arrival of Masa 14 at 1825 14th Street, just north of the Black Cat. Masa will feature (wait for it...wait for it...) small plates with a Latin and Asian theme and "specialty cocktails". Masa is a co-venture between Kaz Sushi Bistro chef Kaz Okochi and Zengo's (Penn Quarter) Richard Sandoval, and is aiming for a September opening. Sadly, no plans to offer sushi are currently in the works...

Finally, not a restaurant per se, but the old El Paraiso market (between Pulp and Home Rule) is set to become Cork Market, an upscale wine and gourmet food shop with a "neighborhood feel". (You may recall that the space was originally to become "Blu Lounge"). No official opening date for the Market yet, but Cork's Khalid Pitts and Dianne Gross are anticipating an early autumn grand opening.

One final note: U Street wine bar Vinoteca has petitioned to extend their outdoor patio hours from midnight until 1 AM. I've heard mixed feelings about this request, particularly since Vinoteca's outdoor space immediately abuts residences. We'll keep you posted on how this turns out.

U Street Hotel Update: CSNA Offers Support for Project

At last week's meeting of the Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association, a close vote gave support to JBG Cos. in their pursuance of HPRB approval for a hotel at the corner of 13th and U streets.

By a 19-16 vote, the CSNA voted to issue a letter in support of the project to HPRB. The letter will outline that the CSNA supports the redevelopment of the parcel, that a hotel is a proper use for the site, and that the proposed design is in keeping with the historical character of the neighborhood. The only point on which the CSNA did not support the project was in the issue of density, with the feeling being that the project was too tall and the setbacks not sufficient in keeping with other buildings in the vicinity.


It seems odd that such effort would have to be expended to obtain historic preservation approval for a project on a street that, architecturally speaking, is not very historic. The two biggest buildings on the block--the Ellington and the Reeves Center--have both gone up during the last 15 years, while the adjoining blocks of U Street represent a mish-mash of styles ranging from Victorian rowhouses to wretched storage units. On a personal level, the 14thandyous think that the design of the hotel looks pretty swell, and we are glad to see the CSNA largely get behind the project.

This is simply the first of many hurdles for the project, which next must go through zoning approval--a decision that, based upon some of the comments made at the CSNA meeting, could prove more contentious. Still, for those--like us--who believe that increased density is a logical and important step for the continued redevelopment of U Street, it was an important step nonetheless.

Maggie Moos Leaving U Street?

While perusing the April minutes of the Carodozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association meeting (which will undoubtedly become the title of a chapter in our forthcoming book "So You Want To Write a Blog?"), we uncovered this little nugget of information that had somehow passed us by for the last month:

Maggie Moos presented the idea of changing from ice cream to gelato Italian eatery. They plan to seek a liquor license in order to serve coffee/gelato with alcohol. Once changed to gelato, store would no longer be affiliated with Maggie Moos.

A gelato bar? Is this a new thing? Let me guess: it was all the rage in NYC, and now someone's trying to export the idea to DC, in much the same way that i'm bracing for the forthcoming "donut craze".

If this is indeed the case, put me in the corner of "this sucks", particularly if it means I can't get a Maggie Moos shake anymore. Hey, at least I should be happy that they aren't converting to a "small plate" restaurant...

This Blog May Be Hazardous to the Health of Pedestrians

OK, perhaps our blog is rather benign when it comes to pedestrian safety, but our namesake intersection most certainly is not.

Last year, the intersection of 14th and U Streets was named as the second most dangerous intersection in the city. As frequenters of that pedestri-auto free-for-all, such a revelation doesn't surprise us in the least. Between the checked-out drivers scrambling to get through the intersection, pedestrians who ignore the crosswalk signals and a density that rivals that of any in the District, it's a miracle there aren't more injuries and fatalities there.

Well yesterday, DC mayor Adrian Fenty unveiled his plan for increased pedestrian safety, targeting the ten most dangerous intersections in the District. Dr. Gridlock has a pretty good summation of the master plan, which includes the following points:

• Ensure all transportation and real estate development projects include safe and convenient pedestrian facilities.
• Construct new sidewalks where missing on streets in the District.
• Improve pedestrian access and safety at uncontrolled crossings and intersections.
• Improve pedestrian access and safety at bus stops.
• Revise the DDOT Design and Engineering Manual to better address pedestrian safety and accessibility.
• Train roadway planners and designers to make sure they understand these new safety policies and practices.
• Increase penalties for motorists for infractions that impact pedestrian safety.
• Expand the speed camera enforcement program.
• Teach people the rules of the road and the benefits of walking.

Many of those points aren't really that debatable, and some make you wonder why the District hasn't been doing it already (it seems that teaching drivers the "rules of the road" would be pretty standard stuff, no?) But there are a couple of issues worth pointing out.

One, all of the plans and ideas in the world won't matter if it's not supported by enforcement. I can't even begin to recount the number of times I have been practically mowed down by a driver on 14th Street as I try to cross at Corcoran--one of those "uncontrolled crossings and intersections" mentioned above. Several times, this has happened while a police car was also in the vicinity. So long as drivers can routinely behave this way without repercussion, it will continue to happen.

Secondly, jaywalking is a tremendous problem in this city. And I don't just mean people diving out into the intersection with 2 seconds left on the countdown clock either. I'm talking about people who just step off the curb in the middle of the street and begin a slow amble across to the other side, all the while cars are forced to come to screeching stops to avoid hitting the person. U Street and 14th Street are infamous for this kind of behavior, but in truth I've seen it everywhere. I've heard it argued that the police should have better things to do with their time than enforce jaywalking laws, and I'm sympathetic to that. Yet, along busy commercial corridors at peak traffic times, persistent jaywalking becomes both a nuisance and a safety issue--and it should be enforced.

As both a pedestrian and a driver in this city, I'm sympathetic to the arguments from both sides, but what's apparent to me is that lax enforcement, coupled with outright idiotic traffic planning measures on the part of DDOT, have contributed mightily towards this problem of pedestrian safety that we're now witnessing. With regards to the utility of the mayor's plan, to quote one of the commenters responding to the Dr. Gridlock piece: I'll believe it when I see it.

Local ANCs Get Their 'Meet On

Typically, the first full week in any month means one thing: it's ANC meeting time. There are a number of interesting items on the agendas of the various ANCs whose activities play a role in defining the Logan/Dupont/U Street corridor. Among them:

ANC2F (Logan Circle/western Shaw) will meet this Wednesday evening at the Washington Plaza Hotel at Thomas Circle. The full agenda is available on the ANC's website. Among some of the highlights:

• City council member Jack Evans will be in attendance to address citizen's concerns. If you attend, you might want to ask Jack about the status of his commercial property tax-lowering bill, which has been discussed--but not yet formally introduced.


• Two liquor license-related issues will be addressed, including extended operating hours for trendy wine bar Cork and the issue of noise complaints surrounding the recently opened Cafe Salsa.


• The ANC will also address a proposed vacant property tax increase, which is meant to spur the redevelopment of properties held by landlords who do not see the financial incentive to raise their property from a current state of disrepair.


• Finally, a somewhat odd item to have on an ANC agenda, the commission will discuss the proposed marriage equality law, which is being address by the DC Council today. I'm not certain what the discussion will entail.

ANC1B (U Street, Shaw, LeDroit Park) will meet on Thursday, May 7 at the Reeves Center. Pertinent items for discussion include:

• The "U Street Mural" project and an introduction to a new restaurant coming to U Street, the "U Street Cafe".


• The ANC1B design review and committee will take a look at the proposed U Street Hotel project, whose developer, JBG, is looking for community support for the project.


• There are also a slew of ABRA matters, including the conversion of Nellie's liquor license from a "restaurant" class to a "tavern" class (see our recent post about this issue as it relates to SaintEx here) as well as a petition for a new license for an establishment called "Dixon".

ANC2B (Dupont Circle) will meet next Wednesday, May 13, and do not yet have an agenda posted.

Additionally, the Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association will hold its May meeting on Thursday, May 14, where--among other things--JBG Cos. will be in attendance seeking support for their U Street Hotel project.

More on Proposed U Street Hotel

Images courtesy JBG Cos.

Thursday evening, representatives from the JBG Cos., developers of the planned U Street hotel at 13th and U streets, were on hand to present an overview of the project and answer questions from neighborhood residents.

Although preliminary, the plans for the hotel are impressive. Designed in a style meant to emulate "traditional" DC architecture, the hotel will top out at ten stories and include something in the neighborhood of 250 guest rooms. Other features of the hotel will include:

• street-level retail, including a locally owned restaurant, a Rite-Aid (which owns a ground lease for the location through 2026), a BB&T bank and other commercial options;
  
• an art gallery on the second floor of the hotel devoted entirely to local artists; and
  
• a rooftop bar/cafe and fitness club, featuring a swimming pool, both of which will be open to the public.

The presentation by JBG was well-designed, beginning with images of U Street in the early years of the 20th century which showed the history of hotels in the neighborhood, focusing on the since-demolished Dunbar and the (now) apartment building Whitelaw, on 13th Street.

The plan, however preliminary, was not without its detractors. Audience members, when given a chance to comment, voiced concerns ranging from the common and expected (parking) to the odd (the placement of a swimming pool ont he roof). Parking may not be a significant issue, what with the hotel being located dirctly across the street from two Metro lines and JBG's innovative plans for so-called "stacked parking" in the underground garage. It is likely, however, that their plans for the handling of deliveries and service vehicles--through a narrow alleyway entrance--will be problematic and will not doubt be revisit during the permitting phase.

One audience member protested the plans for the hotel by reading from a letter; whether the letter was authored by the reader or someone else was not clear. What WAS clear was this particular member's belief that the hotel, with its planned height of 110 feet (which the audience member deemed would make the structure a "colossus" that would "harm" the neighborhood), should not be allowed to exceed the current by-right allowance of 65 feet.

Some back-and-forth between the audience member and JBG's Matt Valentini ensued, with Valentini asserting that the project would not be "economically feasible" if constrained to the 65 foot limit (it would also significantly detract from the aesthetic integrity of the building, at least in our opinion), and the audience member berating JBG for what he deemed to be pure money-driven "opportunism" in creating a building he felt to be out of proportion for the neighborhood.

The most effective rebuttal to the height argument came when Valentini and architect David Schwarz unveiled a scaled model of the hotel as it would appear along with other currently existing neighborhood buildings. After studying the model for several moments, one audience member asked "which one is the hotel?" A better argument could not be made that the planned structure is not disproportionate--at least from our perspective.

As was noted previously, the current plans at this point are very preliminary, and it was noted that the D.C. Planning Office had not yet received anything with regards to the project. With the anticipated time needed to secure the proper variances and permits for the construction of the hotel, the timelines discussed for completion was construction commencing in 2011, with completion by 2014.

Community residents and other interested parties who wish to view more about the project or make comments are encouraged to visit the CSNA's "U Street Hotel" page, which has links to JBG's presentation as well as numerous images, information and more.

Cardozo/Shaw Neighborhood Association Meeting Tonight

For those who are able to make it, the CSNA will be hosting their monthly meeting at the Source (1835 14th Street), and will be covering a number of interesting/timely items. From their website:

Agenda items include:

• a presentation by JBG Companies on their proposed "U Street Hotel" project,
• updates on the new Circulator bus line,
• U Street Streetscape project, and
• applications for new and existing alcohol (ABC) licenses in the CSNA area.

The 14thandYous may or may not be able to attend, but if anyone does we'd love to have some feedback on what gets discussed.

NY Times Ponders the "Real DC"

For those who may not have seen it, the NY Times ran an article today discussing the revival of certain dilapidated DC neighborhoods, with a focus on the quality restaurants that are opening there. All in all, it's a pretty balanced portrait of our city.

Still, it seemed that the article might have missed its mark a bit by focusing only on restaurants that have opened within the last couple of years. It's great that places like Cork and Marvin have been successful and are getting good press, but what of the establishments that predate them? Reading the article, one might think that Logan and U street, for instance, were barely habitable until 2007...which of course leaves out the growing number of restaurants, pubs and shops that have been opening up here over the last decade. And are we the only ones that feel Cakelove is waaay overrated?

On the flip side, it's refreshing to read an article about our neighborhood that doesn't mention Ben's Chili Bowl. Don't get us wrong, we enjoy Ben's greasy half smoke-fest as much as anyone, but our neighborhood has grown so much that it no longer needs to be defined by the one business that has managed to survive the neighborhood turmoil.

Our favorite quote in the article?

"She’s consulting on the Mexican menu for the H Street Country Club, which is supposed to open in February. It will feature an irony-laden miniature golf course that requires putters to work through the swinging briefcases of K Street lawyers and shoot around Marion Barry, the former mayor and councilman.“The D.C. culture has evolved now to a point where we can be proud of it,” said Lee T. Wheeler, the artist who designed the course."

Shooting golf balls at Marion Barry? Who wouldn't love that?

Fun With Google Streetview

If there's anyone out there who hasn't yet had an opportunity to test drive Google's "StreetView" application, I'd recommend it as a good way to kill some time at work. Heck, if you're like me it will completely suck you in. It's the next best thing to actually walking through a neighborhood...or driving it...or living in it. But whatever.

Just for fun, I grabbed a few screenshots of some areas around Logan/U Street and though I'd share them here. The pic quality is low-res--I guess they have to be in order for the program to function properly. Once I got over the pseudo-creepiness factor of being able to look into my living room window through this program, I decided that it's pretty darn neat. See for yourself...

1500 block of U Street:

1200 block of U St., showing the Lincoln Theater, Ben's Chili Bowl and the True Reformer Building:

13th St. rowhouses, just north of U St.:

1400 block of P St.:

Pretty houses around Logan Circle:

The corner of 11th and P, looking west towards Logan Circle:

11th and U, looking north towards Bohemian Caverns:

Businesses along 14th St.:

Teen Stabbed at 13th and U; Proceeds to Board Metro Train

OK, enough already. The Post is reporting this morning that a teenager was stabbed at the 13th Street entrance to the U Street Metro station on Saturday evening, then proceeded to board the train and ride it up to Columbia Heights. Once there, he must have determined that his injury was not "merely a flesh wound", and an ambulance was called for him.

This attack comes on the heels of a fatal stabbing at 14th and Newton on Friday night, the third murder in a week that has occured in the Columbia Heights/Parkview areas.

The article quotes a Metro spokeswoman as saying that the attack was believed to be related to an ongoing feud or beef that has led to the violence we've witnessed the last few days. (Why Metro is speculating on these things and not MPD is anyone's guess.) Regardless, we've definitely got an issue here.

This reminds me of the Shaw gang wars from 2007, where you would see flare-ups every few weeks or so. Inevitably, the outcry over this violence will be tempered with the usual "you only care 'cause it's happening in an area with pricey condos". I know, because we've heard it before. And it's true that the shootings and stabbings that take place on U Street and in Columbia Heights generate more press than one that takes place in Anacostia or Barry Farms. But the persistence of youth violence on this scale is particularly troublesome for two reasons.

First, Mr. 14thandYou, his brother, and a couple of friends happened to find themselves at Ben's Chili Bowl, directly across the street from the location of the stabbing, just a little later that evening. No one likes to see assaults like this happening so close to home.

Secondly, and perhaps more disturbing, we've seen firsthand the efforts being conducted by the MPD in the neighborhood to combat violent crime: more foot patrols, increased police presence, establishing personal relationships with many in the community, and so on. We think they're doing, by and large, a great job. And yet the last week has been evidence of how quickly and easily violence like this can spiral out of control. So the answer isn't "more police" or "more development". (Or "wait for cold weather"--Saturday night was pretty darn chilly, and yet...)

So what is the "solution" here? It's likely a combination of things: continued visible police presence, a renewed focus on the juvenile court system and its penchant for releasing repeat offenders back into the population, continued focus on providing counseling and outlets for kids in the District to do everything possible to ensure that they stay out of trouble, etc.

And to all of you who moved here from Des Moines and thought U Street/Logan looked safe because it has pretty houses and expensive condos: well, it still is largely a safe neighborhood...but keep your head up and your wits about you. Violent crime happens everywhere, unfortunately.

One Dead, One Wounded in Shooting Near 14th & T

Courtesy of Borderstan:

Two individuals were shot in the back of the apartment building located at 1433 T St. NW yesterday afternoon. One individual drove himself to the hospital and is alive, although his condition wasn't reported. The second individual was taken from the scene by ambulance and has died.

No suspects or motives have yet been given regarding the shooting because the MPD are still interviewing witnesses to the shooting. It is not known whether either of the victims lived in or near the vicinity of the apartment building.

This shooting is particularly disturbing largely due to the fact that it occurred in the middle of a weekend afternoon in an area one block south of a street with large numbers of pedestrians. Although we can only speculate as to the motive of the shootings (Drug transaction gone awry? A beef? A parking space?) it's further evidence that violent crime is indeed on the rise along the northern section of the 14th Street corridor headed towards U St. From the period of July 30 - September 29, violent crime is up 33% in that area versus 2006, and up 15% since 2007. A majority of the increase is attributable to muggings and assaults committed with firearms.

This all leads to a point we've made many times before: strolling around the Logan/U St. area, it's easy to become complacent with your surroundings. Luxury condos, cafes and boutique shops have a way of doing that to you. Yet while violent crime may not be as pervasive in Logan as it is in other parts of the city, it is by no means an unusual occurrence. So stay aware, be vigilant about contacting the police when you witness suspicious behavior, and communicate with one another. Also, pay attention to the platforms of local elected officials with regards to issues like the prevention of gang-related violence, after-school youth programs, parenting programs, housing assistance and other programs aimed at improving the lives of the less well-off in this city. Increased vigilance and police presence are short-term aids in the response to violent crime (which unfortunately will never be completely eradicated), but taking aim at poverty and its inextricable link to crime will help address this problem in the long term.

Ben's Turns 50

Whatever your feelings on their greasy half smokes, soupy chili, or scary-good milkshakes, one thing everyone can agree on is that any business that manages to stick around in the same location for 50 years (particularly when that location is the volatile U St. corridor) deserves some accolades. Today is your chance to share some love with that venerable DC institution, Ben's Chili Bowl, as they turn 50 years old.

U St. between 12th and 13th Sts. is closed to traffic all morning and afternoon in order to make way for the festivities, which outspoken Ben's patron Bill Cosby (the only person who eats free at Ben's) will be MCing. When I walked by this morning on my way to the Metro, it looked like they had a couple of moon bounces set up, seating for a couple hundred or so, and a live broadcast from local radio station 93.9.

So, if today's travels brings you around to Ben's neighborhood, stop by for the festivities. If not, Ben's is open late for your daily craving of saturated fat and grease. Mmmmmmmm....grease...

For more details about Ben's 50th anniversary festivities, you can visit their website.

1200 Block of U St. to be Closed Tomorrow

Apparently, some greasy spoon that serves chili dogs is having some sort of celebration for being around for 50 years. This event is expected to attract a fair number of people, and as such DDOT is taking the (unusual?) step of closing a block of U St. to traffic throughout the day on Friday.

Fortunately, the street will only be closed during the daytime, reopening at 4 PM. So all you Virginia and Maryland U St. party-types can still drive into the city on Friday night, become confused at the DC street layout, and end up parking in front of our building and blocking a fire hydrant. Hooray!

(If you decide to hit up Ben's to celebrate their 50th, make sure you bring your Rolaids.)

The full release is below.

***TRAFFIC ADVISORY***

U Street Closure for 50th Anniversary of Ben’s Chili Bowl

One Block will be Shutdown for August 22 Celebration

Media Contact: John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

WASHINGTON, DC — One block of U Street, NW, between 12th and 13th Streets, will be closed on Friday, August 22nd, for the 50th anniversary celebration of Ben’s Chili Bowl.

The roadway is scheduled to be blocked off beginning at 7am and reopened to traffic at 4pm. Parking restrictions will be in effect 1200 block of U Street and the 1200 block of Florida Avenue.

Ben’s Chili Bowl, located at 1213 U Street, NW, opened on August 22, 1958.

What Happened to Pink November?

In a comment in another thread, this question got asked:

"Sorry for the off topic question, but does anyone know what happened to the store Pink November on 13th and U?"

I think I might be able to shed some light on that one. A few weeks ago, I was dropping off a pair of shoes at George's at 13th and U, which shares the building with Pink November. While chatting with George, he mentioned that his shop would soon be moving--to the corner of 16th and U. The reason being, a developer has purchased the building at 13th and U and has plans to redevelop the property. George mentioned at the time that he had approached the owners of Pink November and inquired about partnering with them to purchase the building, but they were not interested.

So while I can't say for certain what has happened to the store--whether or not they plan to reopen elsewhere, or whether they're gone for good--what I can say is that they won't continue to exist at their current location.

And I would be remiss if I didn't throw out a plug for our favorite neighborhood shoe repair guy, George. He does great work at reasonable rates, and he's been a neighborhood fixture for years. He was still in business at 13th and U the last time I checked (about a week ago), but he should be moving to his new digs shortly.

New Construction Glut

Below is a photo essay on the new residential construction around U Street, almost all of which appears to be planned as 100 percent condo. These projects were most likely zoned and financed before the recent real estate downturn, and the market could be stable or rising before construction is complete. I still think that this many new units on the market will affect property values negatively. I count 11 new construction projects and I'm sure that I missed a few in the area.

Renovation at 13th and T Streets

The Moderno, 12th and U

The Lacey at 11th and Florida. It looks benign until you see . . .

Hideous

Union Row, 14th Street just north of U

A Clark Residential project going up on the northeast corner of 14th and Florida

A Bogden Builder's complex going up immediately behind the new Clark Residential project

Solea at the southwest corner of 14th and Florida, just across the street from the Bogden and Clark Residential costruction

14th and W Streets

Soon to be the Privado on Chapin Street — about one block from the three new buildings at Florida and U

The Floridian at 9th and Florida. This is the "coolest building" with a "hip scene". It's also the runner-up for ugliest new building and the winner of the most ridiculous ad campaign.

The House on the Corner at 9th and Florida