Prince of Petworth

Prince of Petworth Has Moved!

2007-10-07T19:51:00.000Z

After a long wait and many revisions Prince of Petworth has finally been relaunched at www.princeofpetworth.com Please update your bookmarks, rss feeds and/or links. If you have any problems with the new site don't hesitate to email me. The functionality is pretty much the same with the addition of a new "Forum" section. Additionally, you'll have to register if you'd like to keep your username. Otherwise you can continue to post comments anonymously. If you do decide to register you'll only need to do so once. I'd like to thank Martin Ferus for his tireless efforts on this project. After tomorrow there will be no more commenting on this blogspot address.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the launch party this Thursday 8pm at Temperance Hall. More details to come on the new site.

And please do let me know if there are any questions or concerns.

This site is nothing without you guys!

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW PRINCE OF PETWORTH.

I Really Like and Support This Comment

2007-10-06T02:04:00.000Z

"Moving into Petworth is not "urban pioneering"--a term I have significant problems with. The best way to arm oneself is with education and community involvement. Please look for ways to combat not only criminal acts but their precedents, such as lack of education, employment, and affordable housing. Petworth is a wonderful, vibrant community that is not defined by crime. It is and should be defined by the families that live here."

Mark Your Calendars

2007-10-05T02:30:00.000Z

Monday, October 8th Prince of Petworth will be relaunched at www.princeofpetworth.com

Thursday, October 11th PoP launch party at Temperance Hall, 8pm. T Shirts will be available. More details to come.

Despite Apparent Public Urination, Sotheby's Still Interested

2007-10-05T02:29:00.001Z

IMG_4384, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

When I think of Sotheby's Realty, I think of Georgetown or Kalorama or Gramercy Park. Now we can add upper Columbia Heights to the list.

Ed note: This house is located not too far from Taqueria Del Distrito Federal. A commenter mentioned the unpleasant sight of public urination on 14th St. Thus the title of this post. I know, I know, if you have to explain it then you shouldn't use it. Damn.

Friday Question of the Day Special Edition

2007-10-05T02:22:00.001Z

Today's Friday question of the day is submitted by a reader. Elizabeth asks:
"I have a few questions of the day. Recently, I met a neighbor who has spent the last 37 years living on my block, raising children, and working at at least one business in the neighborhood.

She described the block of 37 years ago as being full of children, who were constantly running in and out of various families' houses, and she said that her children were raised by the entire community.

Today, we have very few children on the block... or maybe they just stay out of sight. I know two boys who ride their big wheels in the alley, but that's it.

Why are there no more families with young children?"

If you would like to submit a Friday question of the day just email me at princeofpetworth@gmail.com.

A Mural or Windows?

2007-10-05T02:20:00.001Z

IMG_4379, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Why is there only one window on the side of this rowhouse?

House of the Week

2007-10-05T02:19:00.001Z

IMG_4400, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Nice copper over the bay window. Great windows all around for that matter.

Roof Decks Are Right On

2007-10-05T02:18:00.001Z

IMG_4397, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Anyone have a roof deck? Do you have to get a special permit to install one?

Columbia Heights Day This Saturday!

2007-10-05T02:01:00.000Z

Event Schedule:

* 11:00 AM Pet Walk held outside of Sticky Fingers Bakery at 14th Street & Park Road
* 12:00-6:00 PM Festival Begins at Harriet Tubman Elementary School at 11th & Kenyon Streets

Wonderland Ballroom Bandstand:
* 12:00-12:40pm—Sunchild
* 1:05-1:45pm—Isabel Jazz Quintet
* 2:05-2:45pm—Flex Mathews
* 3:05-3:45pm—THE FIF
* 4:10-4:50pm—O’Tasty
* 5:15-6:00pm—Pure Light Seed
Activities & Attractions:
* Rita’s Children’s area with a moonbounce and face painting
* Sticky Fingers and Columbia Heights Coffee’s Seniors pavilion with coffee and pastries
* Family Picnic area
* Food and Clothing Drive to benefit Martha’s Table and Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter
* Local businesses, community organizations, and artisans
* Special appearances by local leaders

Taqueria Del Distrito Federal

2007-10-04T00:41:00.001Z

IMG_4383, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Located just a few blocks north of Gloria's Pupuseria you can find this popular Taqueria at 3463 14th St. If you are looking for authentic you need look no further. Again, even the Coke's come in those awesome glass bottles and they taste slightly sweeter because they are bottled in Nicaragua. I had a beef tostada which was delicious and I saw other folks eating burritos which looked pretty mean as well. And even better news - they deliver if you are in a 2 mile radius (202-276-7331). Enjoy.

What An Amazing House

2007-10-04T00:36:00.001Z

IMG_4393, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This house also on 13th St. always impresses me. It also has a terrific garden every summer. Is it possible only one family lives in this house? Pretty beautiful, no?

Great Article in the Post

2007-10-04T00:32:00.001Z

The Washington Post ran a great article today on the Windows Cafe & Market located in the Bloomingdale neighborhood. It is such a pleasure to read about a success like this. It shows you the power of perseverance and personality. I wish them the best of luck and hope we can replicate their success here as well.

Prison Door Condo Update

2007-10-04T00:30:00.001Z

IMG_4392, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

These condos on 13th St. have been through a lot. It appears they are back on the auction block...

Are Guns in the Home the Solution?

2007-10-04T00:22:00.000Z

More from the Petworth Listserv:
"Laying in bed with my wife this past weekend, hearing gunshots outside the window of Illinois, between Farragut and Gallatin...I came to the resolution I would purchase a shotgun for the safety of those in my home. An end I would have swore to never happen in my life, but our fear is becoming a daily piece of our District of Columbia life. And that is a tragedy."

A Question From A Reader

2007-10-04T00:21:00.001Z

"I just moved to Petworth and I love it. However I am concerned about
the crime. I've noticed while walking my dog that there are signs
posted on some of the trees on the 1300 block of Sheppard stating that
if more than 2 people are found loitering they can be arrested. It's
some sort of community-based initiative to make that block a "drug
free" zone. Does anyone know how to spearhead such an effort? Does
there have to be prior incidents to establish an area as a problem
before an initiative like this can be done?"

Anyone familiar with this?

For a picture of the sign click here.

Hmm, Wild Irish Rose or Manischewitz

2007-10-03T00:30:00.001Z

Bodega Manshewitz, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Hold on I have to stop laughing for a second. Ok, this is a photo from my local bodega in Petworth (from the cell phone, c'mon I can't always have my camera on me). At any rate, I was stunned and overjoyed to see that they were selling the traditional kosher wine Manischewitz. Manischewitz is the sickly sweet wine that every Jewish boy and girl knows all too well. Why it is being sold in Petworth that probably has a .05% Jewish population is beyond me. But the mere thought of someone slugging Manischewitz on the side of the road is simply beautiful. And a bit sad. I think this may be the only bottle of Manischewitz in the world that is located behind two inches of bulletproof glass...Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Manischewitz to drink.

Fantastic Mural

2007-10-03T00:22:00.001Z

IMG_4399, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

You know, I've noticed a ton of amazing murals around town. I love this one off 13th St. It is so much nicer than just a blank wall. What do you think?

Door of the Day

2007-10-03T00:21:00.001Z

IMG_4381, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

It's all in the details.

Now That's Some Individuality

2007-10-03T00:20:00.001Z

IMG_4389, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Personally, I love the unique homes. A splash of color adds some nice flavor to the neighborhood.

Mugging at the Petworth Metro

2007-10-03T00:10:00.000Z

From the Petworth listserv: "My housemate was brutally beaten by a gang of 8 young men who followedhim out of the Petworth metro Friday evening at 10PM. They followed
him up New Hampshire Ave heading NE until they got into the shadow of
the trees. He was beaten unconscious and has several staples and
stiches. I'm very grateful that he's alive. Given the way he was
injured it easily could have not turned out that way."

Council Member Bowser responds: "I'm very sorry to hear about this incident. I am copying Commander Burton to have him increase officers and patrols in the area around the Petworth Metro station and the adjoining neighborhoods with specific attention in the later evening hours. The community's continued vigilance is important and we will follow this case closely."

My two cents: This is a tragic occurance and I wish the victim a speedy recovery. I still feel that these incidents, thankfully, are rare. But please be careful and use good street smarts - pay attention to your surroundings, don't talk on a cell phone while you walk late at night and don't listen to your ipod. Having said that, no amount of street smarts can always prevent an incident like this. So hopefully, we will get more MPD patrols as well.

What Makes Us Among The Greatest Neighborhoods in DC

2007-10-01T22:40:00.001Z

IMG_4386, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Many of you probably saw the article in today's Post titled In Columbia Heights, Room for the Little Guys.

The article says: "The $149.5 million DC USA project is being developed by Grid Properties of New York. President Drew Greenwald said the firm will reserve 15,000 square feet, or about 11 percent, of ground-floor retail space for local and minority-owned businesses, under an agreement with the District to buy and develop the land. He will reduce rents by 30 percent to encourage smaller tenants."

But for me it is the little touches exemplified by this photo that I hope we never lose. This wonderful women sells sugar cane, mangoes and a variety of other tropical fruits. I bought a bag of sliced mango for 2 bucks. Not bad. I certainly hope these authentic street vendors will have a place as well.

Ha! I Can Support This Political Statement

2007-10-01T22:35:00.001Z

IMG_4388, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Everyone knows my opinion on this matter but this one made me laugh. On a number of garbage cans in Petworth, Columbia Heights and down 14th St. you can see this statement. Could it surpass the legend of Borf?

Keeping It Green In Petworth

2007-10-01T22:33:00.001Z

IMG_4405, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Petworth uses solar power to alert people that Grant Circle is only 550 feet away. Nice.

Et Tu Red Rocks?

2007-10-01T22:32:00.001Z

IMG_4380, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I am huge fan of Red Rocks pizza. But I was saddened to see, they too had resorted to using a ridiculous sign to promote that they are open for lunch. You're better than that Red Rocks.

Columbia Heights Coffee Best Place to Work or Study?

2007-10-01T02:36:00.001Z

IMG_4375, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

As I've written before Columbia Heights Coffee located on 11th Street between Park and Monroe is one of my favorites. So I was wondering what are people's favorite places to work or study with free wifi? For those who say CH Coffee is too small, there is good news on the way. They have purchased the space next door and eventually will be expanding. When speaking with the proprietors they couldn't tell me exactly when the expansion will take place but my guess would be in a year or so. So what's your favorite?