Posts by Kent Boese — Guest Contributor
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The first two efforts to turn Petworth’s Hebrew Home into housing failed. Will the third time be different?
Just a few blocks from the Petworth Metro, a District-owned apartment that most call the Hebrew Home has been vacant since 2009, and DC is asking for resident input on its latest effort to redevelop the land (the first two fell through). The end result could be 200 new units of mixed-income housing, along with retail and park space. Keep reading…
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Use this map to share your ideas for better east-west travel across DC
Is it frustrating to try to travel from Columbia Heights to Brookland on foot, bike, bus, or car? The District Department of Transportation is studying ways to make it easier to travel east-west in this area, and a new interactive map lets you point out problems. Keep reading…
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Can a housing development go up in Petworth if it doesn’t build new parking?
The developers behind a proposal for a new residential building in Petworth say it doesn’t need parking because there are plenty of non-car transportation options nearby. Some residents disagree, saying the area can’t accommodate new housing if new parking doesn’t come with it. But take a walk around and you’ll see their concerns are overblown. Keep reading…
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May Day in 1924 was a surprisingly big deal
Today is May Day, a springtime celebration that over the past century has transformed into a time to recognize the importance of play (and playgrounds to play on) for children. In 1924, DC had quite the May Day commemoration. Keep reading…
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Palisades’ humble rec center exemplifies great park planning
In the 1930s, architects carefully planned the Palisades Recreation Center to take advantage of its location overlooking the Potomac River. 80 years later, it’s still an informative model for park planning. Keep reading…
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Then and Now: Snow plows
Left: Ford Motor Company snow plow equipment ca. 1925 in front of the District Building. Photo from the Library of Congress. Right: DDOT snow plows in front of RFK stadium, November 5, 2010. Photo from the DDOTDC Flickr pool. Keep reading…
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Lost Washington: Thompson’s Dairy
Though one wouldn’t know it by looking at Washington today, industry was once an integral part of the city’s economy. The Thompson Dairy is one example of Washington’s industrial past. The dairy was founded in 1881 by John Thompson who had a dairy farm near Washington. Prior to 1881, Thompson would bring his milk to the city each day and find a distributor. Keep reading…
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Then and Now: Columbia Road @ Sherman Avenue
The historic image below dates to January 5, 1921, and shows the aftermath of a motor collision at Columbia Road and Sherman Avenue. The crash involved Battalion Fire Chief Timothy J. Donohue, who was injured, receiving a cracked jaw, several broken ribs and lacerations on his face, head and body. Donohue was 63 years of age at the time. He rallied and recovered from his injuries. Donohue… Keep reading…
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3577 Warder gets free curb cut despite policy, bad acts
There are days when I’m reminded that I live in the Wild, Wild West. Wednesday was one of those days as I received a phone call alerting me that 3577 Warder Street was getting a curb cut. Yes, they had permits, and plans, and everything appears to be on the up-and-up. The existence of such documents in this case makes me scratch my head and wonder why developers are afforded permissions… Keep reading…