Police Arrest Burglar Responsible for 55 Robberies

Sgt. John McDonald of the Metropolitan Police Department reported at last night's ANC meeting that they have arrested a burglar responsible for 55 burglaries in our neighborhood. Apparently, the suspect confessed to the burglaries. A major mystery has been solved, so congratulations to our police for their efforts on our behalf!

Bike Lanes Come to 15th Street

After much public comment and with no clear winner among the four options offered by DDOT, a fifth hybrid alternative has been designed and is being installed on 15th Street. This alternative includes both north and southbound bike lanes. Vehicle traffic will continue to have three northbound lanes. You can visit the DDOT website to read about and view this design by pasting the following address into your browser: ddot.dc.gov/ddot/frames.asp?doc=/ddot/lib/ddot/information/studies/15th_street/15thstnw_alternative_draft.pdf

DDOT will start the installation of a protected south-bound bicycle lane on 15th St NW between Mass Ave NW and U Street NW between Monday, Oct. 26, and Monday, Nov. 2, weather permitting.

Work is expected to last approximately 5 days. The contractor will work during the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. During the work, parking onn the west side will be restricted and will be released as work on the section is completed.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. James Cheeks at james.cheeks@dc.gov.

MASA 14 Opens

Last night MASA 14 opened to a VIP list of guests. I was privileged to be included to sample the offerings at our newest restaurant. Delicious small plates were everywhere last night as guests enjoyed the Latino-Asian cooking. This was followed by a selection of dessert plates that finished off the evening. The ambience is urban and minimal with exposed brick walls and a bar that runs the depth of the restaurant. It is conveniently located at 1825 14th Street, next to VASTU, and I look forward to stopping in again soon. For more information, please visit their website at www.masa14.com.

Best wishes for much success to Latif Guler, Manager, and the chefs, Richard Sandoval and "Kaz" Okochi, and the staff of MASA 14. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Dupont Circle House Tour 2009: "Weekend in the City" to be held on Oct. 16, 17, 18

This Year's House Tour will expand the tour in a variety of ways to raise more money for the charities DCCA supports. Join in, meet your neighbors and help shape this exciting event by contributing your time, talents and ideas: Contact House Tour Chair, Robin Diener.

There’s still time to volunteer for the 2009 House Tour on Sunday October 18. Volunteers are needed as house monitors and to assist with Afternoon Tea at the Washington Club. Volunteers earn a free ticket to the tour and an invitation to the volunteer “after party” on Sunday evening. Please contact volunteer coordinator Kay Marlin to sign up for a shift. Please specify if you prefer 1st shift or 2nd and if you are volunteering with a particular person or group.

There’s still time to contribute as a Patron, Benefactor, or Sponsor. Have your name listed in the 2009 House Tour brochure and in the Dupont Current.

There’s still time to advertise in the tour booklet contact Robin Diener 202 431-9254.

There’s still time to buy tickets. Tell your friends! Purchase online ($25 in advance/$30 day of). Tickets will be available in the following locations about Sept 25:

AXIS SALON - 1509 Connecticut Avenue, NW
DESIGN WITHIN REACH - 1838 Columbia Road, NW
GOODWOOD: AMERICAN FURNITURE - 1428 U Street, NW
GREATER GOODS - 1626 U Street NW
HOME RULE - 1807 14th Street, NW
JAVA HOUSE - 1645 Q Street, NW
TRUE VALUE HARDWARE - 1623 17th Street, NW
TRIO RESTAURANT - 1537 17th Street, NW
URBAN ESSENTIALS - 1330 U Street, NW

S and T Street Parks Open to Dogs and Humans

Yesterday, Sept. 3, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Acting Director Ximena Hartsock, ANC Commissioners, and other community leaders joined Ward 2 residents, park lovers, and dog owners for ribbon-cutting and leash-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the completion and the opening of the new parks at S and T Streets, NW.

"The ribbon and leash cutting ceremonies represents the first simultaneous opening of a people park and a dog park in the District," said Mayor Fenty. "After much anticipation, residents and pets in the community now have a safe, healthy environment to enjoy."

Renovations at the two parks, located along New Hampshire Avenue and 17th Street, NW, between S and T Streets, NW, began in Feb of this year. DPR's newest off-leash public dog park is located at the S Street Park, and an improved park and plaza can now be found at the T Street Park. The S Street Park dog park is a new 5,600 square foot off-leash dog park, and will be maintained by a partnership between DPR and Circle Dogs, the sponsoring community organization. Hours of operation for the dog park are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 8 pm; and Saturday to Sunday, 8 am to 8 pm. This is the third public off-leash dog park project completed by DPR. Metal sculptures by local artist Robert Cole have also returned to the parks.

"The Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to open the new S Street Dog Park and the new T Street Park," said DPR Acting Director Hartsock. "These parks are opening today with great support from the neighborhood."

The S Street Dog Park features an artificial grass surface designed specifically for dogs, ornamental fencing, entrances on both New Hampshire Avenue and 17th Street, seating areas, and a water fountain for dogs. Existing cherry trees in the park were preserved, and a new plaza was constructed at the corner of S Street and New Hampshire Avenue. The artificial grass being used for the dog park is K9Grass, which is the only artificial grass, designed specifically for dogs. The grass drains well, is able to withstand wear and tear, is easy to maintain, and the knitted structure of K9Grass helps wick away urine for a cleaner facility. In addition, the grass blades are coated with an antimicrobial product which helps fight odors and creates a safer, cleaner environment for the dogs.

Use of all of DPR's dog parks are free, but each dog must have a valid DC dog license and have a DC dog park registration tag. Applications for the DC dog park registration tag are available in the "Dog Parks" section of DPR's website, dpr.dc.gov.

At the T Street Park, the main feature of the renovations is the preservation of one of the oldest swamp oak trees in the District. To protect the tree roots, much of the park was landscaped with small plants to provide year-round visual interest, and a plaza was constructed near the intersection of 17th Street and New Hampshire Avenue. The Friends of S and T Street Parks will also maintain a colorful planting bed at the southern tip of the triangle park.

After the ribbon and leash cutting, the DC Department of Health (DOH) offered free dog and cat vaccinations, and pet owners were able to have their pets vaccinated against rabies and DHLPP (distemper, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza viruses) free of charge. Also joining the event was the Washington Humane Society, offering dog adoptions to the public.

Photo courtesy of Commissioner Phil Carney

Neighbors Invited to Launch Party for new Local 14 Restaurant

Aman Ayoubi has invited residents and neighbors to the official party launching the Local 14 restaurant. It will take place on Sunday, July 26, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Whipple Farm in Rixeyville VA. Transportation will be provided from the front of Local 16 on U Street.

A seasonal farm-to-table banquet will be served by new Executive Chef Eric McKamey. Come meet the partners of Local 14!

Please RSVP by email at rsvp@localsixteen.com and indicate the number of guests and whether you will be needing transportation. Guests not on the attendance list will not be admitted. See you there!

Plans for Local 14 Announced at ANC Meeting

Aman Ayoubi, owner of Local 16, announced his plans to open "Local 14" next door to Room and Board at the corner of 14th and T Streets NW. It will occupy the building that housed the historic first African-American department store in D.C.

He introduced his partners at last night's ANC meeting, noting that he will be working with a local farmer, architect and chef to bring this new restaurant to our neighborhood. The second floor will feature a Japanese-inspired grilled chicken kebab menu.

He also plans to add an enclosed roofdeck over his kitchen in the rear of the building. Neighbors who live behind the proposed roofdeck have filed a petition with ABRA to protest the license in order to negotiate a voluntary agreement with Aman and his partners. The ANC voted unanimously to support their efforts by agreeing to protest subject to the negotiation of a VA.

Aman plans to host a community event later this month at the farm so stay tuned for details.