Stoddert Field Fencing Removed

The fencing around Stoddert Field finally has been removed after two years of being sequestered during its reconstruction, in tandem with the construction of the Stoddert Rec Center which was completed last year. The baseball/softball diamond has been completely re-built with dugout fencing, benches, backstop and a nice level infield. Unfortunately, the extensive engineering effort to improve drainage at the dugouts and home plate seems to have failed, as that corner remains swampy. Stoddert Field's new turf is amazing - let's hope it holds up to the onslaught of soccer games! The new field backs to a new Stoddert Community Garden, which was created by the efforts of many volunteers led by Glover Park residents Lauren Biel and Sarah Bernardi. This will be a great addition to help children learn about gardening.

The baseball diamond remains fenced but hopefully will be opened shortly so softball and Little League baseball can resume.

Chipotle to open in April!

Chipotle, the popular burrito chain, is planning to open a store in Glover Park in the long-vacant former Pizza Hut space next to the Post Office. at 2338 Wisconsin Ave.

See Chipotle's website: http://www.chipotle.com

And they are hiring now for the Glover Park location: http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/w7vuwhibai/new-restaurant-jobs/

Update on Glover Park Property Values

Glover Park houses continue to maintain their value despite the prolonged downturn in the economy and the real estate market nationwide. The chart below shows average rowhouse sale prices, number of annual sales, and percent change year-over-year for the past seven years. No, we are not seeing the double-digit (or even single-digit) gains in average property values that we experienced back in the first half of the decade, but we are not seeing the painful drops in property values that have upset the lives of so many homeowners in the region and across the country. Average prices in 2010 are roughly at the same level compared to the height of the market in 2005; and we've been creeping up ever so slightly since a modest drop from 2005 to 2006.












Why have we fared so well relative the region and the nation? There are a number of reasons:

- The obvious reason is the strong federal jobs market here in DC. While other cities are seeing entire industries decimated, Washington continues to attract qualified homebuyers accepting or keeping federal jobs as well as private sector jobs linked to the operation of the federal government.

- Our neighborhood has seen a bit of a demographic shift in the past 10+ years in which more and more families with small children are staying put rather than moving to the suburbs as soon as their kids are old enough to walk. Also, more and more families with children are buying houses in our area and sacrificing some space for a shorter commute and a vibrant urban (or less suburban) lifestyle.

- Glover Park continues to be a popular rental area near universities and for new workers who view their well-paying jobs as potentially transient and wish to rent instead of buy. Rents have risen significantly since 2000 and rental houses are in great demand, which buoys property values.

- Move-up mobility has decreased due to the tight credit market and lack of equity to roll over, so more and more homeowners are staying put longer. One of the most striking statistics from the chart above is the roughly 40% drop in annual turnover of houses (down to 30 houses in 2010). With a tight supply, and steady (unfrenzied) demand, prices levels will be maintained.

- Rowhouse foreclosures and short sales are rare. We’ve seen a couple of instances in the last few years, but they have not had any noticeable impact on property values. The condo market in the neighborhood has seen more short sales and foreclosures with a bit of an impact on their respective buildings in the short term, but still nothing like the experience of most of the rest of the region and nation.

- The run-up in the market through 2005 sparked a renovation boom. Owners flush with equity or cash from home equity loans felt secure in spending money to do major home renovations, and sellers often felt these renovations could get a good return on re-sale. Back in the 80's and 90's seeing an opened-up kitchen with extended granite counters and stainless steel appliances was a rarity, but now it is commonplace in the neighborhood. This trend helped to raise the average home price.

Will prices rise when the economy finally recovers? I don't have a crystal ball, but much of the eye-popping rise in prices in the early part of the decade was due to the lending free-for-all, in which you could get a mortgage if you could simply prove you had a pulse. The credit market has gone to the opposite extreme now, and it is difficult even for many qualified buyers to finance a purchase. These changes are likely to loosen somewhat in the years to come, but we will not be back to the free-wheeling days until our collective memory is erased and we forget about the crisis. It will happen again - it always does - but considering the magnitude of the economic disaster this time, that will not happen again for a long time to come. The good news is that as long as we don't experience some other major unexpected economic shock, we can feel secure in the value of our Glover Park properties.

Glover Park Neighborhood Signs

Glover Park has two new neighborhood signs now installed along Wisconsin Avenue! One is at Calvert Street, which you see driving south, and the other is just below W Place, seen driving north into the neighborhood. Neighbors have long discussed the possibility of adding the signs as a visual enhancement and identity for the neighborhood, similar to the Palisades neigborhood signs installed along MacArthur Blvd. years ago. The signs are tastefully done and represent the typical streetscape of the Glover Park neighborhood with old brick and painted rowhouses along a tree-lined street.

Glover Park Farmers' Market 2010 Season Opening 5/8/10

The Glover Park Farmers' Market, which was hailed last summer as a valuable addition to the neighborhood, is soon starting its second season on Saturday, May 8th 2010. It will run every Saturday from 9:00-1:00, rain or shine, through October 30th.

The location is the Hardy Middle School parking lot (where the Georgetown Flea Market is held) across from the Social Safeway at Wisconsin and 34th Streets.

Info from those managing the market: "The Glover Park-Burleith Farmers’ Market is a producer-only market, featuring local fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, eggs, plants, cut flowers, handmade soap, pasta, gelato and more. Live bluegrass music, local fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, cut flowers, gelato, plants, bread and more. Dogs are welcome. WIC coupons accepted."

Kudos to Lauren Biel and the others who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to make this market a success, hopefully year after year.

Link to Glover Park Farmers' Market website

Stoddert Elementary Buy-a-Brick Fundraiser

Stoddert Elementary School in Glover Park has had construction of it's new facilities underway for over a year now and is attempting to raise money for school services through a Buy-a-Brick Fundraiser before construction is complete. Donors can receive an engraved brick to be installed as part of the school construction project near the entrance to school and new recreation center.

Standard bricks (4"x8") are a $75 donation, and family/class pavers (8"x8") are $275K. See their website to donate online and reserve your brick, but act fast before construction is complete!

Link to Buy-a-Brick online

Angelico Pizza in Glover Park

Angelico Pizza will be opening soon at 2313 Wisconsin Ave., replacing the italian restaurant Mama Maria's which went out of business last year. Angelico Pizza has a store in Tenleytown and seems to be following the lead of Z-Burger in expanding from Tenley to Glover Park, considering the market possibilities in the neighborhood. Angelico is also planning to open restaurants in the active H Street and U Street corridors. Liquor license application is pending.

Pizza Hut Closes

The Pizza Hut store next to the Salvadoran Embassy has closed. The store primarily was used for delivery and take-out, though also had a couple of chairs for diners. No word yet on what will replace it, though it is currently another vacant and papered-up eyesore. How about another drycleaners??

Woman crashes car into Whole Foods elevator

On October 1st an elderly woman driving a car in the Whole Foods garage crashed into the garage level elevators. Supposedly she accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake. The woman had minor injuries and no one else was hurt. Rumors of elevator riders plunging to the ground were unfounded.

Restaurant Specials and Discounts

Here are some Glover Park restaurant specials, discounts and events ongoing. Subject to change of course, so check with the restaurants.

BLUE RIDGE:
Stroller happy hour - Thursdays 5-7 pm - drink specials and special accomodations for kids and parents.
Oyster happy hour - Mon-Fri 5:30-7 pm - $1 oysters on the half shell; and drink specials

BREADSODA:
Happy hour - 4-7 pm - $4.00 beer and wine specials

GIN & TONIC:
Open bar - $20 Saturdays and Sundays during football games
Tuesdays until 10 pm - 2-for-1 drinks

KAVANAGH'S:
Happy hour - Mon-Fri 4-7 pm - drink specials
Monday - 2 slices and beer - $5
Tuesday - 2 salad, 12" pizza, 2 drinks - $24
Wednesday - half price bottles of wine and lasagna specials
Thursday - 1/2 price pints of beer

OLD EUROPE:
Octoberfest - September thru October - drink and dinner specials

SHANGHAI TEA HOUSE:
Lunch combo specials weekdays

SURFSIDE:
Happy hour - Mon-Fri, 5-6 pm - half price drinks
Monday: Free Chips and 7 layer dip with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage.
Tuesday: Kids eat free night. One free kids meal with the purchase of one regular dinner item
Wednesday: Half priced wine and bloody mary

TOWN HALL:
Happy hour - Mon-Fri 5-7 pm - $3 beer
15% off dining before 7 pm Mon-Fri
Tues 5 pm to close - half price bottles of wine
Glover Park night - Wed. 5-10:30 pm - $15% off your bill for Glover Park residents

TWIST at SAVOY:
Thursday - live jazz night and 2-for-1 dining specials
Friday - 2-for-1 appetizers
Saturday - half priced bottles of wine with 2 entrees
Sunday - bring your dog happy hour - 4-7 pm - drink specials

See all Glover Park restaurants, reviews and menus at: http://www.gloverparkdc.com/Restaurants.htm

Glover Archbold Park Deer Population

The National Park Service is considering using sharpshooters to reduce the overpopulation of deer in Rock Creek Park, including its Glover Park extension of Glover Archbold Park. The proposal has caused controversy as those opposed to the measure argue there are more humane ways to reduce the population, while those who support it believe that is is the humane way to deal with the problem that has grown into a real threat to the habitat and to people. The last estimate in 2007 was 82 deer per square mile - 4 times the maximum acceptable number.

Stoddert Rec Center

The Stoddert Recreation Center construction finally has begun after much planning and debate. Sadly, the entire field has been fenced in, the baseball diamond demolished, and some big old oaks threatened. Neighbors look forward to the completion of this long-term project and the restoration of some green space to congregate.

There has been an ongoing informal debate between those who support the rec center and what they see as great value to the neighborhood, and those who feel it will cause congestion, destroy the park and come at a great expense for the benefit of a small number of people. There are valid arguments to both sides, but once the construction is done it will be an attractive addition to the neighborhood.

Downloand pdf's of updated plans and renderings at the school's website at:
http://www.stoddert.org/RecCenter/reccenter.html

Glover Park Farmers Market

The Glover Park Farmers Market has been open for business for 3 weeks now - each Saturday morning, at the location of the Georgetown flea market across from the Social Safeway. Patrons have given it rave reviews for freshness, variety and the friendliness of the vendors. Stop by on a Saturday morning.

You can get updated info on vendors, weekly entertainment and more at the Farmers' Market website: http://www.dcgreens.org/

Wisconsin Overlook club

An illegal nightclub has been operating in Glover Park for a while now. The internet is abuzz with advertisements for all-you-can-drink dance parties at "Wisconsin Overlook", a club operating under the radar of DC and Glover park officials, and unlicensed to operate any business let alone serve alcohol and charge admission. The club is located in a new residential/commercial building at 2136 Wisconsin that has had a hard time attracting new tenants. It appears that the owner is 2 years in arrears on sky-high property taxes and the property has been flagged for a DC tax sale in September.

DCRA, ANC3B and the GPCA have done nothing to stop them, probably because they haven't applied for any business or liquor license, permit, or zoning variance so it seems no official has been paying attention. Yet, they all have attacked Town Hall relentlessly as they tried to legally navigate all these hurdles to operating their business.

Ceviche Closes; Kitchen Opens

Ceviche, the restaurant that opened to fanfare in Glover Park last year, has abruptly closed its doors as of the beginning of 2009. Apparently the concept just didn't work for the location and business was not so good. Ceviche had replaced the Austin Grill, a mainstay in Glover Park for many years. Ceviche's owners have not given up though - they have opened a new restaurant called Kitchen which will have a southern theme in its food and decor. Seems the food will be cheaper, the chairs are from the Salvation Army and the barstools are John Deere tractor seats. Is this a commentary on the Glover Park clientele??

Interestingly, Ceviche was tied to Gin & Tonic nearby (having the same owner) and apparently served as its kitchen for any food. Since Ceviche closed, Gin & Tonic has been ordering takeout from Z-Burger and serving their food at inflated prices. Strange. When it opened Gin & Tonic was touted as a restaurant serving traditional American tavern food, but they apparently serve no food at all and have no kitchen, so it is really just a bar with a Z-Burger take-out option for drinkers who get the munchies and don't want to stroll next door to Z-Burger. I wonder how that affects a restaurant's operator's license and liquor license in DC......

Originally posted 1/27/09