Georgetown Cafe is located at 1623 Wisconsin Ave NW. This looks like an awesome late night spot which was confirmed by some folks over at Yelp. But I’m wondering for those who’ve been there – is it better for Middle Eastern food or breakfast/diner type food?

We talked about increased rates almost a year ago. But there were a few press releases about these new meters. Do you think these are better than the big green ones?

Photographer Kasia Swierczek.  Join the LOOKDC group, today!

There’s a gap where we meet, © 2010 Kasia Swierczek

Griffin & Murphy, LLP, is a boutique law firm in Washington, D.C. concentrating its practice in real estate law (including development, finance, leasing, zoning and condominium conversions), as well as estate planning and probate, civil litigation, and business law. The attorneys of Griffin & Murphy, LLP are licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Griffin and Murphy, LLP was founded in 1981.

Please send any legal questions relating to real estate, rentals, buildings, renovations or other legal items to princeofpetworth (at) gmail (dot) com, each week one question will be featured. You can find previous questions featured here.

A reader, Vicky, writes:

“I am wondering what the laws are for using vacant lots for gardening purposes. I am a renter on the 700 block of Morton Street NW and I hate to see the space at 725 Morton Street (picture attached) wasted and covered with trash (the picture does not reflect the current trash levels, which are much worse). While there is nothing I can do about the building (a neighbor told me that it is owned by the city after they discovered that the guy building it didn’t have the proper permits), I would love for the front yard to be used as some sort of garden. Veggies, flowers, or just a few trees – anything would be better than the condition it’s in now. I’m sure there are safety concerns about people being in the front yard of a building that’s only half-finished, but is there any sort of precedent for a community group using space like this for a similar purpose? And leads on who to contact to get that ball rolling? Or if it’s illegal – what is the likelihood of adverse consequences to going ahead and planting things there anyway (not the easiest thing in the world, the dirt would need a lot of work)? Any thoughts from the legal experts and the readers on ways to improve this lot, and consequently the whole block, would be appreciated!”

Griffin & Murphy, LLP respond:

This property, which is actually located at 723 Morton Street N.W., received some publicity a couple of years ago because the owner was cited by the city for illegal construction. Although the city cited the owner for building the existing structure without the proper permits, it has not condemned the building, and therefore, it is still privately owned property. Strictly speaking, you are not allowed to legally enter upon private property without the owner’s permission, and to do so would constitute a trespass. If a “No Trespassing” sign has been posted by the owner, you could be liable for criminal trespass, which might result in your arrest if the police were called; otherwise, you would only be guilty of civil trespass, which exposes you to liability for actual damages only. It would be hard to argue that you damaged this property if you planted a garden in the front yard.

Because the structure on this property was illegally constructed, the DC government has the authority to raze the building and charge the property owners for the cost of the demolition. If the city has not condemned the property up until now, we think it unlikely that it will do so in the near future barring some major change in the conditions on the property. We suggest that you contact DCRA to see what their intentions are with regard to this property and its owner. Answer continues after the jump. (more…)

“Dear PoP,

Could you do some investigating on the big empty holes in the ground (surrounded by orange fencing) in front of Giant and Sticky Fingers on Park Road? They have become make-shift trash dumps. They appear to be designed as future flower beds or something but for now, they are complete eyesores.”

I think they are supposed to plant trees there. But you can find all sorts of great information on the Columbia Heights Streetscape Web site here. It lists all the projects and the time lines. Really a must visit Web site for those that live in the area or are just curious about the project.

Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. Nestor writes, “Here are some images of a great Venezuelan band called King Changó at a concert al The Black Cat last week.”

More sweet photos and a video of this great band after the jump. (more…)

This is one of my favorite features. I love when folks send in shots from new spots. She writes:

“Here are two photos from my recent trip to Zambia. Near Obama Street in Lusaka you can also find the Obama Sportsbar, the Obama Barbershop and other establishments named after President Obama.”

Thanks to a reader for sharing a few photos from inside yesterday’s popular House of the Day from Mt. Pleasant. I assume the owner is one of the guys above…

Fireplace after the jump. (more…)

Thanks to a reader for sending these great shots. He writes:

“I’d like to submit these photos of my friend flying his kite surf trainer kite on the mall Monday. It’s a great place to fly a 12ft wide kite so long as no one else is around ”

I know I went on a bit of a transom binge a couple of weeks ago but I had to share this one as well. It’s one of my favorites.

This isn’t my favorite in town but I thought it was noteworthy because it’s a bit unusual. I’m getting a 60s vibe. Anyone like this style? It’s from Harvard Street sorta on the border of Adams Morgan and Mt. Pleasant.

A few readers have written in mentioning that the new CVS has opened up on Columbia Road just east of 18th Street, NW. I believe the old one across the street has closed so it’ll be interesting to monitor that space to see if anything interesting goes in. And to continue the less exciting news of that stretch of Columbia a T-Mobile store has also recently opened. Why do you think that stretch of Columbia (east of 18th) has a hard time attracting interesting retail/restaurants?

Yesterday I asked how people get curb cuts on new construction. Today, I’d like to ask how folks get permission to build pop ups this tall. We’ve judged these buildings on Monroe Street, NW (just west of 14th) before but I’m curious about the one in the middle. I’d imagine the owner(s) has to be pissed being squashed between two big pop ups like this. Can these be built simply by applying for a permit?

This apartment is located at 1334 13th St. NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“Our 1 bedroom, 1 bath English basement apartment in Logan Circle is available. The apartment has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and access to a back patio/yard. The apartment is small, but is in a great location just south of Logan Circle. Water is included and tenant will pay for electricity. The apartment is available March 1st, and may be available earlier if someone is interested in moving in earlier. Rent is $1150 per month, and we are looking for a 6-12 month lease and have flexibility on the term for someone who can also be flexible. We are hosting an open house on Sunday January 31st from 1PM EST until 2:30PM”

I know folks don’t love basement apartments but I was intrigued by the location and price. Seems pretty great to me. What do you guys think?

“Dear PoP,

I see these little compost containers in places like Greater Goods on U Street that are designed to hold kitchen scraps in a convenient, non-smelly way until you’re able to drop off the contents at a local compost pile.

I’d really like to buy one of these and reduce the amount of garbage I generate, but I’m not sure where I could drop the scraps. I live on 16th near Dupont.

Any recommendations?”

I thought the purpose of compost was that it is supposed to degrade where it is, no? Anyone have a compost pile? What do you do with the scraps?