Community – DC Real Estate and House History

Streetcars Are Coming to DC!

January 30, 2014November 20, 2023 Marcie Sandalow Community

And they’re expected to bring $8-BILLION worth of development along with them. Not too shabby! Streetcars used to grace the streets of DC but they disappeared in 1962 in favor of buses.

The District is investing heavily on its new streetcar line in the hope of generating development and tax revenue. The Portland streetcar system is often cited, where ridership has increased over its 12-year history, and where development has boomed.

Eventually there will be 37-miles of track along eight different lines, serving all eight wards. The first line to open will operate along the H Street/Benning corridor and is expected to begin service sometime in 2014.

The streetcars will run almost exclusively within DC boundaries. In theory, they are to offer transport in areas that aren’t necessarily covered by metro, including the underserved K-Street corridor running to Georgetown. To learn more check out DCStreetcar.com.

Downtown Bethesda – Construction Progress

January 23, 2014January 31, 2018 Marcie Sandalow Community Architecture of the the DC suburbs, Downtown Bethesda, Lots 29 & 31 Bethesda, Photo of the Week

Making Progress… Lots 29 & 31 in downtown Bethesda continue to “grow”. This is the view as of mid-January 2014. To see how it looked in October, click here.

When Do You Think School Should Start?

December 12, 2013January 31, 2018 Marcie Sandalow Community Bell times montgomery county, community meeting school bell times, earlier school start time montgomery county, MCPS school start times, Montgomery County school start times

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is gathering feedback on recommended changes to school starting and ending times, also known as Bell Times. Superintendent Joshua Starr has recommended that high schools start 50 minutes later; middle schools start 10 minutes earlier; and that the elementary school day be extended by 30 minutes. None of these changes would occur until the 2015-2016 school year, at the earliest. There are several ways you can share your thoughts on the recommendations, including community meetings.

While I initially thought that the altered school times would be a good idea (my teenagers have always been teenagers in terms of rising times), my kids think it’s a bad idea. They don’t like the idea of getting out of school at such a late hour, particularly with regard to sports. “Mom- we won’t get back home from practice until 7:30!”. Who knew?

The next community meeting will be held Monday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. Childcare for ages 4 and up and interpretation will be provided. For more information, visit the MCPS website.

Bethesda Big Dig Update

October 17, 2013January 31, 2018 Marcie Sandalow Community Bethesda Construction, Lot 31, Photo of the Week

This is a photo of the Big Dig in downtown Bethesda at the intersection of Woodmont and Bethesda. I’m told that the first phase, abutting Ourisman Honda, will be complete by late 2014. Not so sure about the second phase. Regardless, the view is pretty spectacular. Takes a lot of bodies to coordinate this effort… For more details on lots 29 & 31, click here.

Sukkot in DC — Celebrating Shelter And Comfort

October 5, 2012January 31, 2018 Catarina Bannier Community Celebrations, Photo of the Week, Shelter, Sukkot, Washington DC

D-D-SSpr — Private Sukkah in Rosemary Hills, Silver Spring MD

In a way, it’s a celebration of the home. This week, Jewish families all over the world celebrate Sukkot, the “Feast of Booths.” The observance requires life — meals, gatherings and perhaps even sleep — in a fragile and temporary structure that is neither heated nor rainproof. It’s a joyous and at the same time humbling experience. Even if you’re not Jewish, you might have seen the big tent-like structures set up in many places downtown that office workers take their lunches to, or you might have noticed the little hut your neighbor built on their balcony or in their backyard. Sukkot is a way to connect not only to our suffering biblical ancestors but to those today who are without proper homes and shelter, who are refugees or otherwise lacking the basic comfort we take for granted.

We have asked friends and clients to share cell phone pictures of Sukkot (booths) this week, either their own or of any they might spot somewhere this week. You can find the beautiful collection in the slideshow below, and we will keep adding to it. So, if you happen to have a Sukkah or see one, make sure to email or text us a picture!

[Update 10/7: Thanks to all of you who contributed! One picture was even sent in from Denver, Colorado!]