As many of you know, I’m a resident of Anacostia, a neighborhood that many in Washington, DC continue to associate with crime, poverty, and disrepair. I write this post in the hope that you will support a community effort to hire legal counsel to defend the Historic Preservation of Derelict District Properties Act of 2016 and the promised Class A retail making up an integral part of the Big K Special Merit Project. You can find details here, but I also find it important to share my perspective on why your support is invaluable.

When I first moved to Anacostia, I began a blog to document my home’s renovation. As I wrote in March 2011, “[my home’s] run-down state illustrates exhaustion and neglect, and for too long the ability to find resonance in an area of the District many continue to associate with these same characteristics.”

In the years that have passed, many homes that once stood abandoned are now filled with (human) life. Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists have also taken root, fostering a community that is diverse and vibrant. There is an energy within Anacostia that grows with each passing day – an energy rooted in community, creativity, and respect.

In the years that have passed, I have also witnessed the dark side of local D.C. politics, namely the failed promise of new, quality investments and a better quality of life for those that call my East of the River neighborhood home.

Whereas residents have come together time and time again to plead our case for (1) why we support an affordable housing plan for the District that does not concentrate poverty in any one neighborhood; (2) why we believe it is wrong for historic homes to be held vacant and blighted by the District’s Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD); and, (3) why we seek to really be a part of the processes and parameters used by the District of Columbia government to decide how best to revitalize our commercial corridor, our voices are ignored.

The lack of transparency in the actions taken (or lack thereof) and the disregard by the District of Columbia’s leadership for Anacostia must stop. This is why, friends, I humbly ask for your support in this effort to raise monies so that we can seek legal counsel to hold our elected officials accountable. Enough is enough.

Anacostia – alongside other East of the River neighborhoods – should not remain a place to be avoided rather than one to proudly call home. The District of Columbia government should play a key role in this effort.

“East of the river, the Anacostia Historic District has experienced years of disinvestment. The neighborhood contains numerous irreplaceable historic buildings that are vacant and suffering from demolition by neglect. Most disturbing are the historic homes held vacant & blighted for years (even decades) by the District’s Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).” Read more here: http://www.lenfant.org/revolving-fund-program/projects/2015-properties-in-need.html

Converted in 2004, the Lovejoy Lofts are a converted schoolhouse located near H Street NE. I’m fascinated by historic buildings such as this one being reconfigured for different purposes or – rather than being torn down – being incorporated into additions and conversions.

Walking through the building’s hallways, I almost expect to see and hear kids and lockers and teachers … yet, you open the door to what could be a classroom and are greeted instead by a modern loft. Yeah.

Oh, yes, and if you’d like to see for yourself, come to:

440 12th Street NE #105
I’m hosting an Open House from 1 to 3pm!

5. Kent

4. Shaw

3. Anacostia

2. West End

1. Congress Heights

#3 is #Anacostia … The DC Neighborhoods with the Best Price Appreciation in 2015 https://t.co/qq6T2cdUQ8

— K in DC (@FirstHomeDC) December 11, 2015

You don’t wake up thinking, today my dog is going to die. But, he did. I’m en route to Ohio now to hold Ralfe one last time before I let him go to run wild, forever and always.

Rescued in Haiti, Ralfe had just turned 3 in August (I swear he was a Leo, in personality and character). When I had my first pet, Cori, I was in middle school, or perhaps elementary. I literally remember worrying about how long he would live (15 years seemed a long ways away)! As a dog mom to Ralfe, the thought of my life without him — even after he lived a long and full life — brought me to tears. To think he didn’t even make it to play with my (future) kids … no words. To think I helped save his life in Haiti to only have it end tragically in the U.S. … no words. To think his small, strong body was left on the road after being hit, with the driver leaving him to bleed and bleed … no words.

To all those who knew Ralfe, they know the street dog mentality never quite left the dog. He was energetic beyond belief, and ate every meal as if it were his last. Listening he did, on occasion. The Ralfe that I saw, however, was not only mischievous. He was curious, in a beautiful way, and he loved me and my family unconditionally. He helped me rescue and feed many a stray dog in Haiti. He snuggled under my covers. Jumped and howled in greeting, always. Followed me at home, everywhere. Listened to me sing, without complaint. Allowed me to carry him like a baby, and dance, dance, dance. He was my renovation buddy. He was my cheerleader. He helped me appreciate life outside of the office, outside of real estate, outside of Home Depot and IKEA (though he would patiently wait for me in the car while I ran my errands). His sweet face, trying  to process scents and places and things at a mile a minute while walking Roosevelt Island, left me laughing.

I loved you Ralfe, I always will. Mwen renmen ou.

Silly a request as this may be, if you have any memories of my crazy pup, please post them for me to remember.

Pictures Celebrating Life:
(1) Little, Haiti, US: https://goo.gl/photos/Wtsb8F4naXRjryiC9
(2) U.S.: https://1drv.ms/a/s!AoFzXgzKBWbarloMrP6tFCxUHk1_
Hit and Run (not pretty, do not open if you do not wish to): http://1drv.ms/1NBDRlA

Run free, puppy baby.

@firsthomedc learning about the DC Housing Production Trust Fund with @dhcd in #Anacostia

While I may only hear the sirens and see the throngs of people awaiting a glimpse of Pope Francis, it is remarkable to think that he is here, in a town I now call home.

Beinvenido Papa Francisco