Jason J. Thomas' Blog - Latest Comments in You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Barney — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:03:09 -0000

So I just came across this blog when looking up info on Pigtown Neighborhood Cleanups. I have worked in Pigtown with Habitat for Humanity for the last two years and it is cool to see that there are lots of people invested outside of non profits. Keep picking up trash and keeping an eye out on your block! It makes a huge difference!

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

JJT — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 21:49:21 -0000

I would give J. Patrick's a call, Bubbles. I just saw Pat and his wife at the Pigtown Festival this weekend, so I know they are around.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Bubbles — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 21:43:14 -0000

Ok, so the happy hour at Patrick's right? No...my neighbor wrote 2 emails to the owners and received no response. We're hoping that the place on Paca will open soon, do you happen to know anything about that?

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Bubbles — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:22:17 -0000

We're going to attempt to work a deal with Patrick's of Pratt tomorrow evening...I should have the details soon.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

JJT — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:25:49 -0000

Still going strong on this post.

Bubbles: Drop me a line on that Happy Hour. It needs to happen.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Bubbles — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:55:50 -0000

I have to give kudos to the police for their presence on the 700 block of Carroll, too! I can name few things things that I enjoy seeing less than a dealer get cuffed and stuffed into the back of a sqaud car.

FYI - One of my neighbors is setting up a Pigtown Happy Hour soon...I'll keep you posted.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Celina — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:41:19 -0000

Wow...I happened to stop by this blog again and it's great to know how many cool people are right around the corner and checking in! As an update: Cleveland St. is improving! Pigtown has had a noticeable police presence this summer and an amazing amount of drug busts especially on my street. Alas, the area of Cleveland St. closest to Cross St. still seems to have the most significant share of seedy dealings and, of course, trash! Nonetheless, the Pigtown Clean Up Volunteers have been doing an awesome job cleaning on Saturdays. During the week, however, the trash problem builds. At least once a week I sweep/collect trash within a 4-house radius of my home. Every little bit counts. It'd be great if we had some trash cans on every end of the block.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

JJT — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:20:40 -0000

I am amazed at how much traction this post gets almost a year after its initial posting.

Questions: I sent an email response under separate cover. I believe I made the right choice, and time will most certainly tell. The neighborhood has its issues, just as any transitional neighborhood has.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Questions — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:29:46 -0000

I’m thinking about buying on James Street and wondering if any of you lives on that block?

Jason - do you feel like you made the right decision?

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Jeannine — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:55:03 -0000

Hi everyone! I live on West Ostend Street in Pigtown and things in the neighborhood are looking up, but there still is a serious drug problem. I have come home from work several times, gotten out of my car, only to witness yet another drug deal. There was actually a guy parked next to my house shooting up heroin in his piece of crap car. My husband and I scared him off, but he had the nerve to show up a few weeks later, thinking that we wouldn't notice that he parked only a half a block away from where he was previously shooting up. He actually asked my husband on one occasion what he was doing and my husband responded "Just trying to keep the neighborhood safe, looking out for scumbag junkies and drug dealers." Mr. Heroin Junkie couldn't quite come up with a response to that. It's infuriating how bold these scumbags are. A lot of them park on Nanticoke Street and walk over to Cleveland Street to buy their drugs. I am happy to hear that there are decent folks buying homes on Cleveland Street. Have any of you been able to discern where the drug house(s) are? Those of us in Pigtown who just want to lead normal lives and be with our friends and family need to band together and not let these dirtbags take over our neighborhood. I see a lot of progress in Pigtown, but some days are tougher than others. I am trying to do my part. If any of you happen to walk by and see me picking up trash outside my house on the corner of West Ostend and Nanticoke, please feel free to say hi!

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Kim — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:58:49 -0000

I just found this site as I am planning a move to Cleveland Street next month! It is very reassuring to hear other people say that they have faith in Pigtown/Washington Village and that it is a good idea to move there! Look for a plant hanging from 1142 Cleveland in a bit!

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Celina — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:08:54 -0000

Glad to have found your blog--I'm always scouring the net for ANY opinions/articles relating to Pigtown. I bought my house at 1178 Cleveland on Aug. 14, 2006 (coming from Adams Morgan in DC). Yep, crime is still a problem...particularly on my street with late night drug sales. However, the area IS changing (even in the four months I've been here). I've heard gossip about a small shopping area going up on Ostend St (near that deserted patch). Dunno when. Can't wait until Washington Blvd cleans up a bit. How I'd love to be chillin' in a poet's lounge...sighs. Maybe in 2015. Ha.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Sean Hahn — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 14:35:15 -0000

Jason,

My wife and I considered buying that house in March. Very nice. We opted for one on Mangold St. Congrats. See you at Evelyn's.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Carol Ott — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:09:24 -0000

Oh please. My neighbor across the street drives a Merc convertible and he's never had a problem. Surely a mere 5 series would be okay.

This is where I would normally roll my eyes so hard they almost fall out of their sockets, but the effect, I'm afraid just isn't the same unless you see it in person.

Crime is no worse here than in Federal Hill. At least where I'm sitting, anyway.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Jason J. Thomas — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 14:44:43 -0000

joel: The city purchased a chunk of property on Washington Blvd for commercial development. You can see some of that going on now. Additionally, the area is certainly benefitting from the influx of new residents. As for crim, I don't know for certain, but I will have an idea in short order.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

joel perry — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 12:44:46 -0000

I actaully grew up in Pigtown. The neighborhood does seem to be changing. I've lived in the county for some time now and really miss the city. I am only hesitant because both my roommates and I all drive nice cars ( BMW 5 series...). What is the crime like now a days? Does any one know of any new progress on washington blvd?

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Jason J. Thomas — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 20:39:09 -0000

I am impervious to the effects of caffeine, Carol. I just drink it because of my addiction. :-)

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Carol Ott — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 20:24:30 -0000

I can't wait to meet you guys!

6 shots, eh? You must be a laid-back kind of guy. ;-)

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Jason J. Thomas — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 11:57:28 -0000

I will do so, Mike. Looking forward to meeting you.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Mike B. — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:24:08 -0000

I live right behind you. I can see the back of your house from my back porch. Come by 1135 Wicomico and introduce yourself after you settle in.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Lori — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:04:44 -0000

i'm in for a get together...

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Jason J. Thomas — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 16:25:54 -0000

Lori: I close on September 15. I was a little scared initially, but the more I think of it the better I like it. I am looking forward to that coffeehouse, too. Carol will get to know me as the guy ordering the 6 shot Americano.

Mike B: I discovered Patrick's in doing some research. I will take your word. I say I organize a little neighborhood welcome wagon at Patrick's after I get settled in. Who's in?

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Mike B — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 17:56:38 -0000

I live on Wicomico.
I have three words for you: Patrick's of Pratt.

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Lori — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 16:17:10 -0000

Jason - I'm closing on a house on Carroll in Sept. and think you have made an excellent decision.

Carol - My friends and I are excited that we'll have a coffee shop to visit!

All - As Jason was/is, I was a little hesitant to buy in Washington Village and even experienced a little buyer's remorse this week; however, your positive outlook gives me hope that I will not regret my purchase. Thanks!

Re: You Say Washington Village, I Say Pigtown

Fourknots — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 15:52:27 -0000

I just bought a house a block away on Scott St. Prices have slowly dropped (stopped climbing?) and I got a pretty good deal. The longer it is on the market, the more likely you are to get a good price. Interest rates are up and it's a buyer's market. That said, don't let a nice house get away from you. $3-4000 is nothing in the life of a house. Renegotiate on some other details (ask for a washer and dryer, etc). I think the area is perfect - very close to trains, stadiums, downtown, new coffee shop, etc. Prices will only increase as the DC crowd looks for the last convenient places to buy. Get there first.