A neighborhood's name is part of its identity. Adoption of it, or aversion to it, can say a lot about where a place is going -- and where it came from. Today, we’ll look at the genesis of "Brookland." more ›

Sure, it might have been rodent-infested, but the old Safeway on Rhode Island Avenue NE was still the grocery of choice for many Brookland residents before it closed in March 2010. And even though a Yes! Organic Market on 12th Street NE is a fine option for some, the residential neighborhood could certainly support a supermarket. How about Harris Teeter? more ›

D.C. police are asking the community for help as they search for two men who gunned down a Brookland convenience store manager during a robbery on Saturday . Raj Patel, 46, was working at the Newton Foodmart at 3600 12th Street NE, when two men burst in and eventually shot him around 6:40 p.m. The two men were captured on surveillance cameras set up inside the shop, and police have released those images in the hope that someone will recognize the pair. more ›

Around 10:30 a.m. this morning, a Red Line Metro train, heading in the direction of Shady Grove, was taken out of service after smoke was discovered on the tracks outside of the Brookland-CUA station. Those who were on the train were told that the train was out of service and that they had to leave the train -- one person who left the train told DCist that the smoke smelled like "really bad burning rubber." more ›

If you are involved in a "minor" scuffle, and you are mentally shaken but not physically harmed, do you report the assault to the police? In the opinion of the people on MPD's Fifth District listserv, you bet you do. more ›

Get ready for some major construction, Brookland residents. The D.C. Zoning Commission unanimously approved plans for development along Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street NE on Monday night. Submitted by Abdo Development, responsible for over 30 projects in the D.C. area, the plans include 825 residential units and 85,000 square feet of retail space on land owned by Catholic University. Abdo also aims to turn the CU area into a quaint college neighborhood by building "a public square, a clock tower and a college main street with bookstores and mom-and-pop shops," according to the Washington Post. Additionally, Abdo plans to include "below market" artist spaces (a sticking point that delayed the vote a few days) and will contribute $275,000 to community organizations and scholarship programs. more ›

My favorite blogger economist scoffs at his fellow Brookland residents who doubt the small area plan and comes up with a genius way to capitalize on their misconceptions: "[I]s there a market for NIMBY insurance? That is, I’d love to collect tiny premiums from residents looking at potential development near their homes, in exchange for which I’d take responsibility for the change in value of their home relative to homes outside of the directly affected area. If their property does poorly relative to other homes, then I’d shell out for the difference, either at an agreed upon time after development or upon sale. If it does better, well, the gain would accrue to me." I'm not a homeowner but I'm thinking about taking out a rental policy against the chance that Solea, the new condo building at 14th and Florida Ave NW, will sink both U Street and Columbia Heights into the ground by the sheer appalling weight of its horrible ugliness. more ›

Drink in the Details is a monthly column highlighting spirits and classic cocktails written by DC Craft Bartenders Guild members Adam Bernbach (Bar Pilar) and Chantal Tseng (Tabard Inn). more ›