202_cyclist says: (5/8/18 6:24 PM)
JD-- it is with a heavy heart that I read this. I hope you return to blogging. You've provided a great service to our growing neighborhood.

dude says: (5/8/18 7:27 PM)
I’ve been there, kinda, after maintaining a popular website for 7 years. I get it.

Also, JDLand is awesome.

JD says: (5/8/18 7:30 PM)
As I just said on Twitter, to explain how I won't completely disappear:

For instance, I'm already scheduling a series of posts at Redistricting Time, since that's a gonna be a barn burner.

202_cyclist says: (5/8/18 7:41 PM)
I’m still planning on being at the Brig happy hour next Thursday.

JD says: (5/8/18 7:52 PM)
Me, too. Though it might just be us regulars since I'd now feel like a doofus putting up a new post to invite people.

Also, I am still doing the walking tour that people bid on.

VelocityChris says: (5/8/18 8:00 PM)
Wow, end of an era! I think that although a cliché, this fits well here because "end of an era" doesn't mean its the end of anything; as one era is followed by another.

This blog has played a huge role in the neighborhood and in many cases on a very personal level for many. JDland was a significant factor when we bought our condo here in 2012. Hard to believe now, but back in March 2012 when there was no Canal Park and Kruba Thai was the only restaurant down by the Anacostia, it wasn't an easy call that the neighborhood would be what it is today. Seeing the well documented plans of development was just enough to push us over the edge and buy. For that and so much more, thanks JDLand!

TheOnyxGuy says: (5/9/18 5:17 AM)
In 2008, I was at a bit of a turning point in life and wanted to try living in the city. JDLand was there giving this single, suburb-dweller the courage to come on down. I moved, enjoyed city-dwelling life, found love then marriage, and moved a bit from Near Southeast. I still get excited returning a few times per month and get excited seeing the JDLand email notifications. The area is still facinating to me.

Thank you for recording its progress and alerting us all to the news that’s fit to ...blog.

conngs0 says: (5/9/18 8:33 AM)
Dear JD, thanks for the incredible service you've provided (and still provide) the community not just for disseminating useful information, but for the sense of humor and grace with which you present it. If this particular project has become a source of stress, then please step back from it knowing that you really couldn't disappoint any of the folks who regularly tune into your blog after all of the positives that we have drawn from it. I'm supremely happy to read that you won't be totally signing off. So, take care. And I'll be looking forward to seeing your (more) occasional contributions on the blog and via Twitter, etc.

Bruce says: (5/9/18 9:34 AM)
JD, I am so sorry about all that that you have gone through and continue to go through. I hope life brings you some joy going forward.
Thank you for all of your hard work.

ConsumerAdvocate says: (5/9/18 10:43 AM)
Hi Jackie - your fans will certainly understand a certain amount of pulling back, after the difficult months you've had. Look forward to even your infrequent posts! Linda

JD says: (5/9/18 11:39 AM)
Thank you, everyone. I'm a lucky blogger to have such great readers.

GarfieldPark says: (5/9/18 1:45 PM)
I echo everyone else on this thread. I know the readers will continue to bring their news bits and observations, it's in good hands. Thanks again for the service to our community.

In M St observations, they have to be fairly close to opening up the sidewalk to 1st st? Looks good.

MalS says: (5/9/18 2:32 PM)
Congratulations JD! You have been and are a fantastic journalist and with all you've been through you have always been a source of inspiration (and fun) for all of us.

I truly believe the neighborhood would never have been the wonderful place it now is without your efforts, along with all the other interesting forces combining (the financial crisis timing, the real estate market, the Nats, the soccer, the Anacostia river clean up efforts - the list is long)!

We love you and want you to enjoy what JDLand is and never dread it.
See you on Twitter (etc)!
MAS

JoeNdc says: (5/9/18 2:41 PM)
JD-you have given so much to all of us through your fantastic blog. You are the very reason I bought a townhouse here after reading your site. I was not initially sold on the area way back in 2009. But you helped me see the potential and before long, I was all in. And I am so glad I went for it.

Take well deserved time to find your groove. As I said, you have given to so many, now its time to give to yourself.

Snacks says: (5/9/18 4:48 PM)
Thank you for your time, effort, news, updates, pictures, posts, etc.

You've been an amazing resource for the neighborhood and look forward to reading whatever (whenever) stuff gets put up on JDLand.

Thank You!

Westnorth says: (5/9/18 5:19 PM)
Speaking of updates from readers, here's what's new from the Forest City Enterprises earnings call:
Parcel O is The Guild, 191 units, complete 3rd quarter 2019
Parcel L is L2, 264 units, no ETA; 14,000 sq ft of retail is comparable to Lumber Shed

The Yards' cash return is 6.6-7.1%. Not bad, but also not exactly golden-fleece.

Square 769 will be complete in 1st quarter 2020. The movie theater will be later in 2020.

FCE recently sold off their portfolio of NYC street retail properties and regional malls, and mentions that they may "evaluate the merit" of owning "remaining retail." So, if you'd love to own the low-rise bits of the Yards, they might entertain an offer.

keith18 says: (5/9/18 9:21 PM)
JD, thanks for all the coverage over the years. I moved out of the neighborhood last year and even though I love my new DC neighborhood, I miss near SE dearly. All the best!

JD says: (5/10/18 9:24 AM)
Ta da!

800 NEW JERSEY AVE SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20003 / 0737 0827
PERMIT ISSUED
05/09/2018
Owner: WHOLE FOODS MARKET / Applicant: MELISSA DIAZ
NA / TENANT LAYOUT / CONSTRUCTION
THE PROJECT IS A TENANT FIT-OUT OF AN EXISTING SPACE IN A MIXED USE PROJECT BEING DEVELOPED UNDER A SEPARATE PERMIT. THE PROJECT IS A WHOLE FOODS MARKET OCCUPYING THE GROUND FLOOR AND A MEZZANINE WITHIN THE BUILDING. - TPR
05/10/2018

jdc says: (5/10/18 9:33 AM)
This post made me so sad it took me a day to respond. Thankfully, JD seems as active as ever in the comments and that should get us all through this 'pulling back.' JDLand is a daily destination for me, not the least of which are the comments and commentators. I look forward to our endless speculation about Whole Foods (see post above) and all of the counting of tower cranes to come.

JD says: (5/10/18 9:37 AM)
Yes, I hope everyone stays in the comments, and I am reading (and Tweeting) as always. I just don't want to have to force myself to pull together posts on a regular basis anymore, and I don't want to feel guilty for not keeping up with every little item.

But I still will have plenty to say, I'm sure. :-)

JD says: (5/10/18 9:44 AM)
WASHINGTON, DC (May 10, 2018) - The Bullpen will air all Washington Capitals games with sound on their brand-new Bullpen Big Screen. Fans can catch all the action at The Bullpen as the Caps take on the Lightning in the NHL Conference Finals. Game 1 kicks off during Truckeroo on Friday, May 11th, with Games 2-7 offering $5 drink specials from May 13 through 23, 2018.

202_cyclist says: (5/10/18 10:11 AM)
I hope the comment section stays active— it is a great resource and I enjoy reading the updates.

I saw this morning that the digital signs were being installed outside of Nats Park, along Potomac Ave.

JD says: (5/10/18 10:29 AM)
I'm already realizing that my paste-without-commentary approach to putting quick info in the comments is precisely the level of work I am comfortable with.

I imagine in a few weeks I will redesign the home page, to make the Twitter box more prominent--and maybe I'll just have the most recent post on the home page, with the comments displayed, so there isn't an extra click to see it.

I have not lost interest in providing news as I see it--I just have no interest in having to create a full post (going into my homebrew blog software, picking a photo, adding it in, etc etc) for something as simple as, for instance, the Bullpen showing Caps games. Copy, paste, submit, done.

(and this is why Twitter is so perfect for my current level of energy)

sameter says: (5/10/18 11:58 AM)
Having been in navy yard since 2014, you've the reason we moved there like many others have expressed. best wishes and look forward to seeing everyone in the comments!

NavyYardGuy says: (5/10/18 1:23 PM)
@ JDLand --what time will the Happy Hour be next Thursday @ The Brig--like 202 cyclist I as well plan to come!

JD says: (5/10/18 1:24 PM)
A Twitter follower was nice enough to give the Brig a heads up that we will be coming (so they can set aside a few seats). I told them I'd get there around 5.

JD says: (5/11/18 12:45 PM)
Tunnel/street news:

2. 5th Street to Reopen, as soon as May 14th
On or about the week of May 14th, 5th Street will reopen to vehicular traffic. Work will continue to progress on the street and open-space restoration at the intersection of 5th Street and Virginia Avenue. New paving, granite curbing, sidewalks, drainage and underground work for streetlights are well underway. CSX appreciates the community’s patience while we complete this important work.

3. 7th Street Intersection to Close, as early as the week of May 14th
After 5th Street reopens, CSX expects to temporarily close the 7th Street SE intersection with Virginia Avenue for approximately 3-4 months. The closure will allow removal of the existing temporary bridge deck and final street restoration. The timing for the closure and work is dependent on favorable weather conditions and the reopening of 5th Street. CSX will provide updates as the work progresses.

Jaybird says: (5/11/18 2:18 PM)
JD,

I haven't posted in quite a while but still read.

I think you and I first met near 1st and N, as the ballpark was in the first year of being built -- 2006 or so?

No matter what happens the rest of the way, -- you are going into the DC Blogging HOF!!

revpar35 says: (5/12/18 10:09 AM)
No. This is not acceptable.

JD says: (5/12/18 11:00 AM)
So, as soon as I gave myself permission to stop chasing day-to-day news and just focus on "observations," the coder in me came up with the craziest solution possible to still have some ongoing newsiness without my having to expend much energy at all. And it will keep the members of the commentariat on their toes, too.

Stay tuned.

RMP says: (5/12/18 11:40 AM)
Thank you for your service, JD! I look forward to seeing this craziest of solutions.

I don't know if anyone else gets the 730DC newsletter, but I saw the other day it described JD as "Southwest blogger covering DC’s smallest quadrant". Kind of crazy that even these days people don't have any clue where we are located.

CHTBill says: (5/13/18 7:48 PM)
We were one of the first residents to move into CHT the Fall of 2006. We found you, Jackie, and not too long afterwards our constant refrain when it came to questions about the neighborhood was, “Let’s check with JD.” In this neighborhood, it’s akin to “Google it.” You will be greatly missed. It’s kind of like when your favorite next door neighbor moves away. Thank you for everything.

CJBabyDaddy says: (5/13/18 8:04 PM)
@conngs0: You said everything I could think to say. You just used purtier words than I could’ve thunk up.

JD: However you move forward, may the future return to you all the goodness and light that you have given us. FYI: After we move into the Bower (thanks to your opening our eyes to the hood’s future), this is the order in which we will be inviting special guests over for dinner.
1. My wife’s mother.
2. You.
3. Barack & Michelle.
4. Bryce & Kayla.
5. T‘Challa and Shuri.

nsfw says: (5/14/18 8:17 AM)
@CJBabyDadd: Is that before or after the parking deck happy hour? I'm a neighbor in spot 86.

I've been reading JDLand since before I got in line at the Bower. I wouldn't have plunked down my deposit without learning about the neighborhood here.

Packinblackandred says: (5/14/18 8:46 AM)
In highly minor news, the 2 Eye Street building is going to be called Novel South Capitol according to some signage along South Cap St.

Packinblackandred says: (5/14/18 8:46 AM)
JD, I'm hugely appreciative of your work and news and I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the future!