Burleith Newsletter November, 2000

Fall is in full color here in Burleith. The trees are beautiful, and for a few days at least we can forget about the leaves waiting to be raked, piled and taken away. (Information on leaf collection is elsewhere in this newsletter.) Let us just enjoy the wonderful weather. I don't know when our neighborhood has looked this good! There is a great deal that will be happening in the next few weeks as we approach the holiday season.

The annual Halloween Party last Tuesday proved to be another success with children in a variety of costumes, many games and lots of treats added to the excitement. Thanks are due to Maggie and Fred Fleming, who for many years have continued this Burleith tradition.

The membership drive is now underway. Whether you complete the form on the back of this newsletter, respond to the information on your doorstep, or talk to a block captain, please invest in our community by joining the Burleith Citizens Association.

Families with small children are pleased that the renovations on Tot Lot (at the Corcoran) are nearing completion; everyone is invited and urged to attend the ribbon cuffing ceremony sometime this month. Look for posters and check the website (www.burleith.org) for notices!

A welcome committee, led by Charles Mallett and Guy Gwynne, will be meeting and greeting some of the newcomers to the neighborhood. This is the beginning of a regular program to get to know our new neighbors.

Election Day, November 7, is fast approaching, and everyone is encouraged to vote!

Our regular meeting will be Wednesday, November 8. In addition to an interesting and unique program we will be able to share with you the decision of the Board of Zoning Adjustment on the status of the Georgetown University Ten Year Plan. I and a few others, with the support of the BCA Board have been working diligently with the other nearby communities in a process that started about a year ago to make sure our concerns were heard and addressed by the BZA.

Burleith residents still have an opportunity to support the police officers of the Second District by attending the annual awards dinner on Thursday, November 9. Call Guy (338-5164) or Bonnie (338-6470) to join our contingent-Burleith will have at least a table there. Attending is just one way to express our appreciation for the good support we receive from. Commander Newsham, Lt. Bray and the officers in our area.

Looking ahead to December: Another children's event will be the tree-trimming on the Green Lot on Sunday, December 17. We will also have the annual tradition of awarding prizes for the best holiday home decorations.

On Veterans Day, November 11, we have an opportunity to honor the veterans who have protected our freedoms over these many years, and Thanksgiving will be a time to be thankful for all we do have.

There is much happening in this small neighborhood. We hope you note all of these events on your calendar, and I hope to see you there!

A program that has long been discussed will soon become a reality: Guy Gwynne and Charles Mallett are leading an effort to welcome new homeowners and new residents to Burleith Over the next few weeks they will be reaching out to the 14 families who have moved into Burleith since last April. Their plan is to say hello and at the same time ask what could be done to make their transition into this area easier. The new residents will be given a homemade treat and a folder of useful information. including important phone numbers, a Burleith newsletter, information on local events and information about local schools.

The committee welcomes news of newcomers or others who would benefit from a visit. They are also open to suggestions for welcoming gifts or information that new residents need to know. What did you want to know most when you first arrived in Burleith? Address suggestions and recommendations to Guy (338-5164) or Charles (337-6506). Thank you!

Minutes. Minutes from the September 28 meeting were read and approved. In the future, the recording secretary will bring ten copies of the previous board and general meetings to each board meeting. Minutes are made available as requested.

Treasurer's report. Checking account has a balance of $6,199.24 including $1,445 to date in membership dues.

Membership. A letter from the President, a flyer/brochure and a revised form will be used during the current membership campaign \which has a 100% goal. Several board members will be block captains at large. Materials are to be distributed by the block captains.

Welcome. Charles Mallett and Guy Gwynne are developing a program to welcome new residents to the neighborhood. More details are in this Newsletter.

Public Services and Safety. Although Pat Scolaro gets a Monday report from Lt. Bray, all other police and activity should sent to Ed. Solomon, who chairs this committee. The Second District police awards dinner is Thursday, November 9. All residents are invited to attend. The BCA will have a table; tickets are $28. Guy Gwynne is coordinating.

Leaf pickup. Look elsewhere in this newsletter for the schedule for Burleith.

Supercans. Look for changes in trash pick-up policies after the January 1. There has been some discussion on new regulations which have not yet been released.

Association of Oldest Inhabitants. BCA Board members have an opportunity to join this organization which meets monthly and identifies issues and causes to support. There is a residency requirement.

GU Campus Plan. The communities completed their last submission and the BZA is to give its decision Wednesday, November 8.

Tot Lot. Nearing completion. BCA will work with Corcoran on an official presentation with a ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments, speeches etc.

November general meeting. Ed Solomon will follow up on having a representative from Lockheed Martin (which provides equipment for radar surveillance and other innovative traffic measurement devices) to speak at the November meeting. There will be an opportunity for residents to identify traffic and parking issues which cause serious neighborhood problems. Lt. Bray and Lt. Contee will be invited to participate. This meeting will be preparation for a future meeting with DPW and other District agencies invited to attend. Ann Gallagher will provide refreshments.

Oversight meeting on parking and traffic. This meeting called by Carol Schwartz - after a general discussion on issues in Burleith, the consensus was that we would not respond at this time.

Oversight hearing on trees. Also sponsored by Carol Schwartz. Bonnie Hardy will do a tree survey and respond by November deadline date. City will be asked to follow-up on stumps left from tree removal. Charles Mallett to follow up.

Hearing on campus plan authority. A hearing will be held on November 16, 7:00 p.m., at 1 Judiciary Square, Room 200 to discuss transfer of responsibility for campus plans from the Board of Zoning Adjustment to the Zoning Commission. Guy Gwynne, speaking for the Federation of Citizens Associations, said the DC Office of Planning needs citizen input and requested Burleith participation. He believes that the Zoning Commission is better equipped to handle these large projects. However, some in Burleith remember how the Zoning Commission refused to even consider the group housing overlay, whereas the BZA is now very responsive to the community on the GU campus plan. There will be further discussion at the November 15 BCA Board meeting, at which time an official BCA position could be taken.

Newsletter mailing list. List was reviewed and revised five names were deleted and one added.

The next Board meeting is Wednesday, November 15 (a week early because of the Thanksgiving).

June M. Robinson, long a Burleith resident, died at home on October 18th. She was ninety-one years old.

June was born in the Philippines, the only child of General and Mrs. Robinson. On their return to the United States the family settled in Foxhall, where the General died suddenly. The Burleith house was part of General Robinson's estate; June and her mother moved there shortly after his death.

With her life-long friends Margaret Woodward of Hall Place and General Cramer's daughter Emily, a Burleith resident, June graduated from Western High School in 1927 and Goucher College in 1931 as a Phi Beta Kappa. In the thirties June was in Greece, serving as secretary to the United States Ambassador there. Upon returning to Washington, she joined the State Department. She was an information officer in the Public Affairs Bureau when she retired.

June was poised, gracious, unassuming, interested in and knowledgeable about politics, gardening, and music; delighting in art, travel, good books, good food, and, as late as 1975, in bicycling. In recent years, despite constant pain, June nonetheless had fun with those fortunate few who were close to her. She leaves a legacy of grace, courage, and humor.

by Sara Revis, BCA Recording Secretary.

The Burleith Citizens Association does not endorse candidates in elections. However, at its October 11 meeting the BCA gave the two candidates running for Burleith's ANC seat a chance to make a brief statement and respond to questions from the community. Speaking order was determined by a coin toss. The meeting was well attended, but only a few questions were asked.

Regina DeMeo spoke as a 1994 graduate of Georgetown University and a 1998 graduate of George Washington University law school; she is now a practicing attorney in the District and Maryland and a Burleith homeowner. She knows the DC court system and believes that her experience would be useful in dealing with city offices. She feels that there has not been much progress in improving relations between the ANC and Georgetown University and would work toward that. In particular, she proposes a system of using student interns to do research for ANC Commissioners as a means of promoting understanding. She would be able to recruit through her familiarity with the university. She suggests that the Burleith community could do more to welcome students. As another specific, she proposes to work to obtain a website for the ANC, using her skills with the DC system to obtain permission.

Peter Pulsifer cited his past experience, beginning in 1990 as Secretary, then President of the BCA, then as editor of the newsletter for the past three years, and also as incumbent ANC Chairman. His educational background extends to a PhD from Boston College. He has his own website and has set up one for Burleith. The ANC website could be available by Oct 30, in spite of considerable difficulty with the DC government. He feels that he is "only beginning" his usefulness in the District.

In response to questions:

DeMeo has been a BCA member since June. Her other Burleith concerns are the flea market, parking, traffic and trash. She has attended a couple of ANC meetings. She is for the Georgetown student block party as described and understood that some Prospect St. residents did not object to the party. She felt that the last one went off well. She has not done any work as attorney for Georgetown University. She supports the Hardy Flea market, but agrees with a recent letter in the Georgetown Current that it is the school which is more important and needs attention. The condition of Hardy, she feels, is "terrible."

Pulsifer also supports to the Flea market, and also considers the School's needs the important thing. In the matter of improving relations between Burleith and Georgetown students, he said that the ANC is not really involved in this. He thought an internship program would be an excellent idea, although it would not reach too many students.

In the race for president of the newly-reorganized School Board, the most visible candidate must surely be Peggy Cooper Cafritz. Cafritz posters have popped up everywhere (in several different editions), mailings have been copious, and she was just endorsed by Jack Evans, adding to an earlier endorsement by Mayor Williams that we don't seem to hear much about.

While the BCA does not endorse candidates, many Burleithians are familiar with Ms. Cafritz from her vigorous promotion of the Duke Ellington school. Her last appearance in Burleith was at the March 22, 1998 rally to protest the proposed sale by DCPS of Ellington field, at 38th and R Sts. (The newsletter story is available at http://www.burleith.org/Newsletter/Apr98.html).

Arriving at the rally, Ms. Cafritz charged the podium, seized the microphone, announced that she represented Ellington, and declared her opposition to the sale. Everyone cheered. Then she said what she wanted to do with the field: Complaining that Ellington had been unfairly denied its use, she said that she would not begrudge short-term use by neighbors, but that her ultimate goal was to develop the property. Cheers turned to boos. She didn't elaborate, but a parking garage under the field is said to be something she favors.

Ms. Cafritz is a dynamic and well-connected but highly confrontational person. It would certainly be interesting to see how the new school board, and our neighborhood, might fare under her leadership.

Washington Gas is reporting that the recent jump in oil prices is also having an impact on gas. The official statement is that natural gas demand has increased (partly, no doubt, from customers switching from oil to gas), and this will result in utility bill increases of about 27% this winter. Gas supply is reportedly ample.

Low-income residents may be eligible for utility bill support. For more information, call the DC Energy Office at 673-6750. Washington Gas is publishing a series of pamphlets called Energy Insights to inform their customers about prices and support programs. To obtain a copy call 624-6696 or see http://www.washgas.com.

Wednesday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. Washington International School

Traffic meeting

Special guest: Lisa Sutter, Lockheed Martin Red Light and Speeding Photo Enforcement. After the meeting, Ms. Sutter will demonstrate the new radar technology that will be used in DC.

Forum: What are Burleith's traffic needs?
What changes, if any, should the BCA be advocating to improve traffic in this area?

Also featured: Kathy Schmidt of DC Votes, Lobbying for voting representation in Congress.

Agenda:

6:30 Business meeting

7:00 Police and University report

7:30 DC Votes

7:45 Lisa Sutter

8:15 Traffic and parking issues in Burleith

Meet your neighbors, share your opinions! All are Welcome!

We all know why this season is called "fall"-because of the millions of colored missiles that end up carpeting our lawns and streets. DPW has a special leaf collection program every fall. You have two options: (1) rake the leaves into the treebox space in front of your house, and they will be vacuumed up; or (2) bag the leaves and put them in the alley with your trash. Leaves that you rake after the special collection period can be bagged and placed with your trash just like yard waste.

There will be two leaf collection periods for Burleith:

• Nov 27-Dec 1 (be ready by Sunday, Nov26)
• Dec 26-Dec 29 (be ready by Monday, Dec 25)

Crews will come by only once during each collection period, so don't miss them! DPW has the following guidelines for leaf collection:

• Keep leaves together on the curb in the treebox space, and out of the street.
• Avoid areas where there are parked cars or low-hanging trees that would block the vacuum equipment.
• Leaves only! No tree limbs, bricks, dirt, rocks, etc.

Landscapers and anyone else can bring leaves themselves to the Fort Totten Transfer Station at 4900 Bates Rd, NE, between 8 am and 4 pm Monday through Saturday. Call 576-6803 for more information on the transfer station.

The Washington International School, in conjunction with ANC 2E, held its fall BZA-mandated quarterly public meeting at the school on October 12. Attendance was very small: Representing the community were only ANC commissioners Peter Pulsifer and Barbara Zartman, and representing the school were officials Mary McCarty and Michelle Broadie.

WIS enrollment is currently 383 students, with 62 full- and part-time staff. Pursuant to the development agreement, a listing of students by Zip code was distributed to attendees, along with other information. The enrollment cap is currently 425 students, and the school will ask-maybe this year-to increase it to 475. However, it will be difficult to expand beyond 425 because of class size limitations mandated by their program.

New construction to complete the school according to original plans could be done this summer. If so, the project would probably begin mid-summer, finish exterior work before start of school in September, and continue with interior work through November. An architect is considering plans now, but nothing has been decided. The desire on campus now is for stability: WIS has just opened a new gymnasium/arts center at Tregaron, built at great effort and cost. There are also major new educational programs with the expansion of the International Baccalaureate to all grades.

WIS Head Anne-Marie Pierce had already announced her departure after this school year; her replacement should be chosen by Christmas.

The school perceives no significant new traffic problems this year, other than normal confusion by new parents at the start of the year. Stephen Dare, primary school principal, continues to direct morning traffic at the start of the year. The biggest problem is dismissals in the afternoon, in part because morning arrival times are staggered. WIS has made no real progress in more vigorously promoting carpooling by parents-though many parents do carpool.

There are no plans for to add further landscaping at this time. Cool, wet summer conditions resulted in significant growth to existing trees and shrubs, and greatly improved the appearance of the property from the neighborhood.

For more information, or to comment on the school, contact ANC 2E at 338-7427, or call Burleith Liaison Committee members Charlotte Kroll (333-7676), Larry Schaffner (333-8739) or Peter Pulsifer (337-3065).

In response to a request from the BZA at their September 5th meering on the University Campus Plan, ANC 2E debated and passed a statement on October 30 that defines what is considered "unacceptable behavior" off campus. The five communities in opposition to the proposed plan submitted a different, longer statement on October 6, but the two statements are very close in terms of the big issues of noise and trash. The ANC statement was proposed by commissioner Matt Payne, a Georgetown undergraduate. After some modification, it was approved by a unanimous vote-an unheard-of consensus for University issues with this ANC. The statement is printed below.

ANC 2E Position Statement on the Issue of Off Campus Student Conduct and Behavior

Students' Responsibility

Georgetown University Students while in the neighborhoods surrounding the University should conduct themselves in a manner that adheres to the standards of the community in which they live.

Such standards are:

• Trash should be handled in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia - this means trash and recycling materials should be put out only on the night before they are to be collected and placed in proper containers, such as Super Cans and/or containers with lids. Trash should never be allowed to pile up in the streets or alleyways when collection is scheduled several days away.
• Loud, Noisy Late Night Parties should not occur. Students should be mindful that they live in communities with persons whose lifestyles differ from those of students such as families with children, elderly people, and persons who must get up early for work. These people are entitled to peace and quiet in their homes and communities.
• Late Night Street Noise should not occur. Students returning home from a party or bar in Georgetown should be respectful of their neighbors and refrain from making loud noises. Students should be mindful that loud conversations carry into homes, disturbing the peace and quiet of individuals in their own homes and depriving them of a peaceful nights' sleep.

Georgetown University's Responsibility

The University has the primary responsibility for educating their students and ensuring that students adhere to the above standards and to the laws of the District of Columbia.

The University must recognize and take affirmative action in connection with the culture that exists among its students of overuse of alcohol which negatively impacts the community and the personal well-being of students.

ANC 2E's Responsibility

As the elected body representing the communities surrounding Georgetown University, ANC 2E has a role in ensuring these standards are met.

ANC 2E believes that such a role is one of constructive partnership to reduce the adversarial nature of town-gown relations.

ANC 2E supports the efforts of the University to address these issues and to better educate their students about appropriate standards of community living through the New Off Campus Program and looks forward to helping the University achieve the goals set forth in its program through, for example, participation in the Alliance for Local Living (ALL).

ANC 2E encourages the University to take an even greater role in ensuring that students have many options for social activities on-campus so as to reduce the occurrence of loud activities in the surrounding community.

ANC 2E also strongly urges that landlords take more responsibility for the upkeep of the properties that they own.

ANC 2E finally would like to recognize that the neighborhoods of Georgetown, Burleith, Hillendale, and Foxhall along with the University make up a greater community. Any solutions should respect all members of the community and be conducive to building our community.

Meetings of the Georgetown Kiwanis Club are held at 12:15 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 2101 Wisconsin Ave-within walking distance of Burleith! Here is your chance to hear interesting speakers from all walks of life.

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the speaker is Donald Lambro, chief political correspondent for the Washington Times and syndicated columnist.

On Wednesday, November 29, Arthur Stein, Vice President of Cassaday and Company will speak on long-term health insurance. Mr. Stein is a industry expert on this topic, and is a state-approved long-term care instructor for accountants, planners and insurance agents.

The review process for the next Georgetown University campus plan has gone on for just over a year now, and the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) is scheduled to make a decision on the plan at its Nov 8 meeting. The current plan expires at the end of the year, although the University could keep functioning without a plan should the current proposal be rejected or require revision. The University is asking for immediate approval because it wants to get started on several projects, including the new performing arts center, expansion of McDonough Arena and redesign of Harbin field, a new academic building, and a new physicians' office building.

The BZA held two hearings over the summer and was set to decide on the plan at its Sept 5 meeting, but at that meeting the Board harshly criticized the University for submitting an inadequate program to deal with off-campus student misconduct. The BZA asked the University to submit further information by Oct 6, and also requested statements from the student government and the ANC. The community parties opposing the plan (BCA, CAG, Georgetown Residents Alliance, Cloisters East, Foxhall and Hillandale) were then given two weeks to respond to the University's additional material. The record was closed on Oct 20.

The most recent round of submissions has been particularly acrimonious because it deals almost exclusively with the most emotional of the many campus plan issues, misconduct. The issue also arises at election time, when the student press is trying very hard to get their candidates elected. The Hoya and Voice have pulled out all the stops in an effort to incite student resentment and in particular to target Barbara Zartman, the ANC Commissioner from Cloisters/North Georgetown under whose letterhead the community parties' submissions were sent, and who now faces an election challenge from GU sophomore Justin Kopa.

Despite the BZA criticism, the University's off-campus student plan was not significantly changed from the one submitted over the summer (see adjacent article). In their response, the student government rejected the University plan but said they would make the best of it (not the response the BZA was looking for!).

The community response pointed out problems with the University plan, and noted that even though the plan is now in effect, the noise situation is worse than ever. (The worsening might have something to do with the increase in enrollment this year-the University acknowledges that fall 2000 enrollment is 5840, an increase of 96 students over last fall.) The plan is criticized for being reactive and mostly punitive, with nothing really new. The University's "ALL" program was harshly criticized as not representing the community and as trying to shift the responsibility for change from the University to the neighborhoods. The community response suggested several things that the University could do to get improvement; one suggestion was to follow the advice of its own campus culture task force, formed last year in response to student alcohol problems. Another suggestion was that GU institute a full time hotline that would respond to any neighborhood problem (not just noise) with students or University operations. Such a hotline could help identify and help resolve problems quickly.

Both the University's Oct 6 submission and the community's Oct 20 response are posted on the Burleith website, http://burleith.org. Paper copies will be available at the Nov 8 BCA meeting. In making its decision on Nov 8 (or later), the BZA will consider not just the October submissions but the whole record.

The BCA has been represented in this process by Pat Scolaro, Bonnie Hardy and Peter Pulsifer, who worked in close cooperation with the Board to support our community positions.

Work on the Corcoran's new tot lot is progressing well, and it is expected to open by the second week in November. An opening ceremony is being tentatively scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving, but children will be welcome to play there as soon as the last worker leaves. The only change so far from the original plans is a reduction from three to two swings; because of the required safety zones around all the equipment, the third swing just didn't fit.

Parking lot construction has encountered a few more problems. Utility lines have had to be relocated, and there was a delay obtaining permits for this work. Sewer work should be completed in about a week, and then surfacing of the lot will be done and fencing installed. The contractor hopes to finish by Thanksgiving, but that hope might be optimistic. All work is being done according to the BZA-approved plans.

Most landscaping should not be put in after the third week in November, so a lot of the planting might be delayed until spring-particularly the ornamental and flowering plants. The major screening plants around the parking lot will be installed, however, before the lot is used.

The University's program to control off-campus student disruptions was not well received by the BZA, but the University has gone ahead and implemented most of it anyway. When it acts on the plan, the BZA might require changes, or might allow the University to drop parts of the plan later. The plan includes the following elements:

• Hotline service will be extended to operate on Thursday nights, as well as the current Friday and Saturday nights.
• The University's Department of Public Safety (DPS) will extend limited operations off campus, in a program called Students' Neighborhood Action Program (SNAP). One vehicle will be used to patrol off campus and to respond to Hotline complaints.
• Student off-campus addresses will be obtained more effectively by deactivating the ID cards of students who fail to report off-campus addresses within two weeks of the start of Fall semester.
• A new position will be added in the Off Campus Student Affairs, with duties to improve relations between students and the neighborhoods by resolving individual complaints and developing educational programs for students and neighbors. Duties will also include gathering data to assess student impact and the effectiveness of the off-campus program.
• All off-campus students will be required to sign a document committing them to responsible citizenship and adherence to the Code of Student Conduct.
• New and stronger sanctions for violations of the Code of Student Conduct and D.C. laws. These include:
  • Penalties for students living in a house convicted under the adjudication process of causing a disturbance related to a party. First conviction penalty is "social probation". Second conviction penalty is "disciplinary probation", which includes notification of parents and Academic Dean, a conference with parents and University administrators, and co-curricular sanction.
  • A new penalty, co-curricular sanction, is a prohibition from holding official positions at the University or from representing the University in any activity or official capacity, including athletics and student government.
• Establishment of a new group, called "Alliance for Local Living" (ALL), to be comprised of all community stakeholders, to enhance communication and feedback.
• Establishment of a comprehensive alcohol education program, including (i) a "social marketing program" to modify student attitudes and perceptions about alcohol; (ii) an ongoing citywide initiative to curb underage drinking; (iii) a mandatory education program for all students including four hours of class.
• Increased coordination with the Metropolitan Police. The University and MPD will coordinate response to Hotline calls, and MPD will report to the University all calls for service from student houses. MPD will report to the University on a weekly basis about arrests and quality of life offenses, and the University will follow up. MPD officers will participate in the new student orientation program and in training for Resident Assistants.
• Additional on-campus events, programs and activities. These include creation of a large dormitory student lounge and additional student-oriented programming at the Leavey center.
• Data will be collected to assess the effectiveness of the program, including number of calls to the Hotline and amount and nature of police activity (DPS and MPD), and provided to "ALL".
• Other: Increase from two to four the number of off-campus newsletters published each semester; an "enhancement" of the spring off-campus orientation program; and a mandatory community education workshop for all students that will live off campus, to start in Fall 2001.

DC Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has the privilege of nominating qualified DC residents for admission to the US Service Academies (such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard academies). These institutions offer a rigorous free college education to students, who graduate as commissioned officers.

Ms. Norton has extended the deadline for submitting applications for nomination until Friday, Dec 1. Further information can be obtained by calling Cartwright Moore at 783-5065.

As reported in the October Newsletter, MedStar has issued a request for proposals to do a traffic study of Reservoir Rd and adjacent streets. MedStar has promised to sponsor the study partly to allay resident concerns over their takeover of the University Medical Center and partly to ensure adequate access to the Center for their customers and staff. (Traffic from the University and Medical Center is one of the major community concerns for the campus plan pending before the BZA.)

The request for proposals was issued to all traffic engineers who have recently done business with DPW. Bids have been received from all the companies on the list, and these are now being evaluated by MedStar, in conjunction with citizens groups.

Meanwhile, DPW is investigating possible "simple" actions to improve traffic flow on Reservoir Rd. This is the list of proposals:

35th St and Reservoir Rd.

• Relocate parking signs on 35th Street to delineate the southbound No Parking area near bus stop and intersection. (40ft plus 25ft).

36th St and Reservoir Rd.

• Relocate the parking sign on 36th Street north of the intersection to clear the departure from the intersection for eastbound traffic.
• Remove U-posts that are not needed on the east side of 36th Street and delineate driveways.
• Replace street name sign.
• Replace missing parking signs on the north side of Reservoir Road, west of the intersection.

37th St and Reservoir Rd.

• Relocate parking sign on the south side of Reservoir Road east of the intersection to clear departure for eastbound traffic - remove one metered parking space.
• Replace missing parking sign on the north side of Reservoir Road west of the intersection to clear intersection parking.
• Replace missing street name sign.

38th St and Reservoir Rd.

• Relocate parking on the south side of Reservoir Road east of the intersection to clear departure from the intersection for eastbound traffic - add 20 ft.
• Investigate the possibility of pavement marking channelization for left turns as a short-term fix.

39th St and Reservoir Rd.

• On 39th St install parking meters on the east side, north of Reservoir Road to replace meters removed from Reservoir Rd. to increase intersection clearance.

Reservoir Rd. and Entrance #2.

• Remove one parking space on south side of Reservoir Road east of intersection to improve visibility. 44th and Reservoir Rd.
• Crosshatch the crosswalk across Reservoir Road on the east side of the intersection. Reservoir Rd. and Hoband Rd.
• Remove east side crosswalk and wheel chair ramps across Reservoir Rd. due to visibility problems.

For more information, or to make a comment, contact ANC 2E at 338-7427.

The cold weather is upon us and, more than ever, this is no time to live on the street. An important resource for the homeless in our area is the Georgetown Ministry Center, with offices at Grace Church at 1041 Wisconsin Ave (telephone 338-8301).

GMC is a cooperative effort of over a dozen local churches and citizens groups, and operates a winter shelter at a participating church. They always appreciate volunteers and contributions. The fall "wish list" includes travel-sized toiletries, man's casual clothing (shirt, pants, shoes, underwear), and a VCR and microwave for a client who just moved into an apartment.

One fun way to help is the 13th annual Help the Homeless Walkathon, which will be held on Saturday, Nov 18 at Freedom Plaza, 13th St and Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the 5K walk begins at 10:15 a.m. Participants can either solicit pledges or contribute a flat registration fee of $20 per adult or $10 per child (age 5 to 25). Contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Fannie Mae Foundation, and participants can designate where the money will go. Last year the program raised more than $17,000 for GMC.

Advance registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, call Amy at the center or see http://www.helpthehomeless.org, Money must be turned in on the day of the event.

The city is implementing new trash regulations and pickup procedures for trash that affect both residences and businesses. There may be some good news: the rumor (not definite!) is that with implementation of the new regulations, the city will distribute new supercans to every home. (For years, DPW has sold supercans, but they've been out of stock for months.) The changes will be discussed at the regular meeting of the Citizens Association of Georgetown on Monday, November 13. (However, supercans won't be high on the agenda because few homes in Georgetown have supercans.) Present will be representatives from the DC Departments of Health and Public Works, the business community, and Georgetown University. The meeting is at Christ Church, 3116 O St, in the Parish Hall, second floor.

Burleith residents have reported being victimized by one or two women who knock on doors and start chatting. After being invited into the home, the visitor waits for a distraction (or creates one) and then makes off with money or valuables. The women, while not known to the victims, apparently are quite familiar with the neighborhood. Police advise us to never let strangers into the house. If you see anyone who acts suspicious, don't hesitate to call the police at 311.

It's scary how popular the Burleith Halloween party is getting. Last Tuesday (yes, Halloween itself) the Green Lot was filled with children and parents, strollers and dogs, games and food. Although it was construction in the tot lot that caused the change in the venue, this year's group might not have fit in the tot lot anyway. There were children of all ages, but it seemed there were a particularly large number of infants and toddlers.

Fred and Maggie Fleming brought the traditional games, including ghost bowling, bobbing for doughnuts, and tossing beanbags through a pumpkin face, and the traditional foods: hot dogs, sandwiches cut into pumpkin shapes, marshmallows, chips and veggies, and cider. The Green lot was gaily decorated with crepe and posters.

A real hit this year was a visit by a National Park Service mounted officer. Kids clustered around the gentle horse, petting it, feeding it apples and carrots, and marveling at its size.

The party continued until after dark, around 6:00, when children went off to other parties or to trick-or-treat in the neighborhood. Thanks to Maggie and Fred for their continuing hard work and putting on another great event!

The Metropolitan Police are distributing an "enforcement alert" to notify residents of their intention to strictly enforce the legal requirement that anyone resident in DC more that 30 days must register their car in DC. (Those who are exempt from the law must obtain a reciprocity sticker.) Strict enforcement is due to start on October 15. The law and the procedures for enforcing it were printed in last month's Newsletter.