There is much happening this month! On the 13th, the day before Valentine's Day, expect a very interesting BCA meeting on the topic of Burleith traffic; on the 24th will be our annual winter picnic (all are invited!), which is always a good time; and active plans are now underway for the April 22 Burleith House Tour. On the down side, it is disturbing that this community has recently experienced a series of break-ins and an armed robbery!
This month's general meeting (on TUESDAY, not Wednesday) is exceptionally important. This meeting will be on TRAFFIC-the large volume of cars (mostly commuter traffic) coming through Burleith, the oversize trucks barreling down 37th Street, and the many cars using side streets as short cuts to get who knows where. Charles Mallett is coordinating this meeting, and has arranged for representatives from the Metropolitan Police and DPW to attend. The success of the meeting, however, depends on us, the residents. I urge you to attend the meeting to help identify the problems you experience on your street or block. Only then can we begin to work on solutions. Please come prepared with specific issues and your suggestions for possible solutions. Like our winter picnic, BCA meetings are a family affair. Inquisitive children are never a problem.
Parking, another topic of great interest, will be the subject of the March meeting. It was impossible to cover both traffic and parking in one session.
The next big event is our Winter Picnic, a delightful break in the doldrums of winter. This year we have a new location, Dumbarton House at 2715 Que Street. This historic house was made available to us through the efforts of Ed Solomon and Bonnie Hardy.
The Picnic is a community event-all Burleith residents are invited. It's an informal affair with no special program. Please come! Children are welcome and expected to attend. If you are new to Burleith, this is an opportunity to meet your neighbors. If you are a regular at this event-see you there! The BCA provides all the drinks and basic supplies. Details about the event (food, parking etc.) can be found in the flier in this newsletter.
Holly Dempsey is coordinating the Burleith House Tour, scheduled for Sunday April 22. Volunteers are still needed to help with the organization. Working on this is fun and a great opportunity to meet and work with interesting people-your neighbors! If you can help, call Holly at 333-1258. So far we have two houses lined up and looking for several more. There is a good chance that the Corcoran School will be on the tour as well.
On a more serious note, residents have been alarmed about the recent rash of the recent rash of break-ins and robberies that have taken place here. Suspects have been identified; I urge you to make sure your doors are kept locked and report any suspicious activity.
You may also be aware that a young woman was robbed at gunpoint on 38th Street. Fortunately she was not physically harmed, but it reminds us all that, even in a safe residential neighborhood like Burleith, we must be alert as we walk our streets.
You will be pleased to know that the police have been very responsive with extra patrols in the neighborhood and also plainclothes officers have been in this area. Additional information will be available at the February 13 BCA meeting.
Please plan to attend the upcoming meeting and the Winter Picnic. See you there!
Planning is well underway for the Not So Big Home and Garden Tour. Several residents have agreed to open their homes for the tour and a small steering committee has been established. However, for the tour to occur we still need committee members as well as folks who would like to work on specific tasks. The search for a sufficient amount and variety of houses and gardens in Burleith continues and more homes are needed.
If there are enough people to help and terrific homes identified the tour will held on Sunday, April 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. If you'd like to volunteer or place your home on the tour, please call Holly Dempsey at 333-1258. Any and all are welcome at the next meeting, to be held Sunday, February the 18th at 4 pm at 3700 T Street.
The February 13 BCA meeting will focus on traffic-related problems. We in Burleith enjoy the benefits of being close in to the city, but our location brings the problems of being along major commuter routes. We also face the traffic impacts of local institutions, including Georgetown University, Duke Ellington High School, and the Washington International School. Problems include congestion, cut-throughs, speeding, and oversize vehicles like trucks and buses. Traffic can be managed by good planning, regulation and enforcement-what can we do to improve the situation in Burleith?
Participants will include-among others-DPW officials in charge of traffic management (Ken Laden) and signs (Norma Mapp) as well as Metropolitan police from the Second District (Commander Peter Newsham and Lt. Brian Bray) and from downtown (Lt. Pat Burke).
The goals of the BCA meeting will be:
Efforts have already been made to improve traffic flow on Reservoir Rd. A number of minor changes to signs and parking (listed in the November 2000 Newsletter) have been made by DPW as part of an initiative by MedStar Health and ANC 2E. Were they effective? We could consider similar or more radical changes anywhere in Burleith.
The meeting will focus on traffic solutions that include one or more of the following.
Enforcement of traffic laws. This includes running of stop signs and lights, speeding, and overweight trucks. The meeting will develop a list of the 4 or 5 most important places for the police to focus their enforcement efforts.
Missing or incorrect signage. The DPW signs office has promised to provide a list of the signs that have been authorized in Burleith. We want to be sure that standard, visible signs are present and that these signs have permanence (parking signs in particular are prone to theft). The meeting will review the list, add if appropriate, and make recommendations where new signs are needed.
Proposed new regulations. The meeting will consider proposals and endorse them or come up with better ones for such actions as:
Every effort will be made to develop a clear and concrete statement of the problems identified at the meeting, the solutions that are proposed, and the agency responsible for implementing the solution.
The meeting will not consider parking problems or changes in parking except those that affect traffic-these will be the subject of the March 14 BCA meeting.
This is an excellent chance to get action on chronic traffic problems. DPW and police decision makers will be there and listening to what our neighborhood has to say. If you can't be there, please pass along your thoughts and observations. We would particularly welcome reports of missing or misplaced signs!
For more information, or to comment, call Charles Mallett (337-6506) or Pat Scolaro (338-5321). See you on February 13!
The new owner of the building that most recently housed the Rowe House coffee shop (1834 Wisconsin Ave., at 34th St) has applied for a liquor license for a restaurant to be there. The license application, however, is strongly opposed by the BCA and by ANC 2E because of its close proximity to Hardy Middle School. City regulations prohibit granting an ABC (liquor) license within 400 feet of a school, although the absolute prohibition does not apply if there is already a license of the same type within 400 feet of the school. The exception might well apply in this case, with three restaurant ABC licensees in the middle of the block.
The owner appeared at the January 30 ANC meeting and briefly described his plans to operate a Turkish restaurant, called Cafe Divan, which he said would not be liable to attract a younger crowd. However, neighbors were concerned that the proposed restaurant was so close (directly across the street); about the possibility of opening the door to further ABC licensees in the block; and about the difficulty of controlling how the license is used, once it is granted. Both the ANC and the BCA have voted to protest the license application.
For further information, contact ANC 2E at 338-7427. The last date to file a protest is February 13.
Twelve members of the Board were present at the January 17 meeting at the Washington International School. The minutes from the November meeting were approved and the Treasurer reported a balance of $6209.
Membership stands at 115 households. Based on the latest report, there are serious gaps in some blocks and Board members were asked to review the lists and call people they know who have not yet joined. Charles Mallett's welcome packet was approved.
Medstar is taking bids for a comprehensive traffic study on Reservoir Road (from Foxhall to Wisconsin Avenue) which will be conducted shortly. Medstar has taken the initiative and is working with DPW and the communities.
Traffic. Charles Mallett is coordinating the February meeting which will be devoted to traffic and parking in Burleith. Bonnie Hardy and Peter Pulsifer will work with Charles. (Note - after an initial meeting it was decided to discuss traffic issues at February meeting and parking at March general meeting.) It was agreed that input from on residents is essential.
PEPCO. Crews back at work. Signs are more specific and timely but individual homes are not being adequately notified of work. Suggested signs be posted on both front & back doors. See http://www.burleith.org/PEPCO.html for the weekly schedule.
PEPCO underground. An eleven to one vote in favor of Guy Gwynne heading a committee of Burleith residents to pursue feasibility of installing underground wiring in place of unsightly overhead wiring now being upgraded.
Winter Picnic. Budget of $600 approved-special invitation to new residents and a doorstep flyer were suggested to ensure maximum attendance.
House Tour scheduled for April 22. Volunteers needed!
GU Campus Plan—No details on the BZA conditions or when the final documents will be issued. (see elsewhere in this Newsletter).
Election issue. Janice Hopper is to draft a response to Jack Evans clarifying BCA's position on the election.
Permanent Art. No suggestions for a spot in Burleith for this program.
Redistricting. The Board passed a resolution stating for the record that Burleith favors remaining in Ward 2 if census results indicate possible redistricting. One member abstained.
Hardy Flea Market. A resolution was passed reiterating those of May 1999 and May 2000 requesting BZA approval of a variance, "with the present restrictions," to enable the fleamarket to remain at Hardy School, on abstention.
Cafe Divan Liquor License. The board voted unanimously its opposition to a liquor license to the Café Divan now under construction at 34th Street and Wisconsin Avenue because of its proximity to Hardy School. Current regulations prohibit the sale of alcohol within 400 feet of a school. Letter of opposition must be sent to the ABC Board by February 13.
Police Commendation. At Ed Solomon's recommendation the BCA will honor a Second District Police Officer with a letter of commendation and an accompanying wall plaque which will be presented at a future meeting and also at the annual Second District Police Banquet. Officer Rusnak was unanimously approved because of his help and support in maintaining our quality of life.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40.
At the January 30 BZA hearing on its application to continue in operation, Georgetown Flea Market operator Michael Sussman was reported as saying that he was making arrangements for customer parking on Whitehaven Parkway as well as on the south side of Hardy (a space currently used for vendor booths). A weary Michels Sussman called shortly after the story appeared to assure residents that he had said Whitehaven Street, not Parkway. Whitehaven Street is the short extension of Whitehaven Parkway on the east side of Wisconsin Avenue, just north of Safeway.
Safeway was apparently the biggest opponent to the Flea Market at the hearing-the store has become much more aggressive recently in protecting its parking lot from outside use (even towing cars using Jelleff Boys & Girls Club). The BZA has not yet made its decision.
Stationary exercise bike, good condition, $20. Sale will benefit the BCA-call today! 337-3065.
| Feb 13 (Wed) | BCA meeting, 7 p.m. |
| Feb 19 (Mon) | Presidents' Day |
| Feb. 24 (Sat) | BCA Winter Picnic, 6 p.m., 2715 Q St |
| Feb. 28 (Wed) | Board meeting, 7 p.m. |
| Mar 1 (Thurs) | HEXAGON opening night |
| Mar 2 (Fri) | GU Spring vacation begins after class |
At the end of January there was plenty to be concerned about were several burglaries and an armed robbery in Burleith. The lessons: keep your doors locked and your alarm (if you have one) turned on. As you walk, be alert and call 311 (or 911) to report any suspicious activity. And Lt. Bray's suggestion: consider getting a dog!
For the burglaries, Police have two different suspects. One operates during the day and has used force to break open rear entrances. The other operates at night and looks for open or unlocked doors, through which he enters, removes valuables and leaves.
The robbery, in the 1900 block of 38th St, was a drive-by crime: the robbers jumped out of the car, threatened the victim with a gun, and drove away. Police have suspects (from NE Washington) who have been known to operates this way.
In response to the crimes, police increase patrols and sent plainclothes officers to Burleith. It might have worked-here have been no serious crimes recent. But it always pays to be careful.
More information and an update on the investigation will be given by Lt. Bray at the February 13 BCA meeting.
Following are all the reports in Burleith for January from www.crimereports.com (addresses are for the, not for the house).
01/29/01 9:30 p.m., 1900 block 38th St
While victim was walking, suspect approached her from behind and said, "give me your money." Victim surrendered wallet and cell phone, and suspect fled in black 4D sedan.
01/05/01 10:00 a.m., 3500 block T St
Forced the rear door, stole laptop computer, cordless phone, camera.
01/15/01 3:47 a.m., 3600 block S St
Entered via unlocked front door and walked upstairs, opened the bedroom door, surprised occupant and fled back out the front door.
01/15/01 3:56 a.m., 3700 block T St
While occupant was walking downstairs to the living room area, suspect entered through the front door. Occupant screamed. suspect mumbled something and fled back out the door in an unknown direction.
01/26/01 8:00 a.m., 3500 block S St
Forced open rear door to the premises, entered and stole fax machine, checks, watch, camera, TV, VCR, assorted jewelry, cordless phone and credit/debit cards.
01/02/01 9:00 a.m., 3500 block R St
Stolen auto (96 GMC Suburban)
01/09/01 10:55 p.m., 3600 block S St
Unknown person(s) threw a beer bottle into car windshield and broke it.
01/21/20 8:00 p.m., 3600 block S St
Scratched the hood and knocked both side-view mirrors off car.
The unique musical comedy review Hexagon will be returning to the Ellington theater in March (the run is March 1-24). The show, performed by amateurs (with celebrity assistance) and which donates all profits to a charity (Food & Friends this year) is very popular and brings many, many cars to park in Burleith.
For more information about the show, check out its web site at http://www.hexagon.org. Performances are Thurs-Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun at 2:30 p.m. It's a fun show, and very conveniently located.
In recent years, the show has obtained permission from the neighbors to park in the WIS parking lot. This has the benefit of taking about 90 vehicles off neighborhood streets, but could put an added burden on WIS neighbors. Hexagon is asking to park at WIS again this year, saying it will use WIS for handicapped parking and for staff. This may be discussed at the February 13 BCA meeting.
The Jelleff Boys and Girls Club has obtained approval from ANC 2E, but not from the Old Georgetown Board, to proceed with its plans to expand its parking lot, add an additional driveway west of the present entrance on S Street, and improve drainage on the north (Safeway) side. The goal of the project is to increase parking (from 40 to 62 spots), reduce the present bumper-car congestion in the driveway, and generally improve the building exterior. Additional parking would come by converting an unused tennis court and by expanding the lot a few feet into the baseball field.
Work could be completed within a few months of approval. Unfortunately, approval is not likely soon, because the Old Georgetown Board has declared its opposition to the additional curb cut in the design. Jelleff welcomes community comments, suggestions-and donations! Call Bob at 462-1317.
| Following are the conditions to the Georgetown University campus plan that were approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustment at its December 5 meeting. These are not the final conditions-the Board will eventually publish a draft order and give the parties a brief time to request changes. See the transcript online at http://www.burleith.org/BZAdec5.html for more details. |
In response to the February newsletter request for expressions of interest in infant and toddler events, calls were made by Burleith parents of babies, toddlers, preschoolers and even soon to be born babes! One of the suggestions made is for the families in Burleith to come together at an event to decide as a group if and what to plan. Watch the newsletter for an announcement of such an event at the Tot Lot once the weather is warmer.
We would still love to hear from other from parents with infants and toddlers! Please call Holly and Jim at 333-1258 or Chris and David at 333-7254.
A revised date: Saturday, February 24 and a new and interesting location for Burleith's Winter Picnic - Historic Dumbarton House located at 2715 Que Street N.W. This unique house has been open to the public since 1932. It is a Federal house museum built in 1800 and serves as Headquarters for the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America and as a museum of Colonial and Federal History. Unfortunately the museum will not be open on the evening of Saturday. We will be in the East Wing just off the lower terrace. Our party will be from 6:00 until 9:30. Parking is limited but street parking is available.