Burleith Newsletter January, 2000

I can't remember a year when our community looked as grand and as festive as it did this year. With the lights, wreaths, innovative displays and holiday scenes Burleith was beautiful. Every block had decorations for this special year. Thanks to all the residents who took the time to decorate their homes. It's always sad to see the decorations come down-but we can look forward to Spring.

Quite enough has been said about the New Year, the new century etc., so let us get to immediate Burleith business:

An important issue this next year is the Georgetown University Ten Year Campus Plan. The decisions made by the University will have a serious impact on our Community for the years ahead. At the last BCA meeting Bonnie Hardy, who is one of the community representatives on the Community Working Group, updated the community. To date, the University has held three meetings with the surrounding communities giving a broad overview; however, a hard copy of the actual plan will not be available until mid-January. Late January is a target date for filing the Campus Plan with the BZA. A hearing will be scheduled for early summer.

Increased enrollment- approximately 500 students over the next ten years (with absolutely no plans to provide additional on-campus housing) and realignment of the Reservoir Road entrance to meet 38th Street are the two issues we can identify immediately which will impact Burleith.

At the last general meeting of the Association, we discussed the options relating to enrollment - and the consensus was that we would insist on no increase in enrollment. It is important to remember that the 1990 Campus Plan included plans for a new dormitory which is just now in the works.

There was minimal discussion on a 38th Street entrance other than speculation on how the side streets could be used as a short cut to Reservoir Road.

At the January 12 meeting we will vote on this issue. Please plan to attend. Burleith will be joining with the surrounding communities to ensure that we are all protected.

And, as we enter this new year, for the friends and neighbors who have been a part of this community, and shared parts of our lives, may it begin joyously and continue peacefully.

It was after midnight on Saturday, December 18, when residents near 37th and R Streets were jolted by the sound of the mailbox on that corner being knocked over into the street. This act of vandalism is a Federal offense. It was reported to the Metropolitan Police and the U.S. Postal Service is investigating. On Sunday morning, three young women were seen putting the mailbox back into an upright position; later that day, the Post Office removed the box, and it has since been replaced.

Residents will remember that this is the same mail box where the convicted spy, Aldridge Ames, put the chalk mark on the side to notify the Soviets that he had information for them.

In fact, neighbors reported that they were subjected to outbursts and loud noise from bands of young people who were roaming the streets that night. It was not a very pleasant Saturday evening in Burleith. That same weekend, in West Georgetown, a young man was assaulted and severely beaten by a group of youths, when he berated them for dumping trash.

BCA Recording Secretary Candith Pallandre has resigned to take an opportunity to teach in Seoul, South Korea next year as a part of a Georgetown University sponsored teacher-training program.

Candith, a new member of the Board this year, was interested in all of the activities of the Citizens Association, asked thoughtful questions, made and carried through on suggestions. The monthly networking meeting (one Saturday morning a month at Starbucks) is her idea. She will be missed-but we look forward to her continued involvement upon her return.

(1) BCA Recording Secretary. This person is responsible for recording the proceedings of the meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors.

(2) Chair and/or helper for the Winter Picnic, scheduled for Saturday, February 26. This mid-winter pot luck supper is a casual get-together and has traditionally been held at the lodge at Visitation. An evening of good food, good conversation, nice music in lovely surroundings will give us a fine break in the winter doldrums.

(3) Community enthusiast(s) to survey the fire and police call boxes in Burleith as part of a effort to protect these boxes throughout the city. This effort was started by an informal group of concerned D.C. residents from various parts of the city. Forms will be provided. Students can use this as a community service project.

For more information, call Pat Scolaro at 338-5321.

by Peter Pulsifer

The Georgetown Sunday Flea Market is continuing to fight the latest efforts to shut it down. The Board of Zoning Adjustment will soon hold two hearings to consider arguments as to whether the Flea Market needs, and whether it should get, a Certificate of Occupancy to continue to operate.

At issue is whether activities on DC Public School property are subject to the same zoning restrictions that govern other properties. In the past, authorities have considered that DCPS approval was sufficient; when the Flea Market began at the Hardy School (then Gordon), they were told that no Certificate of Occupancy was required. But several months ago, the newly-appointed Zoning Administrator ruled that, as a commercial venture operating in a residential (R-4) zone, the Flea Market could not operate without a use variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The operator of the Flea Market, Michael Sussman, has appealed this ruling, and the BZA will hold a hearing on this appeal on January 19.

If the BZA rules that a zoning variance is required, then they will hold a separate hearing to determine whether to grant that variance. This hearing, set for February 9, would focus on whether the Flea Market is an appropriate activity on the site, and whether benefits to the community outweigh the impact on adjacent neighbors.

Meanwhile, the Hardy PTA has written to DCPS Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, protesting the granting of the lease to the Flea Market. The PTA alleges: that commercial activity is not consistent with the educational mission of the school; that the Principal of Hardy, Patrick Pope, did not sign the lease; that flea market activities might damage the new athletic facilities and interferes with community use of the facilities; that DCPS doesn't enforce the conditions of the lease; and that the flea market might violate other DC laws.

ANC 2E considered the issue at its January 4 meeting, where several community members praised the Flea Market, and nobody spoke against it. A motion was introduced by Commissioner Barbara Zartman (Cloisters) to support the Zoning Administrator's position subjecting DCPS properties to underlying zoning, but supporting the granting of a variance for the Flea Market. It was defeated, gaining only the vote of Burleith's representative, Peter Pulsifer. (The zoning issue is important for properties like Ellington Field, where only recently we were worried about DCPS plans to lease portions for a nursing home or a parking lot). The ANC then passed a motion taking no stand on the zoning issue, but supporting the Flea Market should it need a variance. Note that the ANC will hold another meeting this month, on January 26, where this issue might come up.

For more information about the BZA hearings, call 727-6311, or call the ANC office at 338-7427.

Presence of a quorum is necessary to change the bylaws. Although the changes were approved by the board, a majority vote of members present at a meeting is required. One important change would delete which states that a member does not have the right to vote until she or he has been a paid member for 30 days.

The vote on this and other changes will be taken at the meeting on Wednesday, January 12.

On Saturday, December 11, six Burleith residents (and BCA members) met for the first coffee and conversation get-together at our neighborhood Starbucks on Wisconsin Avenue. Those attending exchanged tips on local services and contractors. Some recommendations included: Kevin Kernan (301 587-5115) for yard work (by Pat Scolaro) and Ana Viera, of Standard Cleaning Services (703 578-0711), for home cleaning services (by Candith Pallandre). All agreed that this was both fun and useful. Be sure to join us for our next get-together on Saturday, January 29, from 9 to 10 am, upstairs at Starbucks.

Washington International School

Special Guest: Ms. Theresa Lewis, DCRA

We are very fortunate to have Theresa Lewis coming to our January meeting. Ms. Lewis has been with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) for many years and has a special expertise in housing regulations (she was one of the DC Government advisors to the zoning overlay task force, and won the respect of both sides for her insights into the problems with housing inspection). Currently, she is Staff Director at DCRA. Other than the Department of Public Works, DCRA is probably the agency most important to our neighborhood. If you are concerned about property appearance, illegal basement apartments, excessive occupancy in a group house, or any related issue, plan to come to this meeting equipped with specific addresses for the DCRA to investigate. This is a golden opportunity - let's take advantage of Ms. Lewis being with us!

All are Welcome - Refreshments served

Burleith, with its beautiful parks and quiet streets, is a great place for dogs. But don't forget that our "village" is still in the city, and dog owners here have special responsibilities to protect their pets from unwittingly annoying the neighbors.

Bitter complaints are once again being heard about violations of the pooper-scooper law. Remember, dog owners are legally required to clean up after their pets!

In addition, pets in our urban environment should be controlled to guard against hazards like rats, poison, and criminals. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Dogs both large and small can be startling and intimidating to pedestrians, especially the very old and very young.

Finally, a barking dog can drive neighbors crazy for blocks around. Bring your dog inside when it's barking.

A violation of the pooper-scooper or leash laws can result in a fine of up to $50. A noise violation could cost up to $300. More importantly, following the above steps will keep your dog safer and much more popular with the neighbors.

Burleith has many interesting people living quietly in its midst. Take, for instance, Jack Wells, president of the Potomac Bonsai Association and board member of the National Bonsai Foundation (with ten member bonsai clubs). For the uninitiated, "Bonsai" is not a form of greeting; it's a cultivated or collected tree or plant, trained into miniatures with artistic shapes. The Bonsai Museum of the National Arboretum has over 200 bonsai trees from Japan, China, and North America. Trees are displayed in the Japanese, American, and Chinese pavilions, the tropical greenhouse, and the educational and exhibit units. A retired horticulturist and international marketing director, Jack volunteers at least one day a week assisting in the care and maintenance of the National Bonsai Collection.

Jack comes originally from Oregon, where his great grandfather first settled in 1853 and where he still has the family farms. On the civic side, Jack served on the Board of the Burleith Citizens Association for several years in the early 1980s and is currently a member of the Canal Road Protection Coalition. He is active in other museum and cultural organizations in the area, as well as serving on the Council of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church. Otherwise, he can be seen on summer days mowing his own or a neighbor's grass, giving advice on planting or sharing a plant. All in all, the sort of citizen we are fortunate to have in Burleith.

On Saturday, January 22, Jack will be guiding a group of Burleithians through the Bonsai Museum. The tour is sponsored by the Burleith Garden Club, and is open to anyone interested. We will be leaving at 9:30 a.m. Call Bonnie Hardy (338-6470) or Sara Revis (342-1463) to let us know you're coming.

Remember, the only city pickup for Christmas trees this year will be this week, January 10-14. To be sure of collection, place your tree on the curb on Sunday (Jan. 9). After this collection, you're on your own-though you could cut the tree up and bundle as yard waste.

by Bonnie Hardy

Peter has been after me to write a "history" of the ToT LoT for some time now, but I have been hesitant because of my hazy memory of dates and numbers. Unfortunately, those who were involved in the earlyTot Lot process no longer live in Burleith, so please bear with me. I hope that by the end you will appreciate why this 35th Street tot lot is not only a vital part of Burleith's past but also an important part of its future.

As most of you probably know, the play area I'm talking about is the small lot on the north side of the new Corcoran School. In the early days of Burleith, this school, called Fillmore, was the elementary school for our area. I remember neighborhood children walking home at lunchtime and then returning for the afternoon session. In the early seventies, the Six School Complex was established in this area, and Fillmore became the arts center for the other elementary schools in the area. Burleith children then fell into the geographic boundaries of Stoddart School in Glover Park. Children were bused to Fillmore from participating schools for their music, dance, drama, and art programs. (This is still the case, but now the Fillmore program operates out of the Hardy School-in the building that once housed Gordon Junior High School).

At about this time, four of us with toddler age children were looking for a play area in the neighborhood that would accommodate toddlers without having to walk down to Volta Place playground or over to Montrose Park. We simply wanted a play area that was closer to home, where a morning hour or a late afternoon hour could be well spent. After considering possible sites at the Green Lot on 37th Street and the Stadium on 38th St, we decided to zero in on the much neglected lot next to Fillmore School. The red climber (still there) and swings with no seats were all that were there. Of course, we had grandiose plans, as wooden play equipment was just then coming into vogue for public space. After pouring over catalogues and facing the reality of the prices, and then talking to school officials as to what could be put there, we came back down to earth. We solicited the neighborhood and found everyone to be most generous, especially non-children households (I wonder what they were trying to tell us!). I believe we raised about $1200, including, I am quite, a BCA donation, and with this we bought toddler swings, the small climber, the sand for the sandbox, and the yellow horse which was found at a yard sale and installed in concrete (I don't think it will ever come out!). The sandbox was built by Burleith fathers and has been replaced many times over (right, Fred?). Every spring mulch and sand was bought and dumped outside the gate and we would have a work party to bring it inside. Marguerite Cunningham ran a morning playschool out of her home from 1984 to 1988, and the ToT LoT was an important part of her activities. As you can tell, the Burleith community revived this play area and made it all of ours.

In the early 1980's, when the Burleith Garden Club was especially active, we decided to "take on" the ToT LoT as a beautification project. We created the outside bed on 35th Street and cultivated many different plants along the fences on the inside. Also, many fall plantings of bulbs were done, most of which are still enjoyed. One of the wooden benches was donated by Peggy Breckenridge, and the other one was donated by the Garden Club. Also, thanks to Peggy we still have slate stepping stones, which she saved from St. John's Church when they were re-landscaping. Those of you who remember Col. Curtiss, a BCA stalwart and resident of T Street for many years, will not be surprised to know that he "talked" the city into planting the two large shade trees inside the ToT LoT that are so much enjoyed on a hot day. The plant material you see now was either bought or donated by Garden Club members. It may be hard to believe, but in 1985 the Burleith Garden Club received a city award for this beautification project.

In these most recent years the ToT LoT has been in decline, but now with the Corcoran School it looks like we can revitalize this precious area. With Fillmore School we had a good partnership, and I am sure it will work as well with the Corcoran.

I am pleased that Peter gave me this opportunity to explain why we feel a sense of ownership towards the ToT LoT. I hope I have impressed upon the present families of Burleith not only the history that has gone before you but a sense of the job ahead to keep this small jewel intact.

Contributions for the Burleith Newsletter are always welcome. Let your neighbors know what's happening on your block, and share news of general interest. Or voice your opinion in a letter to the editor! Contributions may be edited to fit available space. Contact Peter Pulsifer via email at pulsifer@crl.com, phone 337-3065, or drop off at 3803 T Street.

Everyone should be reminded that your trash should NOT be placed in the alley until the night before the pickup day (usually Fridays). All trash MUST be either kept inside or placed in your supercan at any other time - not left in the alley! Open trash invites rodents, even if enclosed in a plastic bag. If the bag is open or loose, wind such as we had last week will toss it everywhere. If your supercan is missing or damaged, buy a replacement by calling DPW at 645-7160 or 727-4600.

Registration for classes at the Guy Mason Recreation Center begins Saturday, January 15 (Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm, Saturdays 9 am-3 pm), with classes beginning the week of February 7, 2000.

For persons wishing to be creative there is Art, Copper Enameling, Pottery, China Painting, Creative Writing for Poetry, Script Writing for the Stage, and lessons on the saxophone, clarinet and flute.

For both physical and mental health there is Yoga, Qi Gong Aerobics, Karate, Low Impact Fitness, and Dancersize. As always there are Bridge, Chess. and Spanish Lessons, the Retirees Club and the much-heralded Ballroom Dance classes.

Some classes are free, others cost a modest amount, from $3.50 per class for bridge to $60 per term for Yoga, $80 for Art and $100 for pottery. Fees are slightly higher for non-DC residents. Visit the Center or call 282-2180 for additional information.

Anne-Marie Pierce, who as Head of the Washington International School directed the ambitious project that moved the WIS Primary School campus from Olive St. in Georgetown to a brand new building in Burleith, has announced her intention to step down in June, 2001, at the end of the next school year. Ms. Pierce will then have been Head of WIS for a decade.

As a reason for her decision, Ms. Pierce wrote "the time has come for me to plan a change of career, one that would impose less professional demands on my time and would allow me some leisure for other activities that I have missed, such as joining my husband on bike rides or learning to play the piano."

Certainly, her recent years have been stressful, though extremely productive. The sale of the Olive Street building and construction in Burleith were beset with setbacks and financial perils. And no sooner was the Primary School opened than WIS embarked on construction of new arts and athletic facilities at their Tregaran campus. (And in fact, the Primary School is not yet completed!).

In Burleith, mishaps and mistakes caused friction with neighbors that is only now beginning to dissipate. Throughout the process, however, Ms. Pierce was the critical factor that made the project succeed, through her charm, determination, and commitment to working with the community. We look forward to working with her in the coming 18 months, and wish her much enjoyment in the future.

On January 5, Metropolitan Police Chief Ramsey announced the promotions and/or reassignments of thirteen department officials, effective at 5:00 p.m. that day. Among the promoted were two officers from the Second District, which serves Burleith.

Second District Commander Shannon P. Cockett was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. She will now serve as the director for the Maurice T. Turner, Jr., Institute of Police Science. Vice Chief Cockett is well known to Burleith residents, having served as our sector captain before being named District Commander. She made a particular effort to expand the MPD community policing initiative (despite communications problems like malfunctioning telephones and pagers and no departmental email), andf could often be found out on the street, at public meetings, and even at thed Burleith Picnic. Her intelligence and common sense should serve her well in her new post.

The new head of the Second District is Commander Peter Newsham, just promoted from the rank of captain in the Sixth District.

Commander Newsham joined the Department in 1989, and rose quickly through the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 1994, a lieutenant in 1996 and a captain in 1999. He has spent his entire career in district operations, in various patrol, vice and investigative assignments in the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Police Districts. For the past year, he has served as captain/assistant district commander in the Sixth District, where he had supervisory authority for all district operations. This past summer, he was the Sixth District's point person in the development of problem-solving strategies with the community targeting an open-air drug market. Commander Newsham holds a bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross and is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland School of Law.

The other promotion in the Second District is Captain Anthony Poteat, who was promoted to the rank of Commander. He will be the new Commander of the Fifth District.

Following are listed the crimes reported for Burleith for December, as made public through www.crimereports.com. Also included are crimes nearby in PSA 205 that aren't commercially related. Note that because of a change in computer services over the new year, reports are not available for some time after December 15.

For more information about police operations in the Second District (our area), see the 2D web page, at http://www.mpdc.org/English/districts/2nd.

The Washington Guitar Society has begun holding its monthly meetings at the Guy Mason Recreation Center. WGS has as its mission the promotion of the understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the guitar by presenting public performances and educating both students of the guitar and the general public. Meetings are free and open to the public (a hat will be passed for voluntary contributions to performers). Meetings with a featured performer begin with an open stage from 7 to 8 p.m. and continue with the performance at 8 pm. The WGS schedule is printed in their newsletter, which can often be found in the Guy Mason Center lobby.

For more information, call WGS President John Rodgers at 686-1020.

On December 12th, in the waning days of the 1900's, the BCA and the Burleith Garden Club held a friendly gathering on the Green Lot to celebrate the holidays and to decorate a holly tree there. Plenty of refreshments were provided, including hot cider, cold eggnog, cookies, and popcorn. Some of the refreshments were combined with the decorations, to make attractive treats for the birds. Pine cones were coated with peanut butter and seeds, and popcorn was strung into wreaths, and all were bestowed on a distinguished tree on the northern end of the park.

Attendance was modest, but spirits were bright, and a fime time was had by all. Leftover food, and donations that were contributed, were brought to the Holy Trinity Food Drive. Many thanks to Pat Scolaro and Bonnie Hardy for organizing this very neighborly event.

The D.C. College Access Act, sponsored by DC Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, allows DC students to go to colleges in Maryland and Virginia, at in-state rates (the Federal government pays the difference). In the future, the Mayor may extend the program to other states. In addition, the act will pay DC residents $2,500 to attend private colleges in DC, MD and VA. The program starts in the Fall, 2000 semester.

To be eligible, students must have been a DC resident for 12 months before beginning college, have graduated from high school on or after January 1, 1998, and must be admitted to college and enroll at least half-time. For more information, call the Mayor's office at 727-3685.

There is also a DC College Access Program that offers up to $2,000 in additional assistance. Advisors counsel DCPS high school students, beginning in their first year, on how to prepare for college, take entrance exams, and find scholarship funds,. Call DC-CAP at 783-7933.

Grace Church, at 1041 Wisconsin Ave, is sponsoring a weekly brown-bag discussion series. For more information, go to http://www.gracedc.org. Speakers in January and February include:

With our current fiscal year half gone, it is time for those neighbors that have NOT joined your Burleith Citizens Association to do so NOW! Your participation will permit us to continue with the many programs that keep Burleith the best place in the District in which to live. Fill out the form below and send in your check today. Thank you!

For more information, contact Membership Chairman Charles Mallett, at 337-6506.