Burleith Newsletter March, 2000

I'm sorry that I must begin on an unpleasant note. We cannot ignore what has been happening in this area: the tragic death of a student on the University campus and the recent incidences of vicious vandalism in Burleith. Nor can we ignore that alcohol was a factor. For far too long this community has been subjected to the parties and the late night noise of students roaming the streets. (This is not meant as a blanket condemnation of all students. Please note that we have a significant number of serious students living in Burleith who contribute to community life and are pleasant neighbors; they suffer along with the rest of us from the disruptions of the partiers and the drinkers). At the February 29 ANC meeting, Peter Pulsifer was eloquent in decrying a campus culture that was based on alcohol as he voted against the spring student-run block party.

It is important that both as a community and as individuals we maintain a pro-active position in dealing with the issue of parties, noise and acts of violence. We are delighted that Lt. Burke is once again in our area. He has worked for and received overtime for officers to work Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights exclusively on calls relating to the noise and disturbances in our area. This has been effective: Just last weekend, a student house was issued a 61D citation and fined $300; another house received a warning; and a student was arrested for tearing down one of the residential parking signs.

When you are disturbed, call the campus hot line (687-8413) and then call the police (dial 311). When we have these houses on record, we can work with the University and with the police to deal with the problem houses on a long term basis.

At the same time the community has had to deal with this unpleasantness, we have been witness to an early hint of Spring, three new families have moved into the neighborhood; houses are selling at a very fast rate (and for premium prices) and the winter picnic was a delight.

Further, there is real curiosity in Burleith about the March 9 BCA meeting - referred to as the "Burleith Summit." The idea for a "summit" arose at a Board meeting where we were discussing concerns about poor participation in meetings, the need for more residents to take an active role in community affairs, and our desire for better quality monthly meetings. We decided to ask the community! If the Mayor can hold a summit, then so can we.

This will not be a gripe session. Holly Dempsey and I have put our heads together to develop a format that will be an opportunity for all of us to explore all that is positive in Burleith, deciding on what should be preserved, and what to enhance. It will be participatory, it will be fun, and we will work in small groups to generate dialogue. Most importantly it will be a positive experience for all of us.

Please plan to attend.

The Corcoran has hired a contractor and is continuing preparations for renovation of the Burleith Tot Lot at the former Fillmore School. The goal is to have work completed by summer. The landscape architects who spoke at the November BCA meeting (from Oehme-van Sweden) expect to complete their design by April 1, and at that time they will meet with Corcoran officials and interested residents. The result should be a "really nice" park with picnic facilities and modern play equipment.

The Tot Lot project is more expensive than originally expected, because of strict safety regulations for new playgrounds. Partly for this reason, the Tot Lot renovation will be done in conjunction with the parking lot expansion required by the BZA. The Corcoran will pave over the field along 34th St (no longer needed by Hardy children) and will probably put landscaping along the road. Grading and paving will be done during the quiet summer period, because it will require closing the lot for some time.

There will be a meeting of those interested in helping plan and maintain the new Tot Lot next Saturday, March 11, at the lot. For more information, call Peter Pulsifer at 337-3065.

Treasurer: Because of family issues, Diane Deland will be spending time in California; and Charles Mallett, who is a signatory on the account, will assume the treasurer's responsibilities for the remainder of the year.

Vandalism: On the 1700 block of 37th Street, late night vandals smashed an ornamental birdbath in a front yard using rocks from a nearby garden. The Police were slow in responding, but did come and took a full report.

Assistant Chief Cockett: Patricia Scolaro, Joseph Scolaro and Marilyn Reis represented Burleith at a commendation party for Shannon Cockett, former MPD Second District Commander, who has been promoted to Assistant Chief.

GU Ten Year Plan: The plan has been submitted to the BZA with no hearing date set. There are serious concerns because the plan does not include specifics; the addition of 500 students to the enrollment cap; and the 38th Street entrance. The Registrar was asked to attend the next working meeting to review enrollment figures. The BCA has submitted a number of questions to be answered and also sent a letter to the BZA asking that a hearing date be postponed until all issues are resolved. The impact the purchase of the GU Hospital by of MedStar has yet to be determined.

ANC 2E: Board members were urged to attend the February 29 meeting. The agenda was heavy with GU matters including the block party, the senior tent party, the GU campus plan and the St. Mary's renovations.

Winter Picnic: Arrangements have been made with Visitation for the rental of the room. Charles Mallet secured a raffle prize from Bistro LePic for lunch for two. Help is needed for set-up at 5:30.

Ellington School Parking: Charles Mallett is collecting signatures from affected residents on the streets where parking regulations are to be changed. 51% of the neighbors must agree to the changes. Concerns were expressed about the upcoming events which will impact parking in the neighborhood: the Hexagon Show and the Ellington Fund Gala.

March 8 BCA General Meeting: An open discussion meeting dealing with Burleith issues and the needs of the residents i.e. the special groups (long term residents, young families, singles etc.) It was also suggested that we need a comprehensive census of our residents.

Welcome Wagon: Guy Gwynn, Charles Mallett and Marilyn Reis will meet to develop a plan to "welcome" new residents to our community.

Upcoming BCA Elections: There is a need for some new faces and new ideas. Pat Scolaro will not to run for a second term.

Post Office box for Burleith mail: The Board voted to rent a Post Office Box at the Calvert Street Station on Wisconsin Avenue at a cost of $82.00 a year.

"D" buses: Ed Solomon and Pat Scolaro will attend the WMATA Meeting on the follow-up on the implementation of the small buses. Ed has solicited and received local Input on the schedule and operation of the buses. The noisy brakes are being repaired and the volume of the announcements has been turned down during the day and eliminated at night

Membership: Charles Mallett reported that 27% if Burleith residents have joined the BCA. Membership applications are on the last page of the newsletter.

Easter Egg Hunt: Although the Library conducts an excellent Easter Egg hunt each year, Bonnie Hardy will organize one for Burleith if she is in town

The Washington International School Liaison Committee will meet on Friday, March 17 at 6:30. At this meeting (closed to the public), the final traffic study report will be reviewed, and a vote will be held on whether to increasing the enrollment cap from 375 to 475. The cap can be increased only if the traffic mitigation measures promised in the Development Agreement has been successful, and if WIS has shown good faith in adhering to the other parts of the agreement.

Beyond just considering the current impact of school traffic, one of the major things the Committee will consider is whether the traffic will get much worse with the additional students. Any other problems or concerns can be discussed at the meeting, especially if they impact on any enrollment increase.

For more information, contact Liaison Committee members Peter Pulsifer (337-3065), Charlotte Kroll (333-7676) or Larry Schaffner (333-8739).

Meet your neighbors, share your concerns and learn what you can do about them!

All are Welcome - Refreshments served

Everyone in Burleith got a personal invitation to the Burleith Winter Picnic this year-and a superb turnout responded. Because Visitation School no longer allows outside groups to use the Lodge, where the Winter Picnic has traditionally been held, another location had to be found at the last minute. Invitations were then delivered to every Burleith door announcing the event.

The new site, the Visitation School Heritage Room, was an elegant place to hold a party, lacking only the beloved Lodge fireplace. It was well-decorated, as well. Irene Schaffner supplied primroses for the tables and Bonnie Hardy supplied the center piece for the buffet table. Some 60-70 people (including a crowd of young children) filled the room. It was delightful to see so many new arrivals, and so many growing families. We were also pleased to host our Ward 2 City Councilman Jack Evans, who dropped by with his son John.

There was an abundance of food (weighted heavily towards pasta), including some delicious salads and bread. There were beverages galore. Dessert included a delicious carrot cake and a cherry pie supplied by the BCA.

Beneficiaries of chance: Bonnie Hardy won the raffle and will enjoy a luncheon for two at Bistrot Lepic on Wisconsin Avenue (and she deserves it!). Thanks to our Newsletter advertisers at Lepic for their generous donation of this prize. Trisha Parson won the second raffle, of $100 towards a tuxedo rental from Anthony's Tuxedo Rental on P St in Georgetown. Thanks to BCA Board member Ed Solomon for donating this prize.

A contest of skill: For guessing closest to the 1,214 coffee beans in the jar, Odette Pantelich won both the jar and the beans.

Old-timers and newcomers: Winning the prize for longest time in Burleith were Elizabeth and Ron Thompson, who came here in 1956. The contest for newest resident was a tie: Both Kay and John Twomey, and Dan Owen and Dani Johnson moved to Burleith in November. Each winning couple received a bottle of wine.

The party was, as always, an excellent chance to relax and socialize. It was special this year for the enthusiastic turnout and the lovely surroundings. Special thanks and congratulations are due to Pat Scolaro for her hard work and preparation, and to all the Burleithians who pitched in and helped out with set-up or clean-up.

LEFT at the Burleith Winter Picnic: two very nice sets of tongs. Call Pat Scolaro (338-5321) if you are missing these handy kitchen items.

"Yes, 1 would like to get involved in our community." This is a phrase we hear often when talking to both new and long-term residents...well, now is the time. Elections for the Board of Directors of the Burleith Citizens Association are held in May.

The by-laws require only that "the Directors be members in good standing of the Association"-and be elected.

There is no better way to work for or with your community and for the residents of Burleith than to serve, in some capacity, on the Board. We'd love to have a representative from each quadrant of the Burleith, but this is not always possible. We would like a mix of newer residents with new thoughts and ideas and experienced Board members and long-term residents who have some history of them community.

Candidates should want to represent their neighbors; participate in discussions and vote on pertinent issues as they arise; willingly work on either short term or long term issues or projects as necessary; serve on committees; generate new ideas (and follow through); and attend the regular membership and Board meetings.

Interested candidates are those who have a stake in Burleith, who want to maintain our quality of life and last, but certainly not least, maintain the financial stability of our properties.

These are the positions, along with a very brief description, on the Board of Directors of the Burleith Citizens Association:

President: Presides at meetings and exercises general supervision of the affairs of the Association

Vice-Presidents (3): (in order of rank) Preside in absence of the President and succeed if required. Traditionally one of the Vice Presidents assumes the duties of membership Chairman.

Secretaries (2): Recording Secretary keeps the records of the proceedings of all general and board meetings.

Corresponding Secretary: keeps the roll of the members, issues notices of meetings and conducts the correspondence as required.

Treasurer: Has custody of all funds and maintains the financial records of the Association.

The Board also includes residents who represent Burleith at the Federation of Citizens Associations and the Federation of Civic Associations There are three representatives for each of these Associations.

Interested? We hope so. Call Pat Scolaro (338-5321) or members of the Nominating Committee, Bonnie Hardy (338-6470); Charles Mallett (337-6506); Ed Solomon (337-2030) with any questions, your interest in sitting on the Board, or recommending a qualified neighbor.

Undeterred by the recent spate of drinking-related violence and other incidents, Georgetown University students are pushing forward with their semi-annual block party on 37th St between Prospect and N Sts. The recent death of student David Shick in a fight between two inebriated groups had a sobering effect on Dean James Donahue, who declined to give his usual support for an event "for which the presence of alcohol plays such a central role." The Dean offered to help organize an alternative alcohol-free event, but students declined.

The event requires ANC 2E approval, but that proved no problem. Recent events changed no Commissioner's mind, and approval passed by the same 4-3 margin as the fall block party. In fact, Commissioner Art Schultz assailed Dean Donahue for withdrawing his approval, saying it showed a "lack of faith" in the students. In his support for the party, he was joined by student Matt Payne, Mark Ryan from east Georgetown and Fran Goldstein from Hillandale.

Students run the party under the rubric of the 1227 Gatsby Foundation. At the ANC meeting, Mike Owens, the Foundation President, said that last fall's party was the most successful ever, with about 2500 attendees and generating over $18,000 in profits that were donated to charities. Students at the ANC meeting commented that the party is "an awesome thing for the [University] community." It's important to student unity, because there is no other event that brings together such a large number of students.

The spring party will be on Friday, April 28, from 1-8 p.m. Included in the $10 admission are three 16-ounce beers (additional beer is $1 each). Six police officers and ABC officers will check IDs, and there will be bouncers from the Tombs, apparently famous for shutting out underage drinkers. The party is open to the public.

On another front, the Alcohol Beverage Control Board denied permission for a one-day license for a tent party for senior week, apparently because of neighborhood disruptions from similar events last year. A party will go on, however, with alcohol being served by Marriott under their license for the "Guest House" in the Leavy Center.

Metro held an "informal meeting" on March 1 to discuss service on the D2 and other routes impacted by the switch to smaller buses last year. Burleith was represented at the meeting by BCA Board member Ed Solomon. Based on feedback he received at the February 9 BCA meeting and elsewhere, Ed reported that Burleith had no serious problems with vibrations from the new buses. However, there were complaints about noise (squealing brakes, loud announcements, high-pitched motors), failure to keep to schedule, and poor drivers. Ed also requested additional D6 service along Reservoir Rd.; daytime frequency will be increased to every 20 minutes.

Glover Park representative Ariadne Henry gave the results of a Glover Park Citizens Association survey: most thought buses didn't arrive on time, and many thought there was insufficient room on the bus. Many Glover Park riders have switched to the Wisconsin Avenue 30's buses instead of the D1/D2 buses. She recommended adding more large D1 buses.

Metro says they are satisfied with the smaller buses. Metro distributed the results of their own survey. They claim that ridership has remained the same, though there have been complaints about overcrowding, brake and engine and speaker noise, air conditioning, and lack of stanchions. Brakes are being repaired and announcements turned down or off (from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.).

The old D2 route had 101 daily trips and ridership of 1795 passengers. The present route has 17 D1 trips and 132 D2 trips (total 149 trips); D1 carries 458 passengers and D2 carries 1130 passengers (total 1588 passengers).

Several notable incidents of vandalism hit Burleith late at night last month. A birdbath in a fenced-in front yard on 37th St was smashed using a large stone uprooted from a neighbor's yard. The owner has posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrator. On that same night, a street sign was carried off by several individuals; one of them was later caught and arrested. A few days later, vandals sprayed graffiti on a fairly new wood fence in the rear of a nearby property. Because of the late hour and the purposeful, wanton destructiveness of these incidents, it seems likely that drunkenness was a factor in all.

Like all Universities in DC, Georgetown University is required to have a master plan for development, approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). The plan now in effect is called the "Bicentennial campus plan" and was approved for a ten-year period in 1990, just after the University's 200th birthday. The current campus plan might easily be viewed as a disaster, both for the University and for the neighbors. It included the bitterly resisted and ultimately-cancelled cogenerator project and plans for 2.6 million square feet of new construction (mostly similar to the Leavy Center), almost none of which has been built. Because of its defects and controversial nature, the present campus plan has done very little to guide University development in the past decade.

The University has now submitted for approval a new campus plan, to take effect at the expiration of the current plan this year and to continue for another ten years. The new plan explicitly rejects the large, institutional-style development of the past and declares its goal to be a human-scale, pedestrian-friendly campus that is more of a center for academic life. This could be of great long-term benefit both to Georgetown (which will enjoy both excellent living conditions and high-quality occupants) and to the surrounding community (which will no longer have to bear the burden of entertaining hundreds of off-campus students).

Unfortunately, the campus plan also proposes to increase the current enrollment cap by 500 students, with no increase in dormitory space, faculty or staff. It includes 1.3 million square feet in new construction, some of it only vaguely described. How these buildings are used (especially those in the Medical Center) could make a great difference in their neighborhood impact.

The new plan has been distributed to neighborhood representatives, and is posted on the University web site (http://cct.georgetown.edu/development/architect/toc.html). Below is a sketch of the major projects that are included.

Of the 1,260,000 square feet of projects, 739,100 square feet is for "academic", 88,500 square feet is for "recreational" and 432,236 square feet is for "medical" (the latter includes about 180,000 square feet in parking). The academic plan appears to be as follows.

1. New science building, replacing or augmenting Reiss: 121,000 square feet.
2. New business school, now largely in the Car Barn on Prospect St: 305,000 square feet.
3. New theater: 55,300 square feet.
4. Leavey bookstore addition on the roof, student activity space: 22,200 square feet.
5. Lauinger library addition (will eliminate a parking lot): 127,600 square feet.
6. A new "academic" building to replace Kober Cogan: about 50,000 square feet new.
7. An addition to Walsh, for who knows what: 10,500 square feet.

Only the first 3 or 4 are likely to happen soon.

The medical plan calls for 3 pretty big buildings (given generic names):

1. MHC1, behind Dahlgren libray: 112,800 square feet
2. MHC2, to the Lombardi Cancer Center: 102,000 square feet
3. MHC3, Near St. Mary's: 90,000 square feet

Who knows what will go on in these buildings? One suggestion is that one or more might be doctors' offices.

In addition, there is a 68-foot tall parking garage (MHC5) near Darnall and a "below grade" 4-foot tall garage (MHC4) in front of St. Mary's. The "below grade" garage will probably be much like the one to the west of 38th St, and will greatly change the view of St. Mary's from Reservoir Rd.

The plan calls for covering up significant amount of open space. Most significantly, the baseball field south of Leavy will become the business school. A small softball field will be added to the SW corner of campus as part of the Southwest Quadrangle project, but this is much smaller than the existing baseball field. Also, the north part of the football field will be lost to medical center development. An innovation in this plan is the creation of "vest pocket parks"-small open spaces for, say, one-on-one basketball. But there are only four of these in the plan, located mostly out of the way.

Left out of the plan are some large projects that are currently underway, connected with construction of the new Southwest Quadrangle dormitory complex. The new dorm will contain student recreational and program space, and will free up several large spaces (notably a large cafeteria and the present Jesuit residence) that could be used for student activities or faculty office space.

Now that the proposed plan has been submitted, the BZA will schedule hearings on it, probably no sooner than June. Meanwhile, the University is holding informational meetings for community representatives, and the communities are preparing their responses. You will certainly be reading more as the approval process goes forward.

by Lt. Patrick A. Burke (PSA 205 Newsletter)

On Saturday, February 5th, around 2 a.m., a man was stabbed to death in front of 2338 Wisconsin Avenue, after a physical altercation. The incident began as a street fight in the vicinity of "JPs" and the Grog and Tankard. A description and composite drawing of the suspect can be obtained from the police (282-0043).

Second District Detectives are also investigating the death of a Georgetown University student that occurred on campus, reportedly as a consequence of a fight stemming from a chance encounter in a parking lot between two groups of University students.

I am pleased to report that Commander Newshom was able to obtain funding to staff additional personnel on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings to combat quality of life offenses, including vandalism, underage drinking, and loud parties. Officers will work from 10 p.m. through 4 a.m. throughout the upcoming weekends. I am also seeking to establish a hotline, possibly a cell phone in the patrol car which would provide direct access to the officers working the detail. Our first two weekends have netted 11 arrests and 3 citations for violations of the noise control act (usually a $300 fine). I will also be providing on-hand supervision as often as possible to oversee this detail and will maintain a database to chronicle recidivist addresses and offenders.

PSA 205 finished the month with a total of 27 crimes:

As a follow up to the Citizen Summits, the Mayor's Office is planning an outreach to gather input from local residents who were unable to attend. They need ten volunteers to conduct a brief survey with ten residents. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage residents in directing the future of their neighborhood and provide cooperation between the Mayor's Office and the ANC's.

There will be a training session for survey collectors on March 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Georgetown Public Library. Each volunteer should conduct 10 surveys by Monday, March 13.

For more information, call Amanda Lopez at (301) 927-7985 or email: lopezamanda@hotmail.com.