NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS:

**** Tenleytown Firehouse Hearing before Historic Preservation Review
Board: Thursday, February 28 at 10:45 am. The purpose of this hearing is
for the Board to review the Fire Department's renovation plans, now that
the firehouse has been designated an historic structure. The will also
hear testimony from the community. The Board could approve, disapprove
or request changes to the Fire Department's plans. The final decision
could also be made by an administrative law judge known as the Mayor's
Agent, if either the Board or the Fire Department requests that it go to
the Mayor's Agent following the outcome of these hearings. The hearings
will be held at 441 4th St.(Judiciary Square Metro Stop), Room 220S.
Call 442-8818 for more information.

**** From:  "Jill Diskan" <jdiskan@worldnet.att.net>
There will be a community meeting to learn about Stonebridge Associates'
plans for the Washington Clinic site on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30PM at
the Embassy Suites Hotel.  Representatives from the Lisner Home and the
DC Office of Planning will also be there.
 
 
 

TURTLE PARK MCSPIRIT NIGHT AT MCDONALD'S
From: <toddandjean@netzero.net> (Jean Kintisch)
Please join Friends of Friendship Park for McSpirit Night at the Van
Ness McDonald's on Tuesday, March 5 from 5-8 pm.  Ten percent of all
sales during those hours will benefit Friends of Friendship Park.  Bring
your family for dinner, catch up with Turtle Park friends, and help
raise money for the Park. The Van Ness McDonald's is located at 4130
Wisconsin Ave. NW at the corner of Van Ness and Wisconsin.  For more
information, please call Jean Kintisch at (202) 966-8309. Jean Kintisch,
VP Events, Friends of Friendship Park
 
 

 
BOOK FAIR AT POLITICS & PROSE TO BENEFIT WILSON HIGH
From: "Laura Akgulian" <laura@marginata.com>
Are you thinking about splurging on books, CDs, gift wrap, or greeting
cards anytime soon? Grab your wallet and head to Politics and Prose on
Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. The store will donate 20% of the
money it receives from your purchases to Wilson High School. Just be
sure to tell the cashier you want your purchases to benefit Wilson.
Politics & Prose is at 5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Hours: 9 am -
midnight on Saturday, 9 am - 9 pm on Sunday. Spread the word--and thanks
for supporting DC and the children at Wilson!
 
 
 
 

CRIMES IN THE 'HOOD - February 1 to 19
(Address by 100 block; not actual address)
ROBBERY
5200 44th, attempt, 2/1, 0830, bank
BURGLARY
4700 Butterworth, 2/7, 1945, garage
4200 Albemarle, 2/10, 1930, church
4000 Albermarle, 2/15, 1830, office
4700 Alton, 2/5, 0815, garage
4900 Belt, 2/15, 2000, house
4700 Chesapeake, 2/14, 1630, house
4300 Yuma, 2/4, 0830, garage
5300 Reno, 2/13, 0840, house
4200 Ellicott, attempt, 2/19, 1200, house
THEFT - 9  (1 closed)
THEFT FROM AUTO
4100 Albemarle, 2/12, 1800, street
3700 Windom, 2/13, 1915, street
3700 Windom, 2/11, 2200, street
3800 Windom, 2/13, 1800, street
STOLEN AUTO
3700 Ellicott, 2/6, 1900, street
3700 Veazey, 2/3, 1300, street
4100 46th, 2/6, 2100, street
4400 47th, 2/5, 1700, street
5100 41st, 2/5, 2300, street
4400 49th, 2/5, 1700, sidewalk
3700 Warren, 2/5, 1800, street
SIMPLE ASSAULT
4500 Wisconsin, 2/7, 1245, sidewalk
4200 Wisconsin, 2/2, 1600, office
THREATS - 5300 Wisconsin, 2/14, 0800, office (closed)
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
5300 Wisconsin, 2/13, 1545, unknown
4400 Reno, 2/8, 1000, house

**** From: "Jane G. Mahaffie" <jjmahaffie@starpower.net>
[Re: Item in COMMUNIT-E -- February 14, 2002]
You had a question mark at the stolen auto from the sidewalk.  In the
middle of the night a Jeep Cherokee was stolen from somewhere else,
parked in the alley behind 4400 block of 49th St.  Then a motorbike
parked on the sidewalk was stolen.  Neighbors found the Jeep the next
day with all the seats removed.  We think they tried to fit the
motorbike but something happened.

**** From:  "Robert Hyman" <roberthyman@erols.com
Re:  House Fire in Glover Park
On Tuesday Feb 12 at Approx. 6 PM, there was a house fire at 2422
Observatory Pl. The fire quickly grew out of control with flames over
twenty feet high. DC Fire and Police responded immediately surrounding
the block from all directions. Because of the quick response  and great
training they were able to bring the dangerous fire under control before
it spread to the adjoining homes. I would like to thank those Firemen
and Policemen who responded to save others! A special thanks to Lt.
Brian Bray and Master Patrol Officer Lowery who helped evacuated nearby
residents from their homes. This illustrates how illegally parked cars
can slow the response of large emergency vehicles. Observatory Place,
Beecher St. and Huidekoper St. are all ONE WAY and VERY SMALL streets,
it is important to park your cars in a responsible manner not blocking
alleys or intersections, be alert for emergency vehicles responding to
calls and drive carefully. Thank you again to all our emergency response
personnel.
Robert Hyman  President, Glover Park Citizens Assoc.
 
 
 

CARS SIDESWIPED
From: "Wisnosky, Kerry" <KWisnosky@MEICOMPANY.com>
I was wondering if other folks have experienced this problem and if
there is anything that can be done to address the following:
I live in the 4200 block of 38th ST, NW.   Within the last month, three
of the cars parked on our block (including mine) have been side-swiped
and damaged at different times.  My assessment is that this is due to
the fact that 38th St. is an alternative to Wisconsin Ave and that cars
hurry in two directions across 38th St.  I see this all the time, cars
scurry from one STOP sign to the next. My guess is that there is nothing
we can do about this...but I thought someone might have an idea. Thanks
for your thoughts.
 
 
 

MORE ON FIREHOUSE

**** From: "Anthoula P. Gianniotis" <apg@alphatecpc.com>
Kathy, In reply to your final question [February 14 issue], it is NEVER
acceptable to replicate a historic structure.  If a structure is
registered as historic, any additions/upgrades are to "enhance and
preserve any significant architectural features" according to the
Secretary of Interiors Standards for Historic Preservation.  An
architectural solution must clearly delineate between the old and the
new, however, the new design/addition must accordingly pass all the
committees' approvals as an acceptable enhancement. A.P. Gianniotis,
R.A.
As a practicing registered architect in D.C., it can be frustrating
sometimes to deal with.

**** From: "Carolyn Long" <carolynlong@earthlink.net>
The width of the doors is indeed a problem. Do you recall how the
architect resolved this in the plan that was presented to the ANC?
Presumably they are going to widen the doors on the original facade. I
don't know which solution would be the most economical; does everything
have to be done on the cheap? This is a question to bring up at the HPRB
meeting on the 28th. I can't imagine that Chief Few would have approved
a design that had dangerously narrow doors.
 

**** From: Dennismcvey@aol.com
I read the comment that the Tenleytown Historical Society stayed out of
the new application for historic preservation of the firehouse.  That is
not completely accurate in that Ms. Pablo, president of the THS, said
that she was due to testify for Sally Berk at the hearing.  For whatever
reason, she decided not to appear at the hearing.  Perhaps it is because
she was reminded that she had signed an agreement with the Fire
Department that clearly stated that she would neither submit nor support
any application for Historic Landmark status of this firehouse.

The Capital Fire Museum may be an organization of firefighters, but they
are not the firemen who have been serving this community from that
firehouse.  Those firemen are against, not only the historic landmarking
of the building, but they do not believe that the renovation design will
adequately serve the needs of the community as it does not allow for any
additional emergency equipment.  The fireman who spoke for the Capital
Fire Museum has made the statement that "if all goes as it has in the
past, you may have the same pride at E20 as do firefighters at Engine 3
or Engine 24 or any other firehouse in the nation that is an example of
how preservation works."  He does not seem to realize that Engine 24 is
brand new from the first brick to the roof.  The facade of old Engine 24
was taken and added to a Metro facilities building. The new, and greatly
enlarged, Engine 24 is exactly what this community should demand and no
less.

In a meeting on January 29th, the staff of the Historic Preservation
Review Board told the fire department that it would be requiring major
changes to the renovation plan. They stated that they wanted the roof
line of the addition to be lowered so that it is in scale with the old
building.  This would cause the entire project to be redesigned. Modern
firehouses have 16 foot ceilings for several reasons.  The first is so
that when a vehicle breaks down inside the firehouse or daily
maintenance needs to be done, the cab of the engine can be lifted right
inside the firehouse.  This prevents having to get a tow-truck to move
the truck to the ramp outside or from performing maintenance in the rain
or snow.  The high ceiling also accommodates the mechanical equipment
needed to properly ventilate the exhaust fumes that come from diesel
engines.  The fumes in
the firehouse are extremely toxic.

I am hoping that people understand that the preservation of this
firehouse is costing the entire community a great deal of tax dollars.
As of January 31st, this project has already cost over $600,000.00  on
design and project management.  Now, these historic requirements will
cost even more, not only in dollars but in time wasted.  The tax dollars
would be better used if it were spent on the repairs of other stations
or to purchase equipment that would allow us to face the new threats of
modern times.
Dennis McVey
23+ yr veteran of DCFD
 
 
 

MORE ON RECYCLING

**** From: WeLiveInDC@aol.com (Brian Kraft)
My description of my cardboard incident was apparently not clear. The
trash collectors (not the recycling collectors) take my cardboard. They
probably take yours, as well, if they come before the recyclers. Why do
they take it and what can we do about it?!

**** From: "Tommy Tomlinson and Penni St. Hilaire" <tommyt@erols.com>
[Response to Larry Williams re. recycling cardboard] -- I too quit
putting out broken down and tied bundles of cardboard boxes for
recycling after the recycling truck failed to pick them up for several
months.  They simply set them aside in the alley, picked up bottles,
cans and paper and continued on.  I have no idea why since they had
picked up the bundles for months before, but stopped suddenly and have
not taken them since.  I am confident that I was following the rules for
pick up and I assumed there had been a change in policy, but perhaps it
was simply an arbitrary choice by the crew.  Given the hassle of getting
the bundles to other sites I also now place them in the trash can.
 
 
 

TREES AND SIDEWALKS
From: Pkokus@aol.com (Phyllis Kokus)
RE: our tree complaint --  I have had some good feedback. It sounds like
we are not the only one who had a tree problem. On another matter, has
anyone else had a perfectly good sidewalk in front of their house
replaced for another good sidewalk. There was absolutely nothing wrong
with ours, it had no cracks or anything. Before we knew it they had
taken it up and were relaying a new one. When we asked why, we were told
by the one English speaking worker that bad sidewalks were being
replaced thanks to Mr. Bush and a federal grant.  A more appropriate way
for the money to be spent would be to repair only bad sidewalks, or put
down sidewalks where there are none, or repair our alleys, or repair
some of our unevenly paved streets. One good thing with the new
sidewalk, we got some beautiful new turf laid between sidewalk and
street.
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Daniel Radack <radack@Radix.Net>
Free to whoever wants it -- Kids Outdoor Plastic Play Gym. Needs some
work.

**** From:  JSLATTERY@bloomberg.net  (Julie Slattery)
Can anyone recommend an affordable fence company that you used and were
pleased with? Thanks.
 

**** From: "Maren Handler Siegel" <marenhs@hotmail.com>
I am looking for a part-time babysitter to take care of my 2 boys, ages
1 and 6.  I am looking for someone preferably 2 days a week.  One of the
days must be Mondays.  I live near Tenley Circle, very close to metro
and buses.  There is also the possibility of a full-time position split
between myself and someone else who lives in Rockville.  If you know of
anyone who might be interested, please have them call Maren @
(202)362-9926, or write back via e-mail.

**** From: "kayandpaul" <kayandpaul@erols.com> (Kay McClenon)
Paul and I have used an independent plumber, Donald Schwartz,
301-596-7378, for several years.  His truck is his office and shop.  He
comes reasonably promptly, is pleasant, neat and effective, and charges
somewhat less than most plumbing companies do. You can phone me at
202-363-4581, or contact me by e-mail.

**** From: Jcapper@worldbank.org (Joanne Capper)
I'd like to recommend: Caterer, chef and home decor seamstress:  Marla
Gooriah.  A fabulous cook who has catered several parties for me - very
creative cuisine, generally with a multi-ethnic flair.  Also is a great
seamstress of decorative window treatments, tablecloths, pillows, etc.
Very reasonable.  (703) 354-7957

****From: Stephanie <yoffeest@usa.net>
Artwares, a fine art supply store and workshop space will be holding 2
open house events in the coming months. All are welcome on Saturday,
March 9th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm to meet and talk to workshop instructors
and register for Spring workshops. On Saturday, April 20th from 2:00pm
to 4:00pm, Artwares will hold an Earth Day Celebration and Open House to
meet instructors and participate in an Earth Day special project.
Information about Summer, 2002 workshops for children ages 6 to 16 will
be available. Artwares is located at 4904 Wisconsin Ave., NW 2nd Floor.
Phone: 202-244-4408, e-mail: artwares@usa.net, website:
dcregistry.com/users/artwares/home.html
Thanks,  Stephanie Yoffee

**** From: Jcapper@worldbank.org (Joanne Capper)
Is there a community effort to protest the Boxing Commission's possible
willingness to issue a license to Mike Tyson.  It's outrageous that the
Mayor is willing to overlook his numerous misdeeds and crimes simply to
"bring money and tourists into DC". If no community effort, then can you
please refer me to a place I can let the Mayor and Boxing Commission
know of my objections.  Think it would be more compelling if it came
from a larger group though.
 
 
 

CREDIT CARD FRAUD;  POSSIBLE CLASS ACTION SUIT

From: Jcapper@worldbank.org (Joanne Capper)
I'd like to know if any neighbors have had experiences like the
following, and if so, would be interested in trying to file a class
action suit.
The following was described in some detail in the January 28 issue of
COMMUNIT-E, but to review:
A few months ago I began receiving copies of two magazines to which I
had not subscribed. After about three months of receiving these
magazines, I received a credit card statement from First USA, which
contained charges for the magazines. After some questioning, I
discovered that the company that was doing this is a subsidiary of First
USA and that this practice was approved by First USA.  I told them I was
angered by this practice and asked them to cancel my card.  This was
around mid- December 2001. It still has not been canceled, as they are
now trying to charge me an annual membership fee of $30.00!!

I called the local police station to see if there was an office that
handles such "fraud" and was forwarded to the Office of Financial
Crimes, now called Check and Fraud. They indicated that, while this
practice appears to be unethical, it is not illegal.  He did indicate
that I could file a civil suit.

While at first glance this may not appear to be a major crime, just
imagine what can happen if other businesses get into the practice of
sending you merchandise you don't request and then billing you for it.
Would that mean that you're then responsible for sending the product
back?  Going to the post office?  Paying postage? Checking every detail
of your credit card statement, anticipating who-knows-what charges??
It's outrageous!
 
 
 

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT
From:  degabron@aol.com (Dorothy Gabron)
Thought you might like to know this...if you pause at the precise moment
of 8:02 p.m. Wednesday, you can celebrate a numerical palindromic moment
that no one has ever experienced on this Earth - and will never again
have an opportunity...    Wednesday is the 20th day of the 2nd month of
2002.  Two minutes after the 20th hour (p.m.), you can celebrate
20-02,20-02,, 2002.   I did not figure this out by myself.  Wish I could
claim it to be my discovery.  Stacy Wood is the retired director of the
National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, PA.  Some people have time
on their hands, Stacy has time in his head.  He says, "The only other
time this happened was in 1001, but they didn't have clocks then.  This
phenomenon can't happen in 3003 because there is no 30th hour.
 

--END--