HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL
There won't be an issue next week.
 
 

FALL CLEAN UP --  WISCONSIN AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
From:  KColombant@aol.com
Saturday November 23,  1 pm - 6 pm
Celebrate Fall! Join with your neighbors to weed, plant, cut back
perennials, mulch and pick up litter along Wisconsin Ave. We will meet
at the Fessenden block.

Bring your family and friends, gloves  and favorite gardening tools:
weeder, trowel, clippers or strong scissors, rake, broom. Come for the
whole afternoon or just an hour, each minute of work will help make
Wisconsin avenue greener and cleaner.
Any questions: call Kersti at 966 8837 or Ralph at 686 9550

The Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project is a partnership effort
among local residents, businesses, and institutions to relandscape
Wisconsin Avenue between Tenley Circle and Fessenden Street.
 
 
 

OTHER PROBLEMS FACING A CLEANER WISCONSIN AVENUE
At the recent ANC3E meeting, Kersti Colombant, a resident expert on the
Avenue brought the following items to the attention of the
Commissioners:
 -- Not enough trash containers along the Avenue. There is a significant
amount of litter on the street and no place to put it.
-- A dangerous, crumbling stairway connecting the Avenue to 41st St.
-- Proliferation of newspaper boxes. There are more than are legally
allowed and many of them are not maintained and end up being used by
street vagrants to store food, blankets, and trash. Vagrants have  been
observed urinating and defecating in them.

In addition Kersti and I asked Liz Siegel, the Executive Director of
Friendship Place to install a bathroom or Johnny-on-the -spot outside
Friendship Place so that homeless have a place to relieve themselves
after other places are closed. (They now do it on the street, in shrubs,
against walls like the Sears/Hechinger Building, etc.)  Ms. Siegel was
also asked to do something about the wet, discarded blankets they leave
around.

She was not helpful regarding the toilet facility. However, she said
that residents can call Mandrake Sumners, the Outreach Coordinator at
Friendship and notify him about abandoned blankets. He can be reached on
364-1419.  It might also be helpful to call him about other issues or
observed negative actions by vagrants or homeless. At least he will know
who is doing what. She also suggested that residents feel free to throw
wet abandoned blankets in the trash.
 
 
 

ABOUT THE WORK OF FRIENDSHIP PLACE
According to Liz Siegel, they  have 250 volunteers and there are four
churches in the area with shelters in their basements. They serve about
450 homeless a year. The homeless in this area tend to be somewhat older
and more mentally ill than in the rest of the city.  They all suffer
some degree  of  mental illness and many are alcoholics, and a few are
drug users. Among their recent successes is the man who collected large
bundles of newspapers and used to hang out at Sears. Apparently he is
now taking medication regularly, is clean and is waiting for a place at
a group home.

Their  work is very commendable but I still feel that homeless are
attracted to the area because of Friendship Place. That's OK with me but
Friendship Place should then provide them with a private  place to
perform that most basic of human needs with dignity and sensitivity to
its impact on the community and the environment.
 
 
 
 

RE: HISTORIC PRESERVATION QUESTIONS
>From David Maloney -- If it is helpful to members of the community for
me to participate in the discussion on COMMUNIT-E, I would be pleased to
do so. I really do want to try to be of some help, and don't mind
playing the role of moderator if need be.  I know there are going to be
lots of points of view, which is fine.
David Maloney, Acting Program Manager, Historic Preservation Office,
D.C. Office of Planning

>From Kathy Smith -- I thank David Maloney for his offer to answer
community questions via COMMUNIT-E in future issues. I know there will
be questions. There is much more on the Sears building and the survey
grant further along in this issue of the newsletter. Please note that he
mentions in his letter, further on, that there are new HPRB (Historic
Preservation Review Board) regulations that have  been put out for
public comment.  Interested residents might want to look at those
proposed regs.
 
 
 
 

CRIMES IN THE 'HOOD
At the ANC meeting, Lt. Mark Carter said that ID theft is a problem in
the 'Hood and that seniors are especially targeted by scammers. He asked
people to pay attention to elderly neighbors to make sure they are not
being victimized. It's especially important to get out the message to
them that they should never give out any kind of personal information or
financial numbers to strangers, either at the door or over the phone.
Beware of anyone calling and posing as a police officer.  The police
will not ask for personal information and DC police do not call to
solicit money for police balls, charities,  charitable events, etc.

He also asked that residents e-mail him with ideas on ways to  prevent
crimes. He would like prevention ideas for all sorts of crimes, but
especially for theft from autos and theft from businesses. These two
types of crime are hitting our 'Hood pretty hard.  Send your ideas to
him at: MPDCPSA202@netscape.net.
 

MY IDEA: If  I lived on a block or had a business which seemed to have a
high number of thefts or other crimes, I think I would consider buying a
cheap camcorder and setting it up someway in a window pointing down
toward the street and sidewalk.  I'd discuss it with Lt. Carter before I
bought it.  If he thought it a worthwhile idea, I'd ask him to notify me
each time there was a crime on that block. If  there was one, I'd turn
the tape over to him. If there was nothing, I'd recycle the tape. I'd
keep the tape(s) two or three days before recycling them to give him
time to let me know something had happened before I taped over it. Even
if  the camera didn't actually catch the thief or robber in the act, it
might show Lt. Carter  who was on the street around the time of the
crime. Since many of these crimes are committed by the same people over
and over, he may recognize a regular client of his who could then be
watched more closely by his detectives. If I  were a business I'd
install a camera to record who comes through the door.

Any other ideas out there?

"WATCH YOUR CAR"
There is almost an epidemic of car thefts in some parts of the city. Our
levels in PSA 202  have not been huge but it's smart to use all the
tools available, especially the "Watch Your Car" program which is free
and  in use in Maryland as well as DC.  "Watch Your Car" is administered
by the  Justice Department. This program  enables police officers to
stop a car, without probable cause, between the hours of 1:00 am to 5:00
am to determine if the car has been stolen. This is the time when most
auto thefts occur. You can register for this free program online at
http://mpdc.dc.gov/serv/programs/wyc.shtm#f or call toll free
877-322-7867.

A fair number of stolen DC cars end up in PG County. Because MD is
enrolled,  the MD police can also stop your car if it ends up there.
Every little thing that can make your car less attractive to steal or
easier to find, if stolen, helps you keep it or get it back.
 
 
 

BACK ISSUES OF COMMUNIT-E are stored (my many  thanks to Advisory
Neighborhood Commission 3F)  on www.anc3f.org.  The first compilation of
community suggestions for repair people and other services was the
January 5, 2002 issue. One of these days I will update it.
 
 
 
 

FAMILY IS LOOKING FOR A DOG
From: Sue Bell <sbell@giftsinkind.org>
We have finally given in to our pleading children--it's time to get a
dog. The hitch is that we want a nice, friendly dog (not a
puppy--preferably one that is 2-3 years old) that doesn't shed and is
less likely to make our dog-allergic visitors uncomfortable.  We are
hoping for something small and are thinking about a Bichon.  Please let
me know if you have any leads. Bellsue@aol.com
 
 
 

THANK YOU FOR THE SNOWSUITS
I'd like to thank neighbor  Jeanne Hanrahan for donating two very nice
snowsuits to the Children's Advocacy Center.

If anyone else has a child's coat that you would like to donate, e-mail
me and I'll arrange to pick it up and deliver it to the Children's
Advocacy Center. If you would like to send a check, please make it out
to Children's Advocacy Center and mail it to them at 300 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001. Their phone number is  202-638-2575. This is a
really worthwhile organization and directly helps our children who are
most in need of help.

YOGA FOR YOUR BONES (OSTEOPOROSIS WORKSHOP) AT IONA HOUSE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1-4PM
From: Wendy Maiorana <wendymaiorana@hotmail.com>
In this workshop you will learn to:  identify the key bone depleting
factors, the types and amounts of bone-building nutrients needed, and
why yoga and certain other types of exercise work best for building
strong bones.  It includes 1 1/2 hr practice of the best bone building
yoga postures.  Extensive handout provided.  Instructors:  Wendy
Maiorana and Deborah Dougherty.  Charge  $15.  To register call Iona
House at (202) 895-0248 or email register@iona.org.  Questions--Contact
wendymaiorana@hotmail.com.
 
 
 
 

ANC3E POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS
From: "Karen Moore" <moore@stonebridgeassociates.com>
Just wanted to let you know that if  you are ever in need of this kind
of info, I strongly suggest you ask for Bob Beasley in the DC Office of
Planning.  He was very creative and a pleasure to work with.
 
 
 
 

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES ISSUES

****  From: Daniel Radack <radack@radix.net>
I have been somewhat following the discussion of people in our
neighborhood not receiving  renewals from the DMV. I had the same
problem and then I have been ticketed twice. Once at 1:48 am. So I am
wondering if there is not some complicit action of the part of the DC
govt to target certain neighborhoods in order to generate revenue. (By
not sending out renewal notices then selectively enforcing compliance.)
I would like to know if other residents have had similar experiences.

**** From:  "John A. Moody" <johnamoodydc@att.net>
Should we have forgotten, we used to have an annual vehicle inspection
for which we were charged $10 for cars.  Then the inspection cycle was
changed to two years.  For a while, I believe,  we had the two year
cycle at the old one year price,  or a nice saving of $10.  In usual,
efficient, good bureaucratic fashion it took a while for the ends to
come together.  It took a little while for the DMV to bring matters into
"synch". Perhaps to get even with us for our momentary advantage, it
raised the two year cost of $20 to $25.  So they got even.  Now it costs
us $25 instead of
$20. It all seems to be legal.

**** From: Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
From:  themail@dcwatch.com
For those of you who haven't tried it, I highly recommend paying DC
parking tickets online. It's such a convenience! Go to
http://dmv.washingtondc.gov and see right-hand column: "Ticket
Payments." For me, this service saves quite a lot of check writing each
month. I only wish you could pay tickets right after they are issued.
(You currently need to wait 72-hours for the ticket info to be entered
into the web site.) After receiving a ticket I'd love to be able to
drive right over to a cybercafe, double-park for a few minutes, and pay
the ticket online.
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: <Hahagerty@aol.com> (Herb Hagerty)
I am looking to buy or borrow the software installation disks for a
Windows version of an outdated but still valuable money system designed
by Andrew Tobias, produced by Meca, Incorporated in the late 1990s, and
entitled "Managing Your Money."  I need them to convert from the last
DOS-based version I have used for years.

**** From: <Dianeconk@aol.com> (Diane Conklin )
Does anyone know a  mason who can do some repair work on my brick steps
and around the base of my garage?

**** From: "Subodh Mishra" <subodh.mishra@irrc.org>
Does anyone know of a good plumber who doesn't charge a lot for minor
repairs?

**** From: "greenest12" <gretchentoles@earthlink.net> (Gretchen Toles)
From:   tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
Happy Holidays! I have 3 tickets to the Ford's Theater production of
Dicken's "Christmas Carol" for Friday, November 29 at 7:30 pm.  These
are great seats, Directors Circle Row C, seats 5-7-9.  (It was a planned
family outing for Thanksgiving visitors, but they can't all stay
through.)

The tickets are $45. each, at cost.  I'd like to sell them as a package,
but will consider individual sales. This could be the start of a great
family tradition (or at least that's what the ads say...)  Please e-mail
me, ASAP:  gretchentoles@earthlink.net

**** From: <Darnot@aol.com>
If anyone is looking for or knows anyone looking for a stunning pair of
declawed cats PLEASE SEND THEM TO THE ROCKVILLE PETSMART! there is a
gorgeous  calico and her brother, white w/orange patches, that have been
in this store for close to five weeks without a break. they are so sweet
and deserve a break! being in the cage is getting to them! please please
please send the word (or at least good vibes). i would hate to see them
split up. the petsmart is behind white flint mall, 5154 nicholson place,
301/770-1343.
 
 
 
 

 
ANSWERS TO MY QUESTION ABOUT STATUS OF SEARS BUILDING

**** From: "Carolyn Long" <carolynlong@earthlink.net>
It has always been my understanding, from presentations made by
representatives of Madison Retail at numerous community meetings, that
the historic status of the Sears Building is not a problem, and that the
Historic Preservation Office and the Office of Planning fully support
the plan to put retail in the original store building and build rental
apartments on top. I know (because I'm a member of both organizations)
that this was also supported by Tenleytown Neighbors Association and the
Tenleytown Historical Society. I further understand that Madison Retail
wants to renovate and reconfigure the retail space and have firm
agreements with commercial tenants before beginning work on the housing
units above. At a Transit Oriented Development meeting last week Armand
Spikell mentioned in conversation that these agreements were almost
finalized and that work would begin soon. Thus it is not the Historic
Preservation Office that has delayed construction, but the working out
of leases with the commercial tenants.

Richard and Armand, I hope you will respond to Kathy Smith  and set the
record straight on this misconception that is being disseminated to the
public.
Thanks--Carolyn
 
 

****  From: "Armond Spikell" <aspikell@madisonretail.com>
I just wanted to give a quick update on our progress with the former
Sears/Hechinger building. For the last several months we have been
working out technical details regarding the structural support of the
residential addition to the building and at the same time negotiating
the terms of retail leases. We can't yet reveal who the retailers are
because the leases are not yet executed. We will be submitting
foundation reinforcement plans for permitting within the next week or so
and expect to start that work December-January. Currently we are
completing the residential layout plans. Once that is complete, we will
be able to present the retailers with final plans for their stores and
then finally sign leases.

We expect to convene a meeting of the committee that has been
representing the community within the next thirty days to show them our
latest plans and materials. We are aiming for an opening of the retail
stores as early as fall of next year and the residential portion in
summer of 2004. If you have any questions please call or email.
 
 

****  From:  "Maloney, David (OP)" <David.Maloney@dc.gov>
Acting Program Manager, Historic Preservation Office

THE SEARS/HECHINGER BUILDING:   Here is a status update.  On February 7,
the Historic Preservation Review Board approved the proposed plans in
concept, and requested that the applicants return for additional review
of some specific details when the architectural plans were sufficiently
developed.  This is a typical request for large projects, since the
architects for a building of this magnitude may often need a year or
more to complete the full architectural design and to develop a full set
of working drawings.

In addition to working on the architectural plans, the project team has
also had to file with the Board of Zoning Adjustment to request a number
of variances for the project.  The Office of Planning and Historic
Preservation Office worked closely on this application and supported
these variance requests, which were granted several months ago.   We
have not been involved in the developer's private financing and
marketing arrangements, but I know that those concerns have also
occupied much of their time during the past year.  I think it would be a
mischaracterization, though, to say that project has been slowed down,
or that there are ongoing "negotiations."  We are not in negotiation.
Both the developer and OP/HPO are pleased with the progress of the
project, and are looking forward to the next phase. I met with the
development team last week to look at a preliminary signage concept for
the retail tenants, and they advised me that work on the building
foundations will likely begin in January.  We are all eager to see
construction get under way, and think that the project will be both an
exciting architectural contribution to the neighborhood and a welcome
place to shop when it is completed.

TENLEYTOWN SURVEY:  I think it would be unfair to ask the Tenleytown
Historical Society what they plan to do with the results of their survey
even before those results are in.  The purpose of doing a historical
resources survey is to gather information about the past and to put
together the raw data that can help toward an understanding of how a
community developed historically.  Without having this information in
hand, it isn't possible to make an informed case one way or another
whether or not an area, or buildings within it, might be eligible for
some kind of historic designation.

Anyone looking objectively at Tenleytown will see that this is certainly
not an easy question to answer - it is a mixture of diverse buildings of
different ages, quality, condition, and utility.  Ultimately, some are
probably worth saving and some not.  But THS and other historic
preservation and neighborhood groups across the city have been
criticized for jumping in to raise preservation concerns at the time
when development projects come along, and I think it is the responsible
approach for those groups to undertake research in advance so that they
will be able to make their case before a specific project is at issue.
On more than one occasion, ANC 3E has urged THS to do just this.  That
is one reason that the HPO agreed to fund the THS survey, as we have
done for many other neighborhoods across the city. This does not mean
that we are supporting historic designations, or have come to any
conclusions about eligibility for designation.  And it does not mean
that designations will automatically follow - as they have not in
several of the neighborhoods that we have surveyed.

As you point out, on the other hand, why do a survey if there isn't some
expectation of finding properties worth historic designation?  I am sure
that THS would agree that one of their goals is to promote historic
designation where they believe it is appropriate.  The HPO and HPRB are
also in the business of historic preservation, according to our
responsibilities under the law.  But the impetus for substantial
redevelopment has already arrived in Tenleytown, and redevelopment in an
established urban area nearly always raises the question of historic
preservation.  THS was successful in its effort to designate the
landmark house at 46th Street and River Road, and unsuccessful in its
effort at 42nd Street and Military Road.  The historic preservation
issues were raised and resolved in both those instances.  They were also
raised and resolved at the Tenleytown Firehouse, but only after a
long-drawn-out process that could probably have been avoided had there
been consideration of the historic preservation issue before the
redevelopment project came along.
 
HISTORIC PRESERVATION REGULATIONS:  I agree with you that homeowners
should think about and have an opportunity to express their opinions
about whether or not they are interested in living in a historic house
or a historic district.  Putting in the amount of effort needed to
restore a dilapidated property like the landmark house at 46th Street
and River Road is not for everyone.  But providing this opportunity for
public involvement and a free expression of views is part of the process
for any proposed designation. Because both the HPO and HPRB feel
strongly about the importance of public involvement, the new HPRB
regulations that we have put out for public comment require broader
public notice, including a requirement for notice placards on every
affected block when a historic district designation is proposed. We hope
that this will increase awareness and help to ensure the fullest
opportunity for public review if such a proposal comes about.

It is to be expected that in any neighborhood there will be differences
of opinion about community development, historic preservation, and
similar concerns.  These quality of life issues are important to many
people.  A full and open discussion of all of them, including historic
preservation, is certainly healthy and something that the HPO and HPRB
encourage.  While we have not been able to undertake the kind of
outreach effort that we would like, because of our limited staff
resources, we are interested in doing whatever we can to participate in
and encourage communication among people who are interested in this
issue.  If it is helpful to members of the community for me to
participate in the discussion on communit-e, I would be pleased to do so
(I was a subscriber under an old account, and would like to be added
again).  I would also be pleased to attend meetings in the community and
to participate in other ways that people might find helpful.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment, and your consideration of such a
long message.
David Maloney
Acting Program Manager
Historic Preservation Office
D.C. Office of Planning
(202) 442-8841  fax (202) 535-2497

WHAT OTHER RESIDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT PLANNED HISTORICAL SURVEY AND
RELATED TOPICS

**** From: <Burchard.Robert@epamail.epa.gov>
RE: "Does anyone else besides me feel uncomfortable.." :  My sentiments
exactly.  Thanks for passing this along.  I will be calling Kathy
Patterson and the Mayor's office to express my concern.

**** From: <Abauer4600@aol.com>
I too feel uncomfortable about the historical research being done in the
area.  I watched with great angst as one Grant Road family fought hard
to keep their property from becoming historic...and, in the end, they
did win but I think it had something to do with the fact that they were
located at one end of the "district."  If they were somewhere in the
middle of the Grant Road historic project, they may not have fared so
well and would today be subject to the whims of HPO.

My mother lived on Grant Road in the 30's (house was torn down) as the
first of several homes in Tenleytown, (followed by the Uptown Citizen
building), before her father bought the land on which my home now sits.
I have many stories and literally hundreds of photos, many of which are
of local landmarks such as the old ice house which was on or near Grant
Road and the freed slave and his shack that was located on the corner of
46th and Albemarle Sts.  Unfortunately, I have become shy about sharing
these treasures for fear that they will be used not as the keepers of
history as they are but as a tool by the local historians to further
their agenda.

I would like to know what they plan to do with this report that they
generate and how it, or some other future report, will affect my family
and our homes.  I am also curious about what they have done with the
money they were granted last year by the ANC to "take pictures of the
neighborhood".

****  From: "Schandelmeier, Ray" <RSchandelmeier@radianinc.com>
My home of 37 years was almost included in the Grant Road Historic
District without my ever being informed that it was listed on the
application - the Tenleytown Historical Society was one of the
applicants. Fortunately, with great effort, my wife and I were able to
persuade the DC Office of Historic Preservation that is was in
everyone's best interest not to have our home included in the Historic
District.  I did learn in the process that large areas of homes have
been included in Historic Districts without the individual homeowners
being informed.  I think Tenleytowners will be well served if we keep
tract of what the local historic preservation zealots are about.

**** From: <look4me@earthlink.net>
I couldn't agree with you more on historic preservation which sometimes
translates to preserving buildings that are just plain old and not
otherwise distinguished and always means a lot of busyness over other
people's property. I, too, think the Office has far too much power. I
lived in Cleveland Park for 22 years and have seen more than my fill of
the divisive kind of meddling that is fostered in the name of
preservation. When I moved there it was a wonderful hodgepodge of people
and houses growing like Topsy and that was its charm. By the time I left
10 years ago, the sense of neighborliness of people mowing their own
lawns, cooking their own food, and minding their own business that had
attracted me there in the first place had been thoroughly eroded. I then
returned to American University Park where I had lived before largely
because of its low-key, friendly atmosphere. May it please continue.

**** From: <Hahagerty@aol.com> (Herb Hagerty)
Re:  historic preservations. The process requires a balance so as not to
stand in the way of genuine and needed progress, even while limiting the
excesses of thoughtless developers and modernizers or excessive concern
with what often is (or alleged to be) historic preservation.

**** From: "Jeff Wells" <jeffanddavid@starpower.net>
If historic preservation  creates additional barriers to achieving
higher density along Wisconsin Avenue it will be a real loss for the
community.  Only with higher density we will get the kinds of shops,
restaurants and other amenities that our local community has been
longing for.  And while I laud the efforts of historic preservationists
generally, and believe we have a much more beautiful and liveable city
as a result of their efforts, the Sears building is problematic.  Its
historic preservation status ought to be revisited.  The facts speak for
themselves, DESPITE the biggest commercial and residential real estate
boom this town has seen in 60 years, despite the fact that the Sears
building sits ON TOP of a metro station, despite the fact that it is
located in one of the wealthier neighborhoods in the city, NO ONE has
been able to figure out how to make the site viable.  As a result, the
building continues to sit like a black hole along Wisconsin Avenue
sucking energy out of what is a potentially promising strip of retail at
the top of Tenley Hill centered around the Fresh Fields.  I would
support a neighborhood effort to repeal historic preservation status for
the Sears Building and I think there ought to be a neighborhood
referendum, sponsored by the ANCs, before there is any consideration of
making Tenleytown a historic area.

**** From: <JCBUBIS@aol.com> (Jack Bubis)
We have to speak up. I'm tired of no growth with empty ugly buildings
hanging on. This is the city. Where life is supposed to be, Look at NY,
Montreal, Philly this are cities with people and buildings new,
historic, and old. Very beautiful, grand and more.

**** From: "Sally Haskell" phaskl@aol.com
Regarding the Tenleytown Historical Resource Survey mentioned in the
November 14 newsletter:  As it happens, the architect who designed the
addition for my home is a member of the Historic Preservation Review
Board. He says that the Board will send someone to meet with local
groups to discuss how the Survey is used and/or the process of creating
a historic district.  His name is Ronnie McGhee; he can be reached at
RMcGhee & Associates at 202 667-0166.   He is very easy to talk to.
 
 
 
 

IN COUNCILMEMBER'S NEWSLETTERS

**** From: "Heilbron, Shana (COUNCIL)"
<SHeilbron@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>
For Councilmember Harold Brazil
In This Week's Issue...
- Action Agenda Unveiled
- Economic Development Hearings
- AU Groundbreaking
- Gold Star of the Week

**** From: "Pagano, Penny (COUNCIL)"
<Ppagano@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>
For Councilmember Kathy Patterson (
E-Newsletter #11
November 18, 2002
Two issues of specific concern to Ward 3 neighborhoods -- property tax
assessments generally and the decision to lower some assessments in
Spring Valley -- were discussed during a November 6, 2002, oversight
hearing on the operations of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
held by the Council Committee on Finance and Revenue.
 

-- END --