ABOUT THE FOP
Subject: RE: FOP Donations
From: Mmuzzatti@aol.com

Dear Neighbors,
My name is Marcello Muzzatti and I am a police officer with the
Metropolitan Police Department.  I am also the Vice President of the FOP
DC Lodge #1 and a resident of Ward 3.  It seems that once a year we get
the inquires from residents about the FOP and once a year I respond to
set the record straight.  Keep in mind that I do not mind explaining
about the FOP because if more people are informed then you can tell
others.  The FOP is made up of 33 agencies that are headquartered in
Washington, DC.  We have over 9,000 members and are a fraternal
organization.  Within the FOP are "labor committees." These are the
union for the members from their agency.  For example the MPD Labor
Committee is my union and I pay dues to that.  (About $14.00 every two
weeks)  With that amount, $40.00 of my yearly dues goes to the lodge.
That is what the lodge operates on.

We also have hired a solicitor to act in our behalf....we would rather
do the soliciting ourselves but do not have the volunteers or the
ability to do so.  We also have an event during the year called "Police
Week" where we also bring in funds for the lodge.  During the year we
help several other organizations and programs that help the members and
the citizens of DC.  We just helped launch the "Kid Kare" program in the
Fourth District last weekend.  The FOP is very active in DC and it is an
organization that is proud to represent the law enforcement officers of
this area.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me
back.
Sincerely, Marcello Muzzatti
 
 

OTHER COMMENTS ON POLICE DONATIONS

**** From: "Ellis, Susan" <sellis@pd.state.gov>
In response to your letters about false or questionable police outfits
asking for money, I called the police department directly (several years
ago) and asked just which group was worthy of donating to.  They said
"Heroes" which supports the wives, children and families of officers who
are killed in action.  He also said that most of the FOP donations go
toward administration and that the police dept. gets little of what is
donated. Unfortunately, I don't have an address for "Heroes," but I'm
sure the police dept. could furnish it. Susan Ellis
(email:sellis22@hotmail.com)

**** From: Richard Bienvenue <ourhous@bellatlantic.net>
ps - I give to many charities, but I will not give to the FOP.  And it's
not because I am not a supporter of the police -- I'm probably one of
their biggest supporters.  I know too much about FOP functions,
activities, clubs, etc.  I've been to many of them, and have many good
friends & family who are in law enforcement.  Although a fine "fraternal
club," I question how much of a "charity" it is. And furthermore, most
FOB solicitations use professional fundraisers, meaning a significant
portion of the monies go to the owner of the company, not to the FOP.

If someone really wants to help widowed police partners, they should
contact the group that supports the kids and wives of fallen
firefighters & police officers.  I can't remember their name right now,
but it's something like "Heroes"  or the like.
-- Richard Bienvenue
 
 
 

MORE ON THE SUSPECTED SCAM AND POLICE IMPERSONATOR

**** From: Ted Gest <tgest@sas.upenn.edu>
I got a similar call. Whenever one of these people calls, I immediately
ask whether they the caller is an officer. They usually back down
immediately, as he did in this case. I subsequently received a letter
from the International Union of Police Associations, which I believe is
a legitimate police union. They're at 1718 M St., N.W., phone
1-888-695-3863. My "invoice" came in the name of D.C. Cop-- D.C.
Coalition of Police, which says it runs a "drug >and alcohol program." I
have no idea if this is a good, bad, or indifferent program, but I have
no information that it is a scam. I do agree that it is dubious for
these folks to make cold calls implying that they are police officers.
-------------
(sorry for delay--just returned from a weekend trip). I do have the
letter and would be glad to fax it to you tomorrow if you're interested.
also noticed (at a journalism convention) that a Denver newspaper did a
long article about this kind of fund-raising scams by "cops."  I haven't
read it yet, but will, to see if there are any connections.

**** From: "Robert V. Maudlin" <maudlin@alum.mit.edu>
The call may have been from the D.C. Detectives Benevolent Association
which  is telephoning for contributions and claims to have a drug and
alcohol education programs in the public schools.  The president of the
organization is Lisa Gray and they have a mail box (PMB 233) at 1718 M
Street, N.W.  The phone number is 1-888-695-3863. From what I have seen
of the their material they do not claim to be a charitable
organization.  I would be interested in the views of the MPD of this
group.

**** From: AHMorin@aol.com (Anne Morin)
I received a phone call and agreed to have information sent to me.  I am
now in receipt of a very official looking solicitation and brochure.
The group is listed as DC Coalition of Police  (DC COP)  phone
1-888-695-3863.  Have you confirmed that this is a scam?  Should I turn
this material over to anyone?

**** From: "JANICE FITZGERALD" <janfitz@starpower.net>
I got a phone call and a pledge letter from the DC Coalition of Police
asking for a donation to support a drug and alcohol program.  I don't
remember the officer's name who called, and the pledge letter looks
legitimate at first glance.  The address on the return envelope is DC
Coalition of Police 1718 M Street NW Suite 233 Washington, DC
20036-4504, There is an 800 number listed if you have questions
regarding this program, 1 888 695 3868. I called and a woman answered
saying "Universal"  I asked her if this was the DC Coalition of Police
and she hesitated and said yes. Sounds fishy to me. Hope this helps.

**** From: Sylvia Benoit <benoit@atlantech.net>
About a month ago. I received a telephone inquiry from someone
soliciting money for a children's drug/alcohol program.  He requested a
donation of $35.00.  I received an invoice in the mail today (6/13), and
I am wondering if this could be the same organization that you referred
to in newsletter on June 11th.  The organization is the D.C. Coalition
of Police, and their address is 1718 M. St. N.W.

**** From: MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com (2D Commander Peter Newsham)
I am not familiar with this group at all.  I will pass this info. on to
our detectives to share with 7D.  Thanks.

(From: KS -- I've also been in contact with Commander Winston Robinson
of 7D. He said he has never heard of these groups either. Thank you to
all who are helping to put the spotlight on this and determining if it
is a scam. If you have not already been contacted by detectives from 2D
or 7D, and have some brochures, invoices, etc., please send an e-mail to
Commander Newsham so that his detectives can look at your materials and
talk to you.)
 
 

JODY STILL NEEDS A HOME
From:  "Free, Elissa " <Elissa.Free@turner.com>
Foster home (possibly permanent) still needed for 7 year old spayed
female beagle. This dog is in a crisis situation because her owner, due
to serious health problems, was evicted on June 14th. Thanks to the
kindness of readers of  this newsletter, arrangements for foster care
have been made for the 3 other animals. But the poor beagle, Jody, is
still in desperate need of a home - temporary (and possibly permanent,
depending on the health of her owner.)  If you can help Jody in ANY way,
please contact: Elissa Free: elissabill@erols.com / (o) 202-898-7949 /
(h) 202- 537-1434. Thank you!
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
**** From: "Paula & Will" <paulawill@erols.com>
Warren Street Multi-Family Yard Sale, Sat. 6/23, 9-1.  Lots of great
stuff for sale including baby items, skis, books, household goods and
much more.  3700-3800 blocks of Warren Street NW.  See you then!
 
 

FROM THE JUNE ANC3E MEETING ...

*** The Zoning Commission told American University to reduce its cap on
its student population by 600 students.
*** The student code of conduct will be applied to off-campus students.
*** The Zoning Commission deferred decision on the new arts center and
the Tenley Campus.
*** The University set up a new Office of Student External Affairs and
AU students invited community leaders to meet once a month to discuss
community/student problems. This is a real first among local colleges --
AU deserves a lot of credit for this and for extending their student
code of conduct.
*** The hearing before the ABC Board on the Roundtable's bar will be
continued August 6. Neighbors got the Board's attention on June 13 with
a videotape of activities outside the Roundtable at closing time. The
hearing will be at 941 Capitol St. NE. Contact Commissioner Jill Diskan
for more information. She's at jdiskan@worldnet.att.net.
*** Polly King is the new Administrative Assistant for ANC3E and new
webmaster for their developing web site.
*** The N7 Bus is a bus that starts at Montgomery Mall and will go down
Western to Mass. You can get on or off anywhere in DC. It goes to
Federal Triangle and cost $2.00 to ride.
*** Discussion of the right turn on red issue was deferred until the
next meeting.
 

Houses at Albemarle & Nebraska:
Jim Gibson, an architect/builder has asked the ANC for support to have
this area rezoned so that he can build 6 houses (three sets of double
townhouses) on the lot at this intersection. He wants to take over the
project from Halliday who originally wanted to build something like 20
some units on this lot. The neighbors protested and formed the Tenley
Neighbors Association. They managed to negotiate the number to this
point. The ANC voted to support this project. Commissioner Jill Diskan
said she felt that more density was appropriate because it was almost
next to Metro, but she realized that the politics of it was such that
that would not happen.
 

Awarding of Grants:
All grantees received $1,000
*** Friends of Tate Park (Western - Ellicott - 48th) for newsletter and
additional fundraising.
*** Chevy Chase Playground Committee.
*** Friends of Turtle Park for a sprayground.
*** Chevy Chase Plaza Children's Center for their summer program.
*** Friends of Ft. Bayard for playground renovation.
*** Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project. They also are still asking
for plants and additional private donations. If you've tried to buy
plants recently, you know they can get expensive real fast. For
additional information, contact Kcolombant@aol.com.
*** Tenleytown historical society for photo history of AU Park,
Friendship Hts, and Tenleytown.

There was a presentation and lengthy discussion about the last item
because the Society's President, Jean Pablo, had not been able to make a
presentation earlier due to a family emergency. This project will be an
inventory with black and white photos, and whatever history can be
learned, of : schools, churches, and old houses as well as some of the
more recent Miller houses in this area.  The purpose is to identify
buildings that would lend themselves to being preserved as historical
landmarks. There are about ten houses in AU Park that are the original
10.

If still in a good state of historical preservation, the Society would
probably request eventually that these, as well as other buildings be
given historical landmark status.

Commissioner Tad DiBiase contacted David Maloney at the DC Historic
Preservation Division to get answers to my five questions. I hope to
soon get the written answers from Tad, but in the meantime, here are
some answers as I rapidly wrote them down at the meeting.  (If I got it
wrong, would someone who knows the correct answer please send me the
correction.)

QUESTIONS ABOUT HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND SOME ANSWERS
1.)  Does the private homeowner or institution have any say over whether
their property would be designated historical?
A.) No. There is no individual owner veto.

2.) If a homeowner wishes to appeal such a designation, can they do so
and how do they do it?
A.) They can appeal to the Mayor's agent on the Preservation staff.

3.) What does historic designation mean to owners in terms of what they
can and cannot do to improve or change their properties?
A.) When a building is given historic status, changes to the facade seen
by the public must be approved by the Office of Historic Preservation.
The interior can be gutted; the back can be anything, but the front,
sides and roof must be preserved. . There is no tax credit.

4.)  If a school such as Janney were designated historic, what would the
DC Department of Education have to do to add on to the school or make
changes to it?
A.) They'd have to get review for changes to the roof and sides. We were
told at the meeting that the Army Corps of Engineers will take over
improvements to schools in DC and will do it in cooperation with the
Historic preservation office.

5.) How is historic designation enforced?
A.) Through the Historic Preservation Review Board. It has web site at
www.DCpreservation.org

Also : There are 26,000 places in DC designated as historic.  If an area
is given historic status, there must be a concentration of historic
buildings. You can't call as area historic if there are just a few
widely scattered historic buildings. In an historic area, some buildings
will be exempt or nonconforming, such as existing businesses like gas
stations, etc.

I was also told that standards are higher for designating an individual
structure than for an area. This brings me to the last item at the
meeting.
 

The Burroughs House at 46th & River:
The Tenley Historical Society has submitted a request to the DC Historic
Preservation Office to grant this historic status to this house. As a
result, the sale of the house will have to be deferred until the
Historical office has a hearing, probably in September.

The ANC3E vote 4 to 1 against supporting historic status for this house.
Tad DiBiase, who stated that he is pro-preservation voted for it, in
spite of the fact that his own single member constituents showed up at
the meeting and requested that it not be supported. Many also called him
to ask that he not support it. This and what follows makes me wonder
what it means to say that the standards are higher for an individual
structure than for an area.
 

Reasons given for  requesting historic status:
According to Jean Pablo, it's a prominent landmark at the entrance to DC
and AU Park. It's an example of a Queen Anne Victorian county house on
land that was once part of Fort Bayard, and one of the original ten
houses on large lots  in the "Park" that was to become American
University Park. It was built in the 1890's on River Road which was
designated as the main turnpike in 1789.
 

Reasons given for not requesting historic status:
Bob Comstock represents the estate of Irene Titus, who owned the house
from 1945 until her death. He said her position was that the house had
no value, but the land, a double lot, was valuable  and she wanted the
proceeds of the sale to go to her two children and to St. Anne's Church.
He said there was no mention of any historical value to the house until
five days before they were to go to settlement. He mentioned a legal
principal of "unlawful taking" of the house and its value. The first
contract fell through because of the historical request. This was from a
contractor who I understand intended to tear down the house and build
two others on the double lot. A second contract fell through because the
house is in such bad shape: termites, asbestos, crumbling foundation,
hole in roof, etc. that it would cost huge amounts of money to restore.

A second individual at the meeting was an engineer/builder who said he
was also interested in buying the property, tearing down the house, and
building two Victorians on the lot. Both men spoke at some length about
the deteriorating condition of the house.

About a half dozen neighbors who live right around the house also asked
that it not be designated historical because they did not want a
decaying empty property to sit there and slowly fall apart.

Someone pointed out that the property probably would not be financed by
a lending institution because it was so deteriorated. A buyer would have
to come up with the money up front. The appraisal was for $385,000. To
repair it to a level that could be resold was estimated at around
$700,000. This was hotly debated and it was stated that someone who
intended to live there might repair the house for much less than someone
who bought it for the intention of resale.

As it now stands, the ANC3E will write a letter to DC Historic
Preservation that it opposes historic status for this house; the house
will sit vacant and collect rainwater through the hole in the roof until
the Historic office has its hearing, presumably in September. The heirs
and St. Anne's will have to wait for their money.

I hope those folks who are sitting in the other older houses in the area
are taking note.
 

OTHER ITEMS FROM THE 'HOOD
There were some other really good items that I could not fit into this
issue. Thank you to all who sent them. I'll get them into the next
COMMUNIT-E.

-END-