ABANDONED CAR
From: "Ken Giles & Davida Perry" <kenanddavida@starpower.net>
My problem is that last week someone abandoned a car smack in front of
my house.  2nd District told me to call 2/645-4227 to report it, but
that number has a tape saying the mail box is full.  When I called the
station back the officer said gee, too bad, the only thing the police
can do is give out that number.

Do you have a working address for Dan Tangherlini or the Mayor's office
(my mail comes back)?  I've sent a message to Kathy Patterson's office.
I've tried calling 727-1000 but there's no answer.  Who else would you
recommend? If you mention this problem in the newsletter neighbors
who've dealt with it may have suggestions.

2nd District, by the way, didn't even want a description.  Aren't they
looking for cars that may have been stolen or used in a crime?  And
while I realize this isn't the most important problem they have,
1) a private citizen has no authority to deal with it so the city MUST,
and
2) it's hard to believe that giving out a non-functioning number is all
they can do.
Thanks for any help - Davida

(From KS -- I am greatly troubled by this because so many cars are
stolen in DC  -- the reason our insurance rates are off the charts. By
the time this issue of COMMUNIT-E is published, this notice will have
gone to Commander Peter Newsham and Lt. Mark Carter. There is a
detective at 2D who is supposed to deal with stolen cars. I believe his
name is Detective Williams on 282- 0044.  I'm also concerned because the
Mayor's office is pushing the 727-1000 number with much fanfare. I'd
hate to think my car was stolen and dumped somewhere and no police
officer ever bothered to check it out. Come to think of it -- that did
happen to me about 20 years ago. A resident about 20 blocks away took
the time to look in the glove compartment and called me. He found an
envelope addressed to me. By the time he called, the car had been
sitting there for some time and was pretty thoroughly trashed.)

From: "Ken Giles & Davida Perry" <kenanddavida@starpower.net>
This morning the car was gone - thank goodness.  But I tried the number
I found yesterday and it worked!  You'll want this for your files, and
maybe the newsletter:  202/645-5500 is the Blue Plains Impoundment, and
you ask for the Abandoned Autos Division. I'm still concerned, as you
are, that the police didn't want the license number.  Don't they have a
list of stolen cars, and isn't it worth a minute to enter the license
number in the computer to see if  there's a match?

From: MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com (Commander Peter Newsham)
I  will have someone get on this today.  A car should have been
dispatched to investigate.  It's important to call 311 or 727-1010 in
the future to insure that a car is dispatched.  As you know, we don't
dispatch cars from the 2D station.  I also requested the Officer's name
so that we can try to prevent this from occurring in the future.

(From: KS -- Don't hesitate to contact Commander Newsham and Lt. Carter
-- MPDCPSA202@netscape.net --  when you think the police have not
handled something correctly.  Officers don't always follow MPD policy.)
 
 

TOWER UPDATE: VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: CooperJM@aol.com (Jo Cooper)
Hi, Friends- In the words of Tim's press release:
WASHINGTON, D.C.--"A US District Court today dismissed American Tower
Company's federal claims in its massive $250 million lawsuit against
Mayor Anthony Williams and the District of Columbia, finding that the
company's suit failed to state a federal claim. The tower company
charged that various constitutional guarantees had been violated by the
District's decision to revoke building permits for the tower project,
including equal protection guarantees, due process, and the
Telecommunications Act of 1996.

All federal claims were found by the Court to be erroneous.  Indeed, the
court paid particular attention to the fact that the tower posed a
potential serious safety risk, citing the possibility of falling ice
from the tower.

"The US District Court has looked at American Tower Company's claims
against the District in this case and determined them to be wholly
insubstantial," declared Timothy Cooper, president of Stop the Tower
Coalition, Inc. "Now the case will go to where it should have been all
along: in DC Superior Court and before the BZA. We believe that the BZA
and the DC Superior Court will likewise find American Tower's claims to
be erroneous and insubstantial. It is time therefore that American Tower
Company  enter into serious negotiations with the city and Tenleytown
citizens to tear down the tower without delay. For them to continue
litigation is for them to pursue folly which will only further engulf
the company in unwinnable and expensive litigation," concluded Cooper.
...................................
Congratulations to everyone!  This is a big win for us. To read the
actual decision, visit: www.dcd.uscourts.gov;  click on "court
opinions"; click on "district court opinions"; click on "most recent
court opinions" -- Jo.
 
 
 

SUMMER PROGRAM FOR KIDS
From: "Monica Lofton" <monica.lofton@dc.gov>
There will be a Summer Quest 2001 reading program at District of
Columbia Public Library branches in the city and in your neighborhood.
Now in its nineteenth year, Summer Quest is a free reading program
tailored to kids pre K thru 8th grades.  This year's program, entitled
"Summer Quest 2001:  Buggy About Reading" has more for kids to do than
ever!  Kids who register will be given fun, colorful and "bug-infested"
passports that they will use to chart their reading progress throughout
the summer, hopefully with their confidence being bolstered by their
accomplishments.  They'll also be eligible to win prizes, too.

But that's only the half of it!  The D.C. Public Library has developed
an exhaustive schedule of events to be held in 26 branches throughout
the city this summer. Children will be entertained and educated by a
host of artists who excel at creating interest in reading through their
performances, like four-time Grammy-nominated Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer,
and the Emmy Award-winning Dinorock.  Library visitors will be treated
to fun and uplifting programs at city branches from late June through
the end of August.

If you are interested, simply log on to our website, www.dclibrary.org,
where more information is available about the program, its history,
performers and dates, and sponsors.  I hope residents of AU Park,
Tenleytown and Friendship Heights take full advantage of this vital
program!
Monica L. Lofton, Director of Marketing and Communications, District of
Columbia Public Library, 901 G Street, NW, Washington, DC  20001, (202)
727-1186
 
 
 

NO MAY  RENEWAL NOTICES FROM DMV
From:  <JSLATTERY@bloomberg.net> (Julie Slattery)
Wanted to pass along something that happened to us this morning. We
received a parking ticket for $100 for not renewing our registration and
residential parking tags. When I called the DMV to explain that I had
never received a renewal notice in the mail, the oh so friendly customer
service representative said that the DMV had a slew of press conferences
in May announcing they will no longer send out renewal notice. I work in
TV and have sampled many friends and no one had heard of these press
conferences. Secondly, $100 seems awfully steep and does not fit the
crime (tickets for parking in a handicapped parking spot or blocking a
fire lane are just $50).  I also registered a complaint email to Anthony
Williams. Please share this information in the newsletter to hopefully
avoid someone else from falling into this trap. Thanks.
-----------
New info on my email to you- turns out the DMV just botched sending out
registration and neighborhood renewal forms for May. So pls let folks
know  that if they received a $100 ticket they have grounds to deny it
and appear in person to deny it- the DMV assures me the judges are aware
of the mix-up. Who knows- but renewal notices are now going out for all
other months
 

MORE ILLEGAL TRASH DUMPING ON THE STREETS

**** From: Richard Clark <biking2@yahoo.com>
That is exactly what happened last week on the 4500 block of Grant
Road,  same MO as gunning the engine and dumping all the tree debris for
the city to clean up.  I saw them drive down the street, didn't pay much
attention until I heard one yell  "gun it"  I ran out to see what was
happening. They had the tail gate down an was not able to get the
license, even after running down the street, they knew they were being
watched. wish I could have run faster.

I must admire the city for their effort,  the mess was cleaned up within
2 hours of my call to the non-emergency number.

**** From: "Dinsmore, Barbara" <DinsmoreB@doaks.org>
We have had this behind our house on 3 occasions and one I know of in an
adjacent alley. The first time I caught the guy (an African American
young man in a battered blue pick up) in the act and screamed at him as
he drove away that I had his license number and had called the police.
He had dumped huge chunks of concrete.  He came back, said that the
trash men would take the pile, though he had not put it near the garbage
cans and in fact seemed rather sheepish. I insisted that he remove every
piece of it which he did.  On another occasion a number of branches,
electrical materials and concrete were dumped.  The city bulk trash had
to be called to haul it away. On another occasion very large tree trunks
were dumped, blocking all traffic and trash removal. This dumping
appears to take place in alleys where two fences are blocking residents'
views of the alley. I would encourage anyone who has people doing tree,
yard or construction work to assure them that the debris will be hauled
to the dump and ask to see the permit for the dump.
 
 
 

QUESTION ABOUT MURDOCK MILL
From: Paul Mathless <pmathless@earthlink.net>
In your June 13th issue, someone mentioned Murdock Mill Road.  As a
longtime resident of AU Park, I have always been curious about that
funny little street.  Today it is just two blocks long, although an
early-20th-century map posted in the entrance corridor of the Arlington
Road branch of the Montgomery County Public Library shows that it was
once considerably longer.

I've always assumed that like many roads in the metro area that have
"Mill" in their name, a grist mill was once located somewhere along that
road.  And I've further assumed that all those mills were water powered.
Am I all wet, or was there a Murdock Mill?  Where was it and when did it
operate?  And, most mysterious of all, where in AU Park is there a
stream that could have powered it?  I see no evidence of a stream around
the present remnant of the road, nor does that old map show any running
water near the now-missing parts of the road. If any of your readers
know anything about this curiosity, I'd love to see the story posted in
your publication. Thanks.
 
 
 

THEFT OF LICENSE PLATE STICKERS

**** From: Randy Harwell <heelnation@yahoo.com>
Anybody else seeing any of this problem?  The 3500 block of Livingston
St. is suffering from a rash of stolen license plate stickers.  At least
two cars parked on the street have had their stickers stolen in the past
few days.  When reported to the police, they said this is happening all
over. Check your cars!  It's a $125 ticket that would take some doing to
unwind if you get busted on an expired tag.

**** From: Dianne <dianne@mindspring.com>
Haven't experienced this lately but, when it did happen to me in Atlanta
several years ago, the police suggested I take a razor blade and strike
through the new sticker on my plate several times  so that it wouldn't
peel off in one piece if stealing was attempted again.
 
 
 

WARD CIRCLE UPKEEP
From:  Guy Judie E <Judie.E.Guy@irs.gov>
Thanks for continuing your Communit-E news group!  Even though I'm in
Glover Park, I find lots in it of interest. But I have a question for
you.  Are you aware of anyone in AU Park with an interest in
upkeep/maintenance of Ward Circle?

It interests me because I go round it at least once daily and always
wonder what the landscaping plan could possibly be, i.e. why they've
planted scruffy trees around the monument.  Perhaps General Ward has
fallen from favor.  Frequently in last several months, they (NPS?) let
it go entirely and it's quite overgrown.

Just wondering if anyone else in your neck of the woods has gotten
interested in this.
Thanks. Judie Guy
Editor, Glover Park Gazette
 
 
 

NEW ANC3F WEB SITE
From:  webmaster@anc3f.org  (Robert V. Maudlin)
ANC3F's has moved to: WWW.ANC3F.ORG
The web site is designed as a "one stop" site with information on ANC3F
activities, resources in Cleveland Park and Forest Hills and links to DC
government agencies.  Please make the change in your bookmarks and other
records and check the site for community news. Your comments and
suggestions are always welcome.
Robert V. Maudlin, Webmaster
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: "Dale Louda" <dlouda@apca.org>
I heard that those of us with crumbling trash containers would be
getting replacement from the city (gratis) by the end of June. Is this
still true? Not many days left so I thought I would ask.

**** From: mila zlatic <mz46@umail.umd.edu>
This summer a guest/student, who is volunteering in the Sidwell summer
camp, is staying with us. He is looking for work in the neighborhood to
increase his allowance. He could help with gardening and garden
clean-up, loan mowing, baby sitting, pet sitting/walking, and running
errands. His name is Jan. You could reach him at 202-686-7635, or send
us an e-mail.

**** From: "Diana Diamond" <dpcdiamond@hotmail.com>
I am looking for suggestions for a house painter.  The one I used before
is too busy this summer.

**** From: Tom Hier <hier@biddhier.com>
I'm looking to find a decent company to install a security system.
Mostly there seem to be big national firms and prices seem to be quite
elastic (from very expensive installations to almost free when you sign
on for years of monitoring). If anyone has any experiences (good or bad)
with particular firms, or any insights generally about evaluating such
firms, I'd be interested in hearing from them. Thanks.

**** From: "Tina Silverman" <tsilv@earthlink.net>
Can anyone  recommend a gardner/landscaper? Thanks.

**** From: Chhayar@aol.com (Chhaya Rao)
Experienced English Teacher Available for Tutoring:
I am a high school English teacher (currently taking time off from the
classroom), interested in tutoring students in English.  My specialties
are: literature analysis, writing, grammar and mechanics, standardized
test preparation for verbal/language sections (PSAT, SAT, TOEFL, AP
English), college application essays, and study skills.  I have
experience working with students of different ability levels (regular,
LD, AP, GT, pre-IB). I prefer to tutor students in NW DC and nearby
Maryland suburbs, and my schedule (summer and year-round) is quite
flexible.  Please contact me for additional information (including
teaching references).  Chhaya 202-237-7905 or email at chhayar@aol.com

**** From: Janebstew@aol.com  (Jane Stewart)
Spacious furnished house in AU Park available @Sept. 1 for 6 months. 4
BR, 3-1/2 BA, LR, DR, Family Room, Sunroom, Finished Basement, CAC.
Beautiful grand piano, FP, hardwood floors, treadmill, ex. bike.  Large
yard, patio, driveway.  Walking distance to Tenley metro, Spring Valley
shopping, Janney Elem. School.  No smokers or pets please.
$3,000/month plus util.
 
 
 

BULK TRASH PICKUP
From: "Robert Hyman" <roberthyman@erols.com>
To: Phil Heinrich  <phil.heinrich@dc.gov>
Are there plans to change the Bulk collection procedures and pick up
schedule? As I have expressed in the past, the current system is labor
intensive for residents and is ignored by renters when moving out. Last
year at this time we had a rash of bulk debris place in public space
(alleys and tree boxes) from numerous move outs. This morning I see more
carpets and sofas in public space. Sending crews in a reactive fashion
to collect at what may be one or two locations involves travel time. If
the crew canvasses the neighborhood on a monthly or every other month
schedule, the way Bulk Trash use to, they would be using a proactive
approach involving less travel time. For now we are stuck looking at
water heaters, furniture, carpet, tread mills, appliances and much more
hoping that our efforts with Inspector Ray will result in a cleaner,
healthier and economically vibrant Glover Park.  In addition we are
still hoping to see new "Super Cans" before we are told that they have
run out and have more back ordered! Thank you for your continued efforts
on our behalf.

-END-