President’s Message
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By Eric Langenbacher, president@burleith.org
I write to you on Superbowl Sunday, which would also have been the date of our annual Glogg party under normal circumstances. What a year 2020 was…from the Covid 19 pandemic, to social justice protests, and an epochal presidential election.
There is a widespread perception that crime has increased in the neighborhood. Despite some horrible car-jackings and thefts, the police have consistently noted that the crime rate in our PSA is flat or down. But, please do remember to always lock your car doors, do not leave anything of value visible, and never leave your car running when you are not in it.
The first months of 2021 are continuing this challenging trend, although it is excellent news that some public school students are back in the classroom. I know how disruptive everything has been—my sons have been home since last March trying to complete their college classes through Zoom. City agencies have experienced major delays and the US postal service is still struggling. It took over a month for me to receive a holiday card...from McLean, VA!
But, 2021 is looking up. Vaccinations to combat the coronavirus have started and are ramping up. Recently, the District and surrounding region has moved beyond health care workers and first responders to start vaccinating those over the age of 65 and teachers—and hopefully soon to other groups. Procedures to sign up have been suboptimal and supplies of the vaccines are limited, but some neighbors have successfully persisted. Information on how to register to receive a vaccine can be found here:. I have appreciated the many neighbors that have used our listserv to share their experiences and I hope such communication will continue.
Despite all of the challenges, the BCA has tried to do what we can. In December, we had our annual Santa visits (online this year) and the holiday decoration contest. Please see the articles in this edition of the Bell for more details. I would like to thank Brian Garback and the Russell family for organizing those terrific events. Looking forward, we had to cancel our Gløgg party due to the public health situation. The summer picnic—provisionally scheduled for June 12th—is also highly questionable, especially because we will have to decide by mid-April if we will be able to go ahead.
Hopefully you were able to fill out the latest survey regarding the Jelleff Community Center. This important data will guide the team that will make recommendations for the eventual design. I know that Jelleff—long the Boys and Girls Club—has not always been on our radar screen. But, this facility can turn into a great community resource with a new gym, multipurpose room, and kitchen facilities. I have been quite miffed that the consultants and the government continue to give certain private schools well outside of the neighborhood (Maret) a seat at the table—they even sent the survey to these schools. Many are still quite angry about the inside deal to give Maret another decade of privileged access to the field. I think we need to be vigilant to make our local voices heard as much as possible. There is a follow-up meeting this Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 6:30-8:00 pm. Here is the link.
I have received many reports about the bad parking situation especially in the parts of Burleith near the hospital and the Ellington Field. This was due in large part to the city not enforcing parking rules and restrictions. Some enforcement has started again, but we will continue to work to solve the problem as quickly as possible.
The many efforts neighbors have made to get the hospital to deal with the menace of medical and other waste in the neighborhood is bearing fruit. The situation is not perfect, so we need to continue to report any violations. I have noticed quite a bit more trash in other areas of the neighborhood. It might be a good idea to increase the frequency of our community clean-ups until the situation normalizes itself. On the issue of trash, manygreen garbage bins are damaged—particularly the lids. This will attract rats. As much as I would be happy to request repairs, each homeowner needs to do so individually through 311. I would encourage everyone to do so. Usually repairs happen in a few weeks.
Finally, I came across an edition of the Bell from 2005. Back then there was discussion about fundraising for a gazebo in the green lot to commemorate Burleith’s 80thanniversary. We are now approaching our centennial and it is time to start thinking and planning for that important date. The BCA will hopefully convene a committee later this year to begin brainstorming and planning. I personally think a gazebo—perhaps with a commemorative plaque and garden—is a terrific idea. Of course, you can also get involved by joining the Burleith Citizens Association.
Stay well.