-
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-129
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLULMBIA
November 3, 2015
To celebrate the 90th birthday and acknowledge the accomplishments, contributions, and community service of George Idelson, a champion of thoughtful community development, a civil servant, and longtime Cleveland Park resident.
WHEREAS, Mr. Idelson and his wife Evelyn and 2 children moved to Cleveland Park in 1967, and he instantly became involved in community activities, serving as a member of parent associations for both the National Child Research Center and John Eaton Elementary School, and becoming a member of the Cleveland Park Club and the Friends of Cleveland Park Library;
WHEREAS, as an active member of Citizens for City Living and the Cleveland Park Historical Society, Mr. Idelson spearheaded efforts that ultimately led to the U.S. Department of Interior designating Cleveland Park as an historic district, and he championed the creation of a commercial overlay zone to support the designation;
WHEREAS, from the 1960s through 1980s, Mr. Idelson’s activism and involvement with various organizations contributed greatly to protecting the quality of life in Cleveland Park, and enabled the community to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood;
WHEREAS, from 2002 through 2009, Mr. Idelson served as the President of the Cleveland Park Citizens Association (“CPCA”), demonstrated leadership and commitment to Cleveland Park, hosted monthly meetings that brought information and resources to the neighborhood, and worked with government leaders to apprise them of the pride and aspirations of the Cleveland Park community;
WHEREAS, with CPCA members’ support, Mr. Idelson was a leading advocate for pedestrian safety measures along Connecticut Avenue, particularly between Macomb and Ordway streets, and, with his efforts, the community was able to secure a mid-block traffic signal installed in 2013, which greatly improved the pedestrian experience;
WHEREAS, as CPCA President, Mr. Idelson led discussions with community residents, the Office on Aging, and Councilmember Mary Cheh on “Aging in Place,” and these discussions spurred what is now known as the Cleveland Woodley Park Village, a support group for residents who wish to continue living in their homes as they age and have the support services and activities required to do so;
WHEREAS, as CPCA President, Mr. Idelson often testified before the Council of the District of Columbia, representing the position of many Cleveland Park residents on various issues directly affecting their community, including testimony on the Comprehensive Plan and zoning rules;
WHEREAS, even after his term ended, Mr. Idelson has continued to be active and represent Cleveland Park, currently serving as CPCA’s delegate to and board member of the DC Federation of Citizens Associations, and serving as trustee and program chairman of the Committee of 100;
WHEREAS, Mr. Idelson also remains active in preservation efforts and supports other interests, such as serving as an active board member of the National Mall Coalition, an organization Mr. Idelson help found in 2000 whose critical mission is preservation of the Mall, and being an active member of the Tregaron Conservancy and Ward 3 Democrats; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Idelson is a gracious person who has given tirelessly of his time to preserve and protect the community he knows and adores, is viewed by many as a role model, and continues to inspire community activism in Cleveland Park, Ward 3, and the District of Columbia.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “George Idelson Recognition Resolution of 2015”.
Sec. 2. The District of Columbia is grateful for Mr. Idelson’s dedication to the Cleveland Park community and the betterment of the quality of life for the neighborhood, and the Council of the District of Columbia extends to him warmest wishes on his 90th birthday.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
