BVSCA Newsletter November 2003

November 25th Meeting Agenda

Topics:
  1. Review W-L/Quincy Park issue
  2. Create Quincy Oversight Committee
  3. Announce vacancy on Executive Committee and take names of members interested in filling the position
  4. Approve final concept of 13th St. Park
  5. Developer presentation

When: Tuesday, November 25th at 7:30pm
Where: BVSCA's community room located on N. Utah Street between Gaffney's Restaurant and the Windsor Plaza condominiums.

Inside this Newsletter

Thank You Kate!

Unfortunately, we have lost one of our most pro-active members to the Virginia Beach job market. Kate Wilson, past vice-president of BVSCA, member of the Virginia Square Sector Plan Review Committee, monitor of many projects in our Association area and advocate for what's good for the residents of BVSCA has moved on. She will be sorely missed and very hard to replace.

We wish her the best of luck in all future endeavors and extend our sincere thanks for all she has done to make our lives better here in the Ballston Virginia Square neighborhood.

Executive Committee Board Vacancy

Here is your chance to get more involved. BVSCA is seeking a member to fill an Executive Board vacancy and members to take over the oversight duties on FDIC and on the Ed Peete Project. Anyone interested should contact either Ed Parks (ebparks@hhlaw.com) or Dennis Burr (denburr@msn.com).

Parking Symposium

On October 22, 23 and 25 Arlington County held a parking Symposium at Washington Lee High School. The County hired the San Francisco consulting firm of Nelson/Nygaard to facilitate this Symposium on the Arlington County Integrated Parking Plan. The County spin was that these meetings were "designed to address the community's concerns with parking issues in Arlington County". Ed Parks, Lew Gullick, Rohan Samarawee, and Sharon Goudie attended these meetings on behalf of Ballston-Virginia Square.

Unfortunately, the Symposium focused on educating the audience on why reducing parking was a good idea. At the Symposium, it became clear that the County's integrated parking plan is to reduce parking thereby forcing residents to use public transportation. The County Planning Department and Public Works Department Staff are of the opinion that parking should be limited in the Ballston/Rossyln corridor to encourage public transportation and to make folks realize the "true cost" of parking.

The symposium was a disappointment to many civic associations concerned with parking including: Ballston-Virginia Square, Cherrydale, Lyon Village, Ashton Heights and Maywood.

To read the workbook developed by the consulting firm go to: www.co.arlington.va.us/dpw/traffic/parking/symp.htm#View.

BVSCA has written a letter to the County Board expressing BVSCA's disappointment with the preconceived agenda and the flippant way resident's opinions were considered.

Ed Peete Project

Site plan #377, also known as the Ed Peete Project, is located at 3409 Wilson Boulevard. The developer previously presented to BVSCA its plan to build a 9-story residential building including 5 affordable dwelling units and ground floor retail including a restaurant, but not including the contiguous gas station parcel; and that the proposal provided for 114 parking spaces with 22 short-term visitor spaces. Much to the dismay of BVSCA, the developer later revised its plan. It now plans to create an art hallway at the expense of 13 proposed parking spaces.

BVSCA has taken an official position to not support the project as presented to us with the insufficient parking. This position was unanimous among the BVSCA meeting.

Because parking is such a critical issue for us in the Ballston-Virginia Square area, BVSCA, on Nov 6, 2003, sent a letter to the County's Site Plan Review committee expressing its concerns regarding this pending site plan revision.

Final Thoughts on W-L Quincy Park

By: Dennis Burr

On Monday evening, November 17th, the last open public forum on the Washington-Lee high school/Quincy Park issue was held. At the beginning of the forum the chairwoman of the Site Selection Steering Committee informed those present that the committee had made its recommendation, now to be forwarded to the School Board for their review, and hopefully, approval. The committee chose a location on the current Washington-Lee site as the best location to place the new school. No school construction was recommended for Quincy Park.

Many of those present at the forum still elected to speak to the Save Quincy Park issue and to thank the Steering Committee for its hard work and good choices. People were reminded that the committee's results are only a recommendation, and the School Board does not have to abide by it.

The recommendation will go forward to the School Board around December 14th, for comment at their December 18th meeting. It was noted that that would be the last opportunity for public comment before the Board makes it decision at its January 8th meeting. Interested persons should plan to attend the December 18th meeting.

Once a decision has been made, the next step will be the Building Level Planning Committee (BLPC), which will decide on the final structure and staging of the project. BVSCA will have representation on that committee, and meeting dates and places will be announced as the information becomes available. Another important outcome of this process is the greater awareness that Quincy Park itself is in need of upgrading. The County Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is the venue used to plan and fund such a program. In early 2004 the County will be starting its review of the new six year CIP. Interested members who wish to participate in such a process should attend the next BVSCA meeting on November 25th at 7:30 pm at our North Utah Street meeting room.

Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Project on 13TH Street

The County will be installing sidewalks with curb and gutter on 13th Street from North Stafford to North Taylor Street. Curb and gutters will be added to properties missing them from Taylor to Vernon Street. A sidewalk with curb and gutter will be added to the park located on 13th Street. If anyone has questions regarding this project please contact Ritch Viola, Planning Section Supervisor at the Department of public works. He can be reached by phone at 703-228-3699 or e-mail at rviola@co.arlington.va.us .

Neighborhood Postal Problems

By: DeAndra Beck

Neighbors in the Clarenford subdivision of Ballston (bounded by N. Stafford, N. Vernon, Washington Blvd. and I-66) have been experiencing highly irregular mail service since at least mid-August. The area is served by the Main Arlington Post Office and is on the Postal Service's Arlington route 1032.

Problems have included mis-routed mail, non-delivered mail, and late deliveries. Several BVSCA members have contacted the U.S. Postal Service with their concerns and complaints. Among the known actions taken by BVSCA members, since mid-August, are a personal visit to the Main Arlington Post Office to discuss the problems, a letter to the Station Manager of the Main Post Office in Clarendon, and a call to the Postal Service's Consumer Line at (800) ASK-USPS. As a result, one of our members has been informed that corrective action is expected to be initiated.

If you continue to have problems with mail delivery, please contact Ms. Judith O'Hara by e-mail (Judith.D.OHara@USPS.gov) or phone (703-525-8006). In your contacts to report problems, please be as specific as possible about the nature of the problem and when it occurred. Also, so that the BVSCA may monitor the situation, please also send information about continuing problems, and what you have done about them to: rohans@earthlink.net .

Snell Property On 15TH Street

By: Marie Schum-Brady

A BVSCA member has recently asked BVSCA to address the issue pertaining to a property on 15th St. adjacent to Hayes Park. 15th street is a small dead end street that runs adjacent to Hayes Park. It has three houses on one side and Hayes Park on the other. Mildred and Robert Schell have lived at 3514 N. 15th Street, the yellow house at the end of 15th St facing Hayes Park, since about 1978. The house has a very small front lawn. The County advised them this summer that a turn-around was planned for the end of 15th St. and it will take up some of the easement that encompasses some of the Schell property. Neighbors have not requested this turn-around rather the purpose of the turn-around is so that County trucks can use it despite the fact that they already have access to the park and can reach all parts of the park without the turnaround.

Several of the neighbors, knowing how well the Schell's have cared for that part of 15th St and Hayes Park, have signed a petition asking the County to postpone that turn-around until such time that the Schell's move. The petition was sent to Ms. Acurio, an assistant County Manager , as well as copies to the Board, the County Manager. The neighborhood had previously aborted their efforts to postpone this project last summer when it looked like the County was going to amend their plans and put the turn-around into the corner of the park instead of the Schell property. The Schell's just recently got a letter saying that they should remove their fence because the County decided to move ahead with the original plans. The County has advised Mrs. Schnell that the start date is set for 11/22/2003.

The Schell's are elderly. They have been excellent neighbors and friends. Mrs. Schell has been ill recently, and this project is just not needed at this time. The immediate neighbors feel that they can live with 15th Street as it is currently, and any improvements can be postponed. They are hoping that Civic Association can assist them with this matter. If anyone has suggestions please contact Marie at mlschumbrady@juno.com .

Committee Members Needed for the Arlington County Civic Federation Environmental Affairs Committee!

As you may know, Ben Axleroad is the co-chair of the Arlington Civic Federation Environmental Affairs Committee. Presently, there are only four members on this committee but because of some hot issues that are surfacing they need more, including a co-chair. (A co-chair has to be an elected delegate or alternate to ACCF, but to be a member of the committee one need only be a member of BVSCA).

Anyone who is interested in serving on this committee or who would like to learn more about this committee should contact Ben by e-mail at besa@starpower.net or by telephone at 703-525-3083. He would also like to be notified of issues members would like dealt with in the near future. Meetings would take place only when they are urgently required--once a month maximum.

13TH Street Park Update

County staff and some neighborhood residents have been working on a design for the new equipment they will be adding to the 13th Street Park. After looking at equipment from two vendors Landscape Structures and Gametime. The Gametime components were selected because of their uniqueness, affordability and the challenge they will provide for children in 5-12 year range. The design is scheduled to be presented to BVSCA at the November meeting.

Multi-way Stop Signs

On Sept 2, 2003, Arlington County sent out a letter informing Ballston-Virginia Square (BVSCA) that the Arlington County Manager adopted new warrants for multi-way stop signs.

The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Team of Arlington County Public Works completed an analysis and determined that: 1) North Stafford and 11th Street, 2) North Oakland and 9th Street and 3) North Vermont and 11th Street all qualified for multi-way stop signs. The intersection of North Stuart Street and 11th Street does not qualify for multi-way stop signs.

On September 30th a formal vote was taken at the civic association meeting to approve the installation of four way stops at the three locations. According to the County, the Stop signs should be in place within three weeks.

Kojo Came to Arlington County!

"Some say Arlington, Virginia is a victim of its own success. Virtually every corner of its 26 square miles is already developed, yet more and more people want to live and work there. How can this once affordable suburb -- a place where modest single-family homes and garden apartment complexes dominated the landscape -- maintain its character in light of its success? Does everyone share the goal of becoming "more urban?" And the goal of ensuring affordable housing so as to avoid becoming just another exclusive zip code? Arlington residents speak out on this and more."

This was the discussion held at George Mason University on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It is a very interesting discussion where County Board members and residents alike shared their opinions with Kojo Nnamdi. You can listen to the discussion for free anytime by going to www.wamu.org/kojo/inde x.html. Go to Wednesday 12:06 -KIYC - The Housing Crunch and click on the listen button. After this week go to "Archive 2003" to listen to the discussion.

Neighborhood Watch

The police department has contacted all civic associations including BVSCA to help support the new Arlington Neighborhood Watch. It is an enhancement to their long long-standing Neighborhood Watch Program. The program relies on neighbors joining together to enhance the safety of their neighborhoods by 1) reporting suspicious activity, 2) helping other neighbors prepare for community emergencies, 3) identifying hazards, 4) promoting neighborhood communication, 5) checking on the well-being of neighbors with special needs, 6) building community pride, and 7) depending on their level of training, be ready to assist with basic critical services in an emergency.

To get the program started volunteers are needed to be Neighborhood Watch Block Captains. These volunteers will play a vital role in coordinating the program in The Ballston-Virginia Square area. While groups may choose to patrol they are not expected to instead they will meet with a crime prevention specialist who will teach participants in the program how to:

If members are interested in this program please e-mail Ed Parks at ebparks@hhlaw.com. If there is enough interest BVSCA will set up a meeting with interested members and the Police Department. Anyone wanting more information about the program can call the Police Department at 703-228-4330.

Police Program to Combat Auto Theft (C.A.T.)

As many of you are probably aware auto theft is on the rise in Arlington. The C.A.T. program is a volunteer decal program designed to reduce car thefts in the National Capital Region.

Under this program, the automobile owner voluntarily signs a consent form certifying that the vehicle is not operated between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. A special decal is then affixed to the interior of the back windshield to show that the vehicle is registered in the C.A.T. program. This alerts police officers that observe the vehicle during these hours that this vehicle is not normally driven by its owner between the hours indicated. Police officers may then legally stop and question the driver if the car is driven between 1-5 a.m. to determine if it is being driven without the owner's permission.

Most auto thefts occur during these early morning hours. The decals are designed to act as a deterrent to car theft. In addition to joining C.A.T., you can help prevent auto theft by doing the following:

  1. Lock your car
  2. Never hide your keys under the hood
  3. Do not leave your registration inside your vehicle
  4. Never leave your checkbook, credit card purse, wallet or other valuables in your vehicle. When shopping, lock parcels and other valuables in trunk or keep them, out of plain view.
  5. Park in a well-lit busy area

To join the program contact the Arlington Police Department at 703-228-4330.

BVSCA members still needed to help update NCAC Plan.

Ballston-Virginia Square's Neighborhood Conservation Plan needs to be updated. The one that is currently in effect was created in October 1984! BVSCA needs some members to work with NCAC to go over this 32-page document and update it. Any one interested in this project please e-mail Ed Parks, Albert Lewis or Dennis Burr.

Bus Shelters Needed?

There may be funding available for some additional bus shelters in the Ballston Virginia Square area. Please contact Ed Parks or Dennis Burr if you know of a location that needs a bus shelter and is used often. They will forward all suggestions.

Happenings Around Town

November - March The outside ice skating rink at Pentagon Row is open. Call 703-418-6666 for hours and rates.

November 19th 1:00-2:00 p.m. Swanson Middle School groundbreaking ceremony.

November 22nd 8:00 p.m. The Lonesome River Band (Bluegrass with Rock 'n Roll attitude) at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre, 1611 North Kent Street Tickets $18 from www.InstantSeats.com. For more info 703-228-1850 or www.arlingtonarts.org .

November 28 - January 25th The Nutcracker: This Classika holiday tradition is an original adaptation of the E.T.A. Hoffman story, virtually unknown to American audiences. It unveils the magical mystery of why the prince was turned into the Nutcracker, and is accompanied by the music of Tchaikovsky. 703-824-6200. www.classika.org.

November 30th 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Inova blood drive at Starbucks 2441-2443 Harrrison St. 1-866-256-6372. FREE holiday T-shirt.

December 2nd begins at 7:00 p.m. The Clarendon Alliance' Auction of Fine Art. Clarendon Ballroom, 3135 Wilson Blvd. Admission $10 per person, $15.00 per couple. For more info contact Kate Hoge at Kate@clarendon.org .

December 3rd 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. The Ballston -Virginia Square Partnership lights up the McAdam Holiday Tree located in the Welburn Square at 5:30. Washington Capitals mascot "Slapshot" will be the tree-lighter. Following the tree lighting, there will be music by the Celebration Singer Ensemble and food and drinks from Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery. Slapshot will sign autographs and a drawing will be held for Cap tickets and memorabilia, restaurant meals and gifts from Ballston & Virginia Square establishments. FREE.

December 4th Light Up Rosslyn! Free Holiday Events at the Rosslyn Spectrum. The traditional lighting of the Rosslyn skyline and streetscape will be hosted by WJLA's popular weatherman Doug Hill at 6 p.m. outside WJLA, 1100 Wilson Boulevard. The ceremony will be followed by a holiday sing-along with The Metropolitan Chorus at the Rosslyn Spectrum at 6:30. FREE. 703-228-1850.

December 5-7th: The Nutcracker presented by the Arlington Center for Dance at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. Call 703-522-2414 for show times and ticket sales.

Fri. Dec. 5th: Fort C.F. Smith: The works of over 30 Arts Alliance members will be on exhibit. Opening Reception 6 - 8 p.m. FREE 2411 N. 24th Street. 703-532-4450

December 6th Annual Messiah Sing: Enjoy singing the Christmas portion of this masterpiece with members of The Metropolitan Chorus, or just listen to the beauty of the music, accompanied by organ and string ensemble. Bring your own score, rent one or buy one at the door. First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 601 N. Vermont St., Arlington. 5 p.m. FREE, Non-perishable food donations welcome. 703-933-2500. www.metchorus.org

December 6th 2:30 p.m. Holiday Craft Workshop Long branch Nature Center. Create some decorative items to spruce up your home or to give as special gifts. We'll provide music, refreshments, basic instruction and materials to make at least two seasonal decorations. Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters (if you have them) and any extra material or other special decorations you may wish to add. Registration starts November 24. 703-228-6535

December 6th and 7th 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m A visit with Santa Gulf Branch Nature Center at the Old Log House. This is an extremely popular event so pick up a registration , fill it out and drop it off at the Gulf Branch Nature Center by November 23rd at 5:00 p.m. Registration received by the deadline will be included in a random drawing and confirmations will be mailed November 24. $5 per child 703-228-3403.

December 11th Black Words Press Reading: Authors in Arlington presents readings by authors recently published in BlackWords Press, including Dion Thompson, author of Walk Like a Natural Man. Arlington Central Library 2nd floor meeting room. FREE. 703-228-1850.

December 11th Rosslyn BID Holiday Party: Free Holiday Events at the Rosslyn Spectrum. Happy hour hosted by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District will begin at 4, with live jazz by Project Natale beginning at 5, followed at 6:30 p.m. by a Gospel Christmas concert. FREE. Rosslyn Spectrum. 703-228-1850.

December 11th 5:00p.m. Parent & Child Gift-Making Workshop Gulf Branch Nature Center. Drop by the nature center to make melt and pour soaps. Our Whimsical soap molds make perfect stocking stuffers. Or use the standard molds to create lovely, fragrant gift soaps. Registration starts November 24. 703-228-3403

December 12th 4:30 p.m. Popcorn Fun Gulf Branch Nature Center. Learn all about this ancient food and its importance to early people. Enjoy some tasty snacks too! Registration starts November 24. 703-228-3403

December 13th 8:00 p.m. Singer Liz Callaway at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre, 1611 North Kent Street Tickets $35 from www.InstantSeats.com. For more info 703-228-1850 or www.arlingtonarts.org .

December 17 Potomac Harmony Chorus: Annual Holiday Music Performance at Ballston Common Mall, 8 p.m. FREE 703-764-3896. www.potomacharmony.org.

December 18 Friday Morning Music Club (On Thursdays): FREE lunchtime chamber music concerts at the Ellipse Arts Center. Noon - 1. 703-228-7710.

December 18 Rosslyn BID Holiday Concert: Free Holiday Events at the Rosslyn Spectrum. A Rosslyn retailer's showcase will begin at 6 p.m. with a free giftwrapping service (while supplies last), accompanied by live jazz music by Project Natale. It will be followed by a Holiday cabaret concert at 7:30 p.m. with some of the area's best-known cabaret singers. Rosslyn Spectrum. FREE. 703-228-1850.

January 3 - 11 The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams. Given as a Christmas gift to a child, the Velveteen Rabbit lives in the nursery with all the other toys, waiting for the day when the boy will choose him as a playmate. The Children's Theatre. Thomas Jefferson Theatre. 703-548-1154. www.arlingtonarts.org/tct .

Join BVSCA's Yahoo Groups listserv

Several BVSCA members were unable to get back on BVSCA's old listserv after being kicked off randomly. As a result a new list serv through Yahoo groups was created. If you are a BVSCA member and would like to be added to the list serv please e-mail Ed Parks at ebparks@hhlaw.com.

The Ballston Virginia Square Newsletter

Send in your articles to be published! The Ballston Virginia Square newsletter is published six times a year in advance of bimonthly meetings. Its purpose is to inform residents of issues concerning their community and to encourage them to participate. Anyone wishing to contribute short, informative articles of civic interest or neighborhood events please send them to Denise Parks, 1249 North Utah Street, dparks@covad.net.

Join BVSCA Today!

One BVSCA goal for this year is to increase membership and encourage BVSCA residents to participate in their Civic Association. This includes new members just learning about BVSCA and all previous members who have lost touch. There are several of you on my street alone - you know who you are. BVSCA needs you back. Your experience, knowledge and voice are invaluable to the Association.

The purpose of BVSCA is "to take action to protect and promote the welfare and livability of the Ballston-Virginia Square Civic Association's neighborhoods in particular, and in Arlington, in general". (By-laws of BVSCA) Only with a large, active and vocal membership can BVSCA be effective in its dealings with County officials.

Residents can join by filling out the membership application and paying membership dues. Both of which can be done either by 1) coming to a BVSCA meeting, or 2) by mail. The membership application is on BVSCA's web page and on the back of this newsletter. Dues are $10 per person. Dues are payable when first joining and are renewable each year on or before the anniversary of that date. New members and members who have not paid their dues in the last three years must wait 30 days after paying their dues before receiving voting privileges. Dues are used to help fund the Association's activities and sponsored events.

Join the BVSCA today.

BVSCA Annual Dues Payment and Membership Application

Date: ________________________Dues: $10 per year

Name: _______________________________________

Street: _______________________________________

City: _______________________ Zip:_____________

Email:_______________________________________

Send my newsletter via: _____ email or _____ mail.

Phone (optional):_____________________________

I'm interested in volunteering to help: ____ yes ____ no

Mail to: DeAndra Beck
BVSCA Treasurer
1301 North Taylor Street
Arlington, VA 22201

Please make checks payable to BVSCA.

BVSCA 2003-2004 Calendar of Meetings

*unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the BVSCA's community room located on N. Utah Street between Gaffney's Restaurant and the Windsor Plaza condominiums on the last Tuesday of alternate months. BVSCA Executive meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. Full Membership meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. Meetings adjourn at 9:00pm.

Tuesday, May 27, 2003, Annual meeting - No executive committee meeting
Tues., July 29, 2003
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Tuesday, March 30, 2004

BVSCA Officers and Representatives

President
Ed Parks
202-637-6587
ebparks@hhlaw.com

Vice President
Dennis Burr

Treasurer
DeAndra Beck

Secretary
David Ryan

At Large Executive Committee
James Webster
Kate Wilson
Constance McAdam

Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee Representative
Sharon Clayborne Goudie
Alternate Albert Lewis

Arlington County Civic Federation Delegates
Ben Axleroad
David Perlmutter
David Ryan
Ed Parks

Alternates
Albert Lewis
Rohan Samaraweera
Jim Webster
Denise Parks

Ballston Partnership Representative
Jim Webster

The following positions are not appointed positions but rather volunteer positions. They are listed here so that BVSCA members know who they can go to for information on a specific issue. Please inform Denise Parks of any changes or additions to this list.

Newsletter Editor
Denise Parks
dparks@covad.net

Committee Chairs

Cherrydale Relocation Task Force:
BVSCA Member Ed Parks

Community Preparedness:
David Perlmutter

District 2 Police Committee:
Albert Lewis

Clarendon Task Force & Virginia Square East End:
Dennis Burr
Albert Lewis

Virginia Square Sector Plan Oversight Group
Lew Gulick
Dennis Burr
Connie McAdam
Al Lewis
John Buckley
Kate Wilson

Condominium Project 10th & Monroe St.
John Buckley

FDIC
Kate Wilson

Hayes Park:
Theresa Smith
Maggie Farrell

13th Street Park:
Denise Parks

Building Level Planning Committee:
(Washington-Lee School Project)
BVSCA Representative Sharon Clayborne Goudie

NCAC Sign Committee
DeAndra Beck

The BVSCA Home Page