no agreement on Rosslyn boathouse

Contrary to a prior report, the National Park Service has not agreed to the construction of a boathouse in Rosslyn.  Dottie Marshall, Superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway for the National Park Service (NPS), stated at the Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Assocation (RAFOM) meeting tonight that NPS must evaluate alternatives, including alternative sites and the alternative of not constructing a boathouse.  Marshall emphasized that a Rosslyn boathouse's implications for Roosevelt Island's presidential memorial would be considered thoroughly and weighed relatively heavily.

The current Roosevelt Memorial is a Stalinistic abomination.  Marshall noted that NPS is repairing the moats about the memorial (yup, it's got moats) to lessen the number of dead animals floating about the memorial.  That's not enough to renovate this presidential memorial.

Teddy Roosevelt had a great love for the outdoors and for vigorous physical activity.  Roosevelt Island is a wonderful green space. Build a boathouse across from Roosevelt Island and name it the Roosevelt Rough Rider Boathouse.  Doing that would make Roosevelt Island a much more fitting presidential memorial.

Marshall also discussed critical road repair on George Washington Parkway, the construction of comfort facilities (toilet and storage space) near the Iwo Jima Memorial, and rapidly shrinking wetlands along the Potomac.

Other notes from the RAFOM meeting:

1. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hillside Park renovations will occur this Saturday at 1pm at Hillside Park.  The event flyer states, "Green design and construction practices have transformed Hillside Park into a unique and sustainable public space!"  Translation: a lot of metal and some concrete was added to Hillside Park. Green plants were painted on one lump of concrete. The trees are not pleased.  You shouldn't be either.
2. Dominion Power is holding a community meeting about the new Radnor Heights power station and power line.  The meeting will take place on Nov. 29, 5-8pm, at the Lyon Park Community Center.
3. Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall will hold more history walks this spring.
4. Arlington County will hold a public meeting on its six-year Transit Development Plan on Nov. 22 at 7pm in the county meeting room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd.
5. Lou Gatti received a 15-year lease renewal for the Quarterdeck restaurant.  This neighborhood restaurant will thus continue to serve neighbors and visitors.  Patrick will be the operational manager.
6. The RAFOM holiday party for neighborhood low-income families is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 14.
7. Bald eagles have built a nest near the intersection of Spout Run and the George Washington Parkway. Keep an eye out for eagles!

The next regular RAFOM meeting will be in February.  The RAFOM Board welcomes suggestions for speakers and subjects for the coming year.