better trail to Rosslyn along Arlington Blvd

The RAFOM meeting Monday night featured Bill Gearhart, Chairman of the Arlington County Transportation Commission and Ritch Viola, Arlington County Transportation Planning Section Supervisor.  Some notable items from their presentations:

1. The Arlington Blvd / Courthouse Rd / 10th Street Interchange Project will begin by the end of April and continue for about 30 months.  Some traffic delays and detours around the Arlington Blvd / Courthouse intersection are to be expected.  The project will create a safer, better flowing intersection for inhuman-powered vehicles.  In addition, a trail for pedestrians and human-powered transit will be constructed on the south side of Arlington Blvd., connecting Rolfe St. to Pershing Dr.  The trail will allow persons living east of Rosslyn to travel to Rosslyn more safely and more enjoyably.
2. The Rosslyn Multimodal Transportation Study is considering possibilities for reducing the number of one-way streets in Rosslyn.  Changing Lynn St. and Ft. Myer Dr. to two-way streets are being considered.
3. The Skanska construction at 1776 Wilson Blvd will include a new, two-way connecting segment of Quinn St.
4. A by-right residential apartment building construction at Rolfe St. and 12th St. is currently in plan review.
5. A proposal has been seen for a new building near Wakefield Manor at the corner of Courthouse Rd. and Fairfax Dr.  A site plan is being developed.

 Here's a video segment from Viola's presentation:

Other items from the meeting:

1. RAFOM will sponsor applications for trees to the Tree Canopy Fund.  The Fund will supply and install trees for properties that will provide caring homes for the trees.  Contact RAFOM Board Member Steve Campbell for details on applying for trees.
2. The recent Meade St. Bridge meeting raised issues of immediate interest to the RAFOM neighborhood.  The next meeting will occur in early May.
3. The Rosslyn Sector Plan update is being prepared and will be presented to the County Board in the next couple of months.

The next RAFOM meeting is on June 15.  That meeting is the annual meeting.  It will occur at the Top of the Town and will feature Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan.

innovative Arlington tax collecting

Arlington County Treasurer Frank O'Leary gave a fact-filled presentation at Rosslyn's Radnor-Fort Myer Heights Civic Association (RAFOM) meeting on Tuesday night.  O'Leary described a variety of payment options that he has established for Arlingtonians to encourage on-time payment of taxes, parking tickets, utility bills, and other fees.  These include drop-box, mail-in check, telephone credit-card payment, automatic debit, Internet-based payment, and financial services that do not require the establishment of a bank account.  O'Leary recounted an amusing story of how Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Berger motivated the automatic debit option and became its first user.  He also described the rapid increase in Internet payment transactions.  Internet-based payments now account for 21% of all payment transactions for the Arlington Treasurer.  Recently instituted County Treasurer services include bill-payer notification, telephone reminders, and iPark cashless parking-payment devices.

O'Leary pointed to two ways in which Arlington could significantly reduce expenses and increase revenue.  O'Leary stated that the separate organizations of the Arlington County Board and the Arlington School Board involve considerable wasteful duplication in support functions.  In addition, O'Leary felt that the efficiency of parking ticket administration could be improved.  He judged that effectively administering existing parking laws could raise an additional $1-2 million in revenue.

A resident asked if combining the offices of the Commissioner of the Revenue and the Treasurer would save expenses. The Commissioner of Revenue sets and adjudicates tax obligations.  The Treasurer, in contrasts, collects the taxes that Commissioner of Revenue has established. O'Leary noted that both these offices are constitutional offices, so they could not be combined without constitutional amendment.  O'Leary argued that separation of these offices is an important structural safeguard.  A combined organization could forebear on individual taxes to obscure its poor collection efforts.

The video below includes much of O'Leary's presentation.  For additional factual material, see the Commissioner of Revenue/Treasurer Report to the Citizens, 2010-2011.

Other items from the RAFOM meeting:

• The second public meeting for the Meade Street Bridge Study will be on Tuesday, Mar. 22, 6:30-8:30pm at Arlington Temple, 1835 N. Nash St., Rosslyn.  Now is the time to share your ideas for improving the safety and accessibility of the Meade St. Bridge. 
• The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing has put forward a proposal to preserve affordable units in the Marbella Apartments.  The matter probably will come before the County Board in May.

The next RAFOM meeting will be on Apr. 19.  It will focus on transportation issues.

Rosslyn -- a beacon on the Potomac

At the Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Assocation (RAFOM) meeting yesterday, Rosemary Ciotti, Chair of the Arlington County Planning Commission, spoke about Arlington planning.  She emphasized the importance of civic participation in making Arlington an attractive place to live.  She also offered a glowing assessment of Rosslyn:

It's best days are ahead of us.  It's going to be really, really wonderful. ... Rosslyn deserves to be the beacon on the river. (see video at 16:40)

Many other reports support this assessment.

Additional items from the meeting:

• The County has a tree canopy fund that collects money from developers who do not plant sufficient trees on their property.  The tree canopy fund will provide money to plant trees on other private property.  Arlington Forestry Commission member Steve Campbell is planning to submit a grant request.  If you would like trees for your property, contact Steve Campbell at "mitska at juno dot com".
• The RAFOM holiday party was a big success.  Photos from the event will be available at the March RAFOM meeting.
• The Residential Program Center on Columbia Pike, which provides programs for homeless persons and persons recovering from substance abuse, is looking for more board members.  Contact RAFOM President Stan Karson if you are interested in serving as a Board member.
• Second District Police Captain Andy Penn reported on crime in the area.  A couple of bicycles were recently stolen in the Rosslyn area.  Some cars have had windows smashed and electronics stolen.  The police recommend not leaving a GPS suction cup on your windshield. That can prompt thieves to break into the car to look for a GPS device.

RAFOM holiday party draws 150 low-income neighbors

This past Friday at Wilson School in Rosslyn, RAFOM, the Radner Ft. Myers Heights neighborhood civic association, held a holiday party that attracted 150 low-income neighbors.   Low-income for this event did not mean does not drive a BMW.  It meant kids from families that might struggle to be able to afford to give kids Christmas gifts.  Arlington County police, disguised in festive holiday costumes, entertained the kids and distributed toys from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation.   Domino's Pizza (Rosslyn store), Goody's, Il Radicchio, Liberty Tavern, Mr. Days, Mexicali Blues, Santa Fe Cafe and Toscana Grill (Courthouse Plaza) supplied food for the banquet. A platoon of neighborhood volunteers, ably led by Second Lieutenant Patricia Darneille, organized the event.

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.

Arlington County continuing plans for Rosslyn boathouse

Arlington County Manager Michael Brown spoke at the Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Association (RAFOM) meeting this evening.  Brown, who has been in office for four months, came from a job as City Manager of Savannah, Georgia.  He grew up in Northern Virginia.  He also mentioned that he proposed to his wife at L'Enfant Plaza.  While that might raise questions in some persons' minds about his appreciation for urban space, the bottom line is that his proposal worked.  In fact, his wife even attended the RAFOM meeting and sat through his presentation.  That's a very loyal and supportive spouse.

Brown's presentation, most of which is included in the video below, touched on a wide variety of projects the County is undertaking.  Brown stated that he is involved in continuing planning for a boathouse along the Potomac in Rosslyn.  Brown noted that the Virginia Department of Transportation this past week turned over Columbia Pike to the County.  The County is moving forward with renovation plans for Columbia Pike, including the streetcar.  Brown also noted that the state has agreed to fund improvements to Route 50.  Brown observed that the County faces a much tighter budget than in previous years and will have to establish priorities and ensure a minimum standard of services across the County.  Brown has walked the Rosslyn neighborhood and eaten at the Quarterdeck.  He showed good local knowledge, especially for a manager who has been on the job for only four months.

Brown faced some tough, informed questions about new LED streetlights.  A resident at 13th St. and Troy stated that the color and direction of the LED light there is extremely bothersome.  Other persons at the meeting also observed lights that are not well-directed.  Much of the light goes upward rather than downward onto the street.  Stop lights, which all now use LED lights, demonstrate possibilities for coloring and directing LED lights. However, streetlights run about $1,100 per fixture, so changes to streetlights are a serious cost issue.  Brown was well-informed about light technology.  He expressed a willingness to put County staff to work to address residents' concerns.

Other items from the meeting:

• Verizon will be splicing a new section of cable about 2220 Fairfax Dr. through Sept. 24.  This may create some noise in the neighborhood. 
• Excavation at the Rosslyn Commons site across from the Belvedere will begin by the end of this year.
• Excavation at 1716 Wilson Blvd, just down from Cafe Assorti, will also begin by the end of this year.
• A proposals is stirring in Congress to increase the number and size of flights out of Reagan National Airport.  That creates the risk of more airplane noise over Rosslyn.  RAFOM will circulate a petition opposing the proposal.
• Hillside Park renovations are running behind schedule, but they should be finished by the end of this year.
• Urban Forestry Commission member Steve Campbell is co-coordinating a tree survey at Ft. Myer.  We are lucky to have those trees nearby.  Helping to preserve them is definitely in our neighborhood's interest.
• The RAFOM annual meeting this past June attracted 140 persons.  RAFOM Vice-President Patricia Darneille led the organization of this event.  The event benefited from the generosity of Burns family in making the gorgeous Top of the Town venue available, and from the generosity of Lou Gatti of the Quarterdeck for providing drinks.

The next RAFOM meeting will be Oct. 12, 7pm, at the Belvedere.  It will feature candidates for Congress, the County Board, and the School Board.  The candidates will present their views, question each other, and take questions from the audience.

[video included above]

Ft. Myer Heights playground renovations under consideration

The RAFOM Annual Meeting this past Monday night brought together many neighborhood residents and important local leaders.  The meeting occurred at Top of the Town, with views unfortunately diminished by fog and rain.  RAFOM Board Members briefly reviewed the past year's development and noted key upcoming matters.  Local officials were welcomed and they offered some brief remarks.  Some highlights:

• RAFOM Vice-President Patricia Darneille reported that neighborhood signs should be up in a few months
• RAFOM Board Member Stuart Stein reported that construction on the Clarendon St. side of Rosslyn Commons will begin this fall.  Construction on the 16'th St. side will be deferred, probably until the 2'nd half of 2011.
• RAFOM Board Member Steve Campbell reported that heavy construction in Hillside Park should be finished in 1-3 weeks.  Renovations of the Ft. Myer Heights Park playground are in the early stage of consideration.  Steve encourages residents to share their views about renovating the playground.  One possibility is moving the playground to the back end of the lower park and extending the basketball court into a full court. I think these moves would damage the charm of the park.  It would make basketball play more serious, and lessen room for playing with dogs and tossing balls in the lower park.  It also might make sunbathers more self conscious. While our current playground isn't lavish, kids don't need lavish toys to have fun.  The last renovation of the park was excellent.  We don't need any further renovation.  Those are my views, which I expressed to Steve.  Other persons who want to share their opinions can send them to Steve at  "mitska at juno dot com".
• RAFOM President Stan Karson reported that Board Member Soo Lee Davis is now serving in Afghanistan.  I wish her a safe and speedy return home.
• Our Delegate to the Virginia Assembly Bob Brink attended the meeting.  He requested residents to fill out his State Government Priorities survey.  The survey asks important, practical questions.  It's a good chance to make your priorities known to your elected official.
• County Board Member Walter Tejada noted that the County got a good price ($107 million versus expected $170 million) for moving forward with the Wakefield High School renovation.  He also discussed Arlington efforts to promote bicycle use, and he encouraged participation in discussing how Arlington will deal with new Virginia requirements for immigration status checks.
• Capt. David Reiten, who has taken over as our District Two police commander, introduced himself to attendees. 
• The new commander of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Colonel Carl R. Coffman, introduced himself to attendees.  He noted that this week is the 250'th anniversary of the Army, so expect some celebration noise coming from Ft. Myer this Friday.
• Mark Antell, Chair of the Arlington County Civic Federation's Executive Committee, greeted attendees and applauded RAFOM's active and civil participation in Arlington County public affairs.

The featured speaker was Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President and Chief Executive Officer of WETA TV/FM.  Video excerpts from her talk are below.

civic assocation annual meeting this Monday at 7pm

Our Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Association (RAFOM) is having its annual meeting this Monday at 7pm at Top of the Town.  The featured speaker is Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President and CEO of WETA TV/FM.  Come out, socialize with your neighbors, and enjoy the talk, food, drink, and great views of DC.

Arlington plans for environmental sustainability

Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette spoke tonight at the monthly meeting of RAFOM, our neighborhood civic association.  Fisette discussed Arlington County's budget crunch and the work of Arlington's Community Energy and Sustainability Task Force. 

Fisette described some of the County's budget-cutting priorities.  The County Manager recommended cutting the community policing teams and reducing fire department staffing.  RAFOM and the Arlington County Civic Federation strongly opposed these cuts.  The County Board has decided not to go through with these police and fire department cuts.  Most of the budget cuts will be in the Human Services and Parks and Recreation Departments.  Fisette did not mention any additional budget cuts that the County Board added to the budget.  By law, County taxes cannot increase more than the advertised tax increase.  Perhaps the County Board's budget decisions imply that the actual tax increase will be closer to the advertised tax increase.  Fisette wryly observed that being County Board Chairman is a lot less fun in a time of sharply declining tax revenues.  The County Board will adopted the County budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 (FY 2011) at the County Board meeting on Apr. 24.

Fisette also discussed the importance of the ongoing work of Arlington's Community Energy and Sustainability Task Force.  Arlington's Smart Growth strategy depended on long-range planning that looked decades out at the effect of the extension of Metro train service through Arlington.  The Community Energy Plan will take a similar long-range view to reduce Arlington's greenhouse gas emissions and to increase energy efficiency and energy-source diversity.  Fisette explained that a high share of energy is wasted in being distributed over long distances to Arlington.  Local energy recovery offers great possibility for increases in efficiency.  Copenhagen, Denmark, offers an example of possibilities for Arlington.  Copenhagen's CO2 emissions per capita per year are 2.6 metric tons, compared to 19.7 metric tons per capita per year for Washington, DC.  Fisette encouraged residents to look at the work of the Community Energy and Sustainability Task Force, especially Peter Garforth's Task-Force-kickoff presentation.  He also noted that another Community Energy and Sustainability Town Hall meeting is scheduled for this October.

Other item and notes from this month's RAFOM meeting:

• The Long Range Planning Committee group studying heights in Rosslyn had a "Skyline Forum" yesterday.  RAFOM Board members Stan Karson and Stuart Stein attended.  They said that the meeting showed welcomed concern for the Rosslyn skyline.  They hope for more attention to the need for an unobstructed view from the observation deck to be built on top of the forthcoming Central Place project. 
• The 2'nd District Community Policing Team noted that violent crime is down in Arlington.  They also said that larceny from autos is the largest crime problem in the area.  Everyone should lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight.  They encouraged residents to report immediately suspicious activity to the police non-emergency telephone number, 703 558-2222.  The police department is currently testing 2 Segways and may purchase up to 6.  So you might see officers zipping around on Segways.
• Requests for free trees must be made by Apr. 30.
• Meeting attendees, including Board Chairman Jay Fisette, applauded Stan Karson being honored with the Sun-Gazette Award.
• Four locations for the community signs have been selected.  These locations are Fairfax Rd. below the Courthouse; the Rhode St. park; Queen St. on the south side of the bridge over Rt. 50; and in the median on Meade St. just over the other Rt. 50 bridge.
• Work on Hillside Park is ongoing and will probably be finished this autumn.
• The RAFOM annual meeting will be on June 14 at the Top of the Town.  It will feature as speaker Sharon Rockefeller, president and CEO of WETA.

fear for height in Rosslyn

Charles Monfort, chair of the Arlington County Planning Commission, was the featured speaker at today's meeting of RAFOM, our civic assocation.   Mr. Monfort explained that almost all development projects, including Central Place and 1821 N. Moore St. projects in Rosslyn, are on hold due to the general economic downturn.  

The Planning Commission's Long Range Planning Committee is studying building heights in Rosslyn.  The general principle for height planning is to have the tallest heights closest to the metro, and then have heights taper down as distance from the metro increases.  Development on the east side of Rosslyn along Rt. 66 raises important long-range planning issues.  Issues include avoiding walls of similar height buildings, planning for height tapering, maintaining an attractive Rosslyn cityscape viewed from DC, and preserving sight lines for the proposed Central Place observation deck. 

A change in zoning law to permit taller buildings in Rosslyn has been offered for consideration.  Under current generally applicable zoning law, the County Board can approve buildings having heights up to 300 feet above average site elevation.   A Feb. 26 letter from the real-estate law firm Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich & Walsh has proposed a Zoning Ordinanance Amendment that would allow the County Board to approve, on a case-by-case basis, heights greater than 300 feet in Rosslyn.  A case-by-case determination of heights above 300 feet would put greater demands on the community to stay informed about proposed projects.

Other items at the meeting:

• RAFOM members remembered Charlie Wilson, who was a founder of RAFOM in 1999.  Mr. Wilson served for twelve years in the Texas legislature and for twenty-four years in the U.S. House of Representatives.  He was also an active and much loved member of the Rosslyn community.  He died on Feb. 10, 2010.
• The neighborhood sign vote has selected the red sign over the gray sign by 20 votes to 18 votes.   The next meeting will discuss the locations for the signs.  Two signs are likely to be placed south of Rt. 50, and two signs north of Rt. 50.
• A building proposal for 1900 Wilson Blvd. has entered the site plan review committee.  The site was in part the storied location of Dr. Dremo's and Bardo Rodeo. The proposed building is a five-story building with 188 rental units and ground-floor retail on the Wilson Blvd. side. 
• Report on the RAFOM holiday party 
• In mid-April, Arlington County will again be providing free trees to residents who request them.  Steve Campbell, a Rosslyn member of the Urban Forestry Commission, will again be the contact person for trees.

The next RAFOM meeting will be Apr. 20.  It will feature Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette.

vote on neighborhood sign color scheme

The RAFOM meeting this Thursday will hold a vote on the two-color scheme for our neighbor signs.  The signs will feature an image of the Iwo Jima Memorial and the name of our neighborhood (see option B sign).  Look over the color schemes of other neighborhoods' signs and decide how you want your neighbor signs to be colored.

The RAFOM meeting is Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7pm at Prospect House Condominiums, basement-floor meeting room. 

RAFOM Holiday Party biggest yet

From Stan Karson, President of our civic association RAFOM:

This past Friday evening, we sponsored the 5th Holiday Party for our lower-income residents at Wilson School. RAFOM, the County Parks and Recreation Department and the 2nd District County Police Team worked together to make the event the best and the largest we have had. At least, 125 people attended, most of them young children. We had an abundance of free food and soft drinks, but the main attraction for the younger guests was the toys, which the Police officers had received from Toys for Tots. Santa was ever present, and the kids had their pictures taken sitting on his lap which were provided them.

Many must be thanked for their effort and time to make this a wonderful experience for all. RAFOM members -- including Patricia Darneille, who helped organize the event, Bob Blakeman, Soo Lee Davis, Steve and Nicole Campbell, Ken Robinson, David Treworgy, Doug Jerger, Stuart Stein, Larry Reed, Leslie Arminski, -- all contributed mightily by obtaining the food from the neighborhood restaurants, handing out the food, setting up and cleaning up, posting the notices at the affordable housing apartments.etc. etc. We owe special thanks to six RAFOM residents who answered our pleas for help that evening: Cathy Crane and Michael Simpson from Prospect House and Jim and Diane Villars, Charles Harvey, and Meli Morcuendo from the Wooster and Mercer Condominium. Carol Hoover from the County Parks and Rec Dept. once again was enormously helpful in so many ways. The Police officers, headed by 2nd District Captain Brian Berke, brought the Santa Claus and the elves, all of whom were greeted with sustained applause form the residents attending. We appreciate very much the restaurants in our area who donated the good food for the occasion. They are Bertucci's, Cafe Assorti, Domino's in Rosslyn, Il Radicchio, Piola's, Santa Fe Cafe and Toscana Grill. Remember their generosity when you head out to patronize Arlington restaurants.

All in all, a most gratifying success story. Our best wishes to you for a very good holiday and a Happy New Year.

Stan Karson

From the RAFOM Yahoo list, reposted with permission.

helping the homeless and the hungry

This month's meeting of our neighborhood civic association RAFOM featured Kathleen Sibert of the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network and Fred Jones of the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

The Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (A-SPAN) has outreach worker Terrence Toussaint (TToussaint@A-SPAN.org 703-663-0247) working in the Rosslyn area. He gets to know homeless persons in the area and seeks to find ways to help them. A-SPAN's bagged meal program hands out meals every night at 6:30 pm at Gateway Park in Rosslyn. On S. Nelson Street, just off Four Mile Run Dr in South Arlington, A-SPAN runs a facility that offers homeless people a mailing address, phone, showers, and laundry facilities.  You can help homeless people with acknowledgment of their presence, with friendly conversation, by buying them some food if they want some, and by contacting A-SPAN to let them know about a person's need.  A-SPAN number for calling to request assistance for a homeless person is 703 820-HELP (4357).

With the nation-wide economic downturn, A-SPAN's corporate and foundation support has declined, but its individual contributions have increased.  You can help A-SPAN with your donations of money, volunteer time, and clothes, blankets, toiletries, and food.  See the A-SPAN website for more information about these opportunities.  The Help the Homeless Walkathon is this Saturday morning starting at 9am.  You can register online for a minimum donation of $25.  For a $100 donation, you can attend A-SPAN's Help the Homeless Holiday Gala at the Top of the Town on Thursday, Dec. 10th, 6:30-9pm.

The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) distributes groceries to people living in Arlington who cannot afford enough food for their basic needs. AFAC distributes food Monday through Saturday from its warehouse in S. Nelson St, next to the A-SPAN facility.  It also distributes food at the Clarendon United Methodist Church every Saturday, 9:30 am to 10:30am.  Of the food AFAC distributes, 65% is donated by individuals and local businesses, and 35% is purchased.  Fred Jones spoke passionately about AFAC's concern to respect the dignity of the persons it serves and to provide them with nutritious, healthful food.  One program that helps AFAC to provide persons with fresh vegetables is its Plant A Row for the Hungry Program. It enlists gardeners in producing fresh vegetables for AFAC.   That senior citizen who was going on about gardening might have been worth listening to after all.

AFAC serves clients through referrals from Arlington County government agencies, churches, schools, and other social service agencies.  Two-thirds of AFAC referrals are through Arlington's Department of Human Services.  This past week AFAC served 1,283 families, up from 759 two years ago.  Within these hungry families, 39% of the persons served were children. You can help AFAC with donations of money, food, and volunteer time. 

Other items discussed at the RAFOM meeting:

• A 12-story apartment building with 100-110 housing units has been proposed to be built in the parking lot of the Wakefield Manor Apartments, just off Rt. 50, in the Courthouse Rd., 13th St., N. Troy St. block.  Site plan may be submitted to the County this spring, with construction possibly starting in 2011.  Meeting attendees discussed concerns about parking availability and stress on water and power infrastructure.
• The neighbor sign design depicting Iwo Jima won the neighbor sign voting with 60% of the votes.  RAFOM will now work with the County to determine sites for the signs, which will be placed on both sides of Rt. 50.
• RAFOM's annual holdiay party for low-income families in the RAFOM neighbor will take place on Dec. 11.  The holiday party will feature music, food, Santa and elves, and toys for children.  Local restaurants are generously donating food to this event.  To help with this happy, fun event, contact Stan Karson at RAFOM.

The next RAFOM meeting will be in February.

RAFOM civic association September meeting

RAFOM, your neighborhood civic association, had a lively and interesting meeting this past Wednesday at Prospect House.

Two Arlington police officers from our 2nd District team presented crime statistics.  In the past three months, our neighborhood had 13 larcenies from autos, 20 larcenies of other sorts (from buildings, bags, etc.), and 4 bike larcenies. That last category of crime seems to me particularly evil. A person whose bike got stolen could be deprived, at least temporally, of the joys of biking to work. Persons keen to get a bike, but unable to buy one, might contact Phoenix Bikes.  They could help a needy person put together a great bike built to last.

RAFOM is conducting voting for the design of neighbor signs to be constructed with Arlington County money.   The RAFOM website states that only persons who pay RAFOM dues ($10 cost) can vote.  The RAFOM Treasurer stated this general policy at the meeting, while another RAFOM Board Member said that RAFOM membership is required only for web-based voting.  I voiced my strong object to requiring payments of any sort for community voting.  Moreover, making it more difficult for persons who don't pay the RAFOM dues to participate in a community vote is also inconsistent with the principles of inclusive democracy.  The RAFOM Board indicated that they would consider changing their sign voting policy.  I refuse to participate in the vote until it is open, without unnecessary financial or procedural conditions, to all neighborhood members.

This fall an Arlington County task force will consider issues associated with bus traffic to Iowa Jima.  The Iowa Jima park is open from 6am to midnight.  A large number of tour buses go in and out of the park, particularly in the spring.  Moreover, intersections with Ft. Meade St. and Arlington Blvd (big and little) are quite hazardous.  In fact, that morning a four-car accident had produced a huge traffic backup in the area.  Major changes in traffic routing are being considered to address the problems.

Colonel Richardson is leaving her post as Garrison Commander of our neighboring Ft. Myer Military Community. Prior to 9/11, I enjoyed running through the base and getting my hair cut at an excellent barber there.  For awhile after 9/11 that wasn't permitted.  I'm not sure what the situation is now.  RAFOM members praised Col. Richardson for her outreach to the surrounding civilian community.  Consistent with its security requirements, I'm grateful for Ft. Myer's interaction with the neighborhood.

Featured speaker Scott McCaffrey, editor of the Arlington Sun Gazette, spoke about local housing trends and economic and political circumstances.  Home sales and real estate prices are down.  Arlington County projects 9.1% lower assessment revenue this coming fiscal year.  Arlington's real estate tax base is 45% commercial. That's a much higher percentage than most other jurisdictions; for example, Fairfax's commercial share is 20%.  Unfortunately, commercial real estate values are more volitile than residential values.  All else equal, business cycles thus have a larger effect on the Arlington budget.  The projected budget shortfall is $67.5 million, shared equally between the County Board and the School Board.  School enrollments are growing, and Arlington now has more the 20,000 kids in school.   The budget shortfall points to likely tax increases, county staff layoffs, and service cuts. 

Overall, Arlington has a strong economy.  The unemployment rate in Arlington is 4.2%.  That's much lower than the national unemployment rate of 9.6%.

In 2008, the Arlington County Board modified the zoning code to permit acessory dwellings.  The number of new accessory dwellings was capped at 28 per year.  However, in the first year of the new code, only 8 accessory dwellings were established.

McCaffrey noted the shrinkage of media coverage in Arlington County.  You can count on the Ode Street Tribune to help keep you truly informed and well entertained in the midst traditional media's meltdown.

The next RAFOM meeting is next month, Oct. 15, at the Belvedere Condominium. It will feature a candidates debate among contestants for seats on the Arlington County Board and for our district's Delegate to the House of Delegates in the Virginia General Assembly.

Soo Lee Davis elected to RAFOM Board

At RAFOM's annual meeting on Monday, June 15, Soo Lee Davis was elected to the RAFOM Board to fill the seat of Mary Jean Schmelzer, who was unable to serve for another term. The other seven RAFOM Board members were elected to new terms.

Lt. Col. Davis has served in the Army for sixteen years. She lives in the Wooster and Mercer Apartments, a building recently constructed in Rosslyn near Hillside Park. She is so keen about getting involved in the neighborhood that she read the whole Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Neighborhood Conservation Plan. It's great to have Soo Lee helping to lead the neighborhood.



RAFOM President Stan Karson summarized RAFOM's activities over the past year. Board Member Doug Jerger noted that JBG, the developed of Rosslyn Place, will be at the Belvedere this Thursday night to discuss the status of that development. Plans for the Hillside Park improvements are moving forward under the watchful eye of Board Member Steve Campbell. Board Member Kenneth Robinson noted that a new building may be constructed across from the Police Station in Courthouse.

The featured speaker at the meeting was Aneesh Chopra, President Obama's Chief Technology Officer. He spoke about how technology can contribute to achieving major public policy goals in education, health, and energy conservation/pollution reduction. I'll have video highlights of his talk up this weekend on purple motes.

Neighborhood Day on May 16

Items from the RAFOM meeting on April 29:

• The Child Development Center, now operating from the Cherrydale Baptist Church, plans to move to Wilson School (next to the firehouse in Rosslyn) for two years. At least this should forestall the risk of demolishing Wilson School for awhile.
• Arlington Neighborhood Day is coming up on Saturday, May 16. Last year's Neighborhood Day featured a great parade. Perhaps because of the budget squeeze, Neighborhood Day this year won't include a parade. But it will still include interesting events, including music and free refreshments at the WRIT Art Gallery and Atrium (Bennett Part Apartments) in Rosslyn.
• The vote on the Rosslyn-Ft. Myers neighborhood sign is now scheduled for the next RAFOM meeting.

Arlington County Board member Mary Hynes addressed RAFOM about the FY 2010 Arlington County budget. Summary of the enacted budget:

To balance the budget the [County Board] approved $19.8 million in service cuts, including $12.1 million in administration and overhead reductions and more than $7.7 [million in] direct service reductions. The only tax-supported programs expanded by the County Board were critical safety net programs to help residents most affected by the recession. The County Board added more than $1 million to increase funding for programs providing shelter and transitional housing, food and emergency assistance.

Arlington is experiencing a higher rate of growth in homeless persons than other area jurisdictions, and the County Board is seeking to ensure that help is available for homeless persons. Ms. Hynes noted that the County Board made an effort to preserve Arlington-based performing and graphic arts programs. About 2000 persons in Arlington work in these fields. The Gulf Branch Nature Center was saved from demolition, but hours will be cut and staff eliminated.

March RAFOM meeting

The Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Association (RAFOM) met on March 31. Some notes:

1. RAFOM President Stan Karson noted that RAFOM, with 79 dues-paying members, ranks near the top in membership among Arlington civic associations.
2. Three Radnor Ft. Myer Heights neighbor signs will be erected using money allocated from the County upon approval of our Neighborhood Conservation Plan. One possible design has an image of the Iwo Jima. Another possible design sketches a community with Rt. 50 and a bridge over Rt. 50 in the middle. If you have an idea for a design, contact RAFOM right away. Design options will be subject to vote in the April RAFOM meeting.
3. Funding for a sidewalk on N. Quinn St. appears likely.
4. Orders for trees from the Arlington Tree Give-Away are due Apr. 24.
5. The Arlington Home Show and Expo is Apr. 11. : "Learn how to grow a bonsai tree, finance your home remodeling project, build “green,” or make your home more energy efficient at the third annual Arlington Home Show and Expo on Saturday, April 11 from. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S. 16^th St."
6. Dr. Claire Cifaloglio, Arlington County Health Office, provided a highly informative talk on preventive health. One important idea I got from the talk is the cost of false positive in medical screening. Getting more health tests is not necessarily better. Think of it this way: if you're low risk for a health problem, you might have a 1 in million change of having the disease. But the rate of false positives from the test might be 1 in a thousand. If you falsely test positive, you will be subject to additional medical procedures that inevitably carry some health risk, plus you will be subject to stress, wasted time, and wasted money. Multiply expected costs by a thousand (1-in-a-thousand false positive versus 1-in-a-million true case) and they may outweight the expected benefits of detecting the (rare) condition. For some preventive health tools, see Guidelines to Clinical Preventive Services 2008, Cardiovascular Risk Tool, Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator, and the Breast Cancer Risk Tool.
7. A County Board budget work session will take place on Apr. 7 at 7 pm in the third-floor County Board room at the Courthouse County Building. Libraries and parks will be discussed. The public can attend, but there will not be public comments.
8. The Arlington County Board will vote on the county budget for fiscal year 2010 on Apr. 28. County Board Member Mary Hynes will be the guest speaker at the April RAFOM meeting, which will occur later that week (exact date not yet set).
   

Feb. RAFOM meeting

The Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Association (RAFOM) met on Feb. 24. Some notes:

1. Treasurer David Treworgy reported that RAFOM has 78 dues paying members and 316 persons signed up on its email list.
2. Negotiations continued for free access days for local residents to the observation deck that will be part of the Central Place construction. RAFOM and other community groups are seeking three days of free resident access a week, while JBG, the developer, is offering only two.
3. The Rosslyn Ridge site plan includes $500,000 dedicated to improving Hillside Park (here). Plans include improvements to the recreation area at the top of the park, new signage, and possibly better lighting. RAFOM members are working to ensure that the trees in the park will be preserved and that the park will be maintained as an urban forest.
4. Steve Campbell described the Arlington Tree Give-away program. Single-family properties can receive one free tree. Multi-family properties can receive multiple free trees. The purpose of this program is to encourage the planting of trees on private property so as to increase the size of the Arlington tree canopy. Orders for trees will be taken through April 24. Persons living in the RAFOM area and who want trees should contact Steve Campbell via email at mitska 'at' juno 'dot' com, or by telephone at 703 243-6265.
   
5. Peter Fallon, chairman of the Arlington County Planning Commission, addressed the meeting. The Planning Commission is an all-volunteer body required under state law. It advises the County Board on development issues and gives the Board recommendations on site plans. In busy times the Planning Commission members have attended three or four meetings a week, as well as meetings on Saturday. This is extraordinary volunteer service. Mr. Fallon noted a slowdown in site plan submissions associated with the worsening economy. He stated that no Rosslyn site plan applications are currently pending. He also noted that Arlington is relatively well positioned economically because 45% of its tax base is commercial.
   

The next RAFOM meeting on March 31 will include a presentation on health and exercise.

RAFOM annual meeting draws large, informed group

The RAFOM annual meeting at the Top of the Town this evening brought together many persons actively working to make the neighborhood a better place. Civic association leaders engaged in the review of various development projects occurring around Rosslyn spoke about the plans and issues of building density, affordable housing, and community benefits. Police and fire officials working to make the neighborhood safer were at the meeting, as were Arlington County Board officials, including Chairman Walter Tejada. Congressman Jim Moran gave a lively, unscripted presentation in which he spoke passionately about the need for fiscal responsibility and on the importance of welcoming immigrants to the U.S.

Additional news coverage: this evening I discovered that the rear tire on my bicycle had gone flat when I got on it to ride home from work. After changing the tire twice and then patching a tube, I got home and arrived at the meeting just as Mr. Tejada was ending his presentation. Thus I regret that I am unable to report on his presentation. Useful lesson: don't install a new tube on your bike until your check that it doesn't leak.

you need a working smoke detector

Captain Rick Genest, Commander of Fire Station 10 in Rosslyn, spoke at the RAFOM Civic Association meeting yesterday. He mentioned that his father was a fire fighter in Arlington, so we've got a second-generation Arlington fire fighter commanding our Rosslyn station.

Capt. Genest emphasized the importance of smoke detectors. If you don't have one, buy one. They're cheap. If you can't afford one, you can call Arlington County at 703 228-4659 and they will come and install one for you free of charge.

Extension cords are a major fire risk. In general, don't use them on a permanent basis. If you have an extension cord running under a rug, you've got a serious risk of fire.

If you've got a fire extinguisher that's been sitting around for over a decade, you should replace it. They don't last forever, and can go bad even while showing a "charged" reading.

Arlington has set up a program for registering persons, such as bed-ridden and disabled persons, who need assistance in evacuating in an emergency. See the I sticker program information.

Final note: The RAFOM annual meeting is June 11 at Top of the Town.