Tara-Leeway Heights Civic Association

DRAFT LETTER TO ARLINGTON’S SCHOOL BOARD — YOUR COMMENTS PLEASE

January 26th, 2012 Posted in News | No Comments »

Below is a DRAFT letter the civic association will send to the School Board. We want your comments. Please send them to Braswell67@verizon.net who will forward them to all members of the civic association board. The deadline is February 2, 2012

Open letter to Arlington School Board regarding the possible expansion of facilities at the Reed School

Dear Arlington County School Board,

The citizens of Tara Leeway Heights Civic Association commend the School Board for examining a variety of options to address elementary school overcrowding, working with the County Board in reviewing County administered facilities, and to begin planning for a projected larger student population in the coming years. As the School Board deliberates on the options before it in preparation for the finalization of Arlington Public Schools (APS) capital projects and the bond proposal in May, members of the Tara Leeway Heights Civic Association would like to present the Board with points for its consideration in this important issue.

Factor Community/Neighborhood Concerns. We commend the School Board for examining a variety of options to address elementary school projected overcrowding in Arlington County and to begin planning for a possible larger student population in the coming years. As the School Board, proceeds to meet this projected need, we request that the School Board take into account community/neighborhood concerns as it considers options for selecting a new school site and/or making additions to current school buildings. In essence we seek a fuller coordination with all Arlington residents especially those who would be most affected by any changes.

Preserve Arlington Green Space. We believe Arlington’s green space is central to people’s health and well-being, an essential County asset that must not be overlooked. Open space provides opportunities for children and adults to gather, take walks, fly kites, play, and enjoy the night sky. As Arlington continues to become an even more urban community with large additions to homes and new residential and commercial construction open space becomes an ever more valuable commodity to Arlington residents. We urge the School Board to use existing buildings in the County, if at all possible, to meet our projected need for more classroom space. Arlington endeavors to be a leader in green construction. Use of existing structures whenever possible, is seen throughout the Country as the most environmentally appropriate approach. Further, Arlington’s green space is not equally shared throughout the County. We hope that any projected construction considers and better balances available Arlington green space for all residents.

Factors Against a New School Building at the Westover Reed Site. As nearly residents and frequent users of the Reed Westover site, we are especially concerned about the APS option to construct a new, 600-plus student elementary school in the field and park open space of the Westover-Reed Site (at Lexington and McKinley Streets). After over 15 plus years of analysis and discussion, the Reed Westover site has been recently completely upgraded. The site is the locale of the recently completed Westover-Reed school renovation project involving immense efforts among the community, APS, and the County. That work involved tearing down the old Westover Library, building the new Westover/Reed School site, re-fencing the green space, re-grading the ball field below the old library site, planting new trees, laying down new concrete paths and stairs and creating picnic areas and seating opportunities.

The successful Westover-Reed planning and construction process has made the Village of Westover, Westover Library, the Reed School, and the open space (playgrounds, sports fields and green space) function as a beautifully integrated whole. It’s been a wonderful accomplishment by APS and the County. This is a model for cooperation and success between APS and the County staff with full involvement by the community. The site has become a destination spot for County residents, including shoppers, post office and library patrons, children’s sports teams, and possibly a farmer’s market in the Spring; expected to open in May 2012. The many years of planning that went into the Reed School/Westover construction is a terrific integration of green space, playing fields and buildings, and the entire community benefits from this balance, whether through soccer playing, kite-flying, or sledding in the winter. It is a case study in successful urban design.

With that site work only recently completed, and County residents, County and APS staff and officials rightly happy with the results of that long and difficult effort, we now are confronted with the possibility that all that success may be washed away by yet another multi-year construction project, which would eliminate this unique Arlington asset. An asset which is one of the few such open spaces in this part of the County.

We believe it would be wasteful and disruptive to start over and, yet again, revamp this site. We urge the School Board not to disturb this completed, successful urban plan with a new construction project.

Consideration of Addition to the Reed School. We understand the School Board is also considering, as one of many possible options, additional stories added to the Reed School to convert it into a 400-plus student elementary school that could function as one of the few true “walking schools” in Arlington County. We understand this may require re-location of the Arlington Children’s Day Care Center and the center that assists teenage mothers, and other APS programs, and perhaps some renovation to the new Westover Library so it can be integrated with a new elementary school. Expansion of the current building’s footprint would be necessary to provide for a cafeteria and multi-purpose room and other school requirements. The School Board’s published site studies included a “Reed addition” option, but did not indicate what building expansion would be required (and how it might affect the new adjoining green space, parking lots, and/or library). While we would prefer the Reed addition to a new school building, we request to see the full feasibility plan for that option, if it becomes a serious proposal for the School Board.

We further request that the most successful Arlington Way be fully employed County-wide in this overall effort; with the near neighbors having full and open community input.

Projected School Census. As the broader community becomes aware of the possibly elementary school population increase, there are pockets of concern that the supporting data is not as substantive as needed. Further there are concerns that the possible elementary school population increases may be in only parts of the County with some schools having underutilized space. In addition some believe that there may be existing available space which would require renovation rather than new construction. Renovation use of existing underutilized facilities is believed to be a much greener option than new construction in many instances. Whether these issues have any validity or not, there is the issue of improving the communications to all Arlington residents regarding this subject and utilizing the Arlington Way which has proven so successful.

County Board Open Door Monday Meetings with Residents

January 21st, 2012 Posted in News | No Comments »

As part of the County Board’s work on PLACE – Participation, Leadership and Civic Engagement, the County Board is launching Open Door Mondays, providing an ongoing opportunity for community members to chat directly with a Board member about Arlington issues of concern to them.

These sessions will be held on Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at locations around Arlington. The schedule is on the County website Arlingtonva.us.

The County Board believes that good ideas come from our residents – their diversity of experiences, expertise and backgrounds is a real factor in Arlington’s success. As the County Board thinks about the many challenges ahead for Arlington, they want to be sure that residents know that their ideas, concerns and suggestions are welcome AND needed. A Board member will be present at each OPEN DOOR MONDAY; residents don’t need an appointment. They should feel free to stop by and will be seen in the order that they arrive.

The Tara Leeway Board suggests that you share your concern with a Board member so that the Board and our broader community can support your issue

As has been the case for many years, County Board members will continue to meet residents during the work day at the County building as well. Appointments for those meetings can be made by calling 703-228-3130 or emailing county board@arlingtonva.us.

CRIME REPORT FOR TARA LEEWAY

January 18th, 2012 Posted in News | No Comments »

BURGLARY, 01/17/12, 5500 block of N 17th St. On January 17 at 5:02 pm, suspect entered house thru broken basement window and jewelry and electronics. No suspect description available.

JANUARY CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING: Tuesday, JANUARY 17 from 7-9pm

January 13th, 2012 Posted in News | No Comments »

The location: Multi Purpose Conference Room in the Westover library
The agenda:

1. Westover Farmer’s Market status — what needs to be done to open in the spring. What actions are ongoing.
2. School overcrowding. How and in what manner should the civic association address possible school construction and the effects of overcrowding.
3. The Egg Project —- backyard hens.
4. Nominating committee for next year’s officers and board members.

WESTOVER FARMERS MARKET UPDATE

January 5th, 2012 Posted in News | 2 Comments »

The Westover Farmers Market may be waiting for your Sunday patronage in May 2012. The market will become a reality because of the hard work and many continuing efforts by dedicated local residents. Our hard working neighbors have been meeting regularly and performing the many tasks needed to make the market a reality. A nonprofit company (Field to Table, Inc.) to operate the market has been incorporated in Virginia. The company has applied to the IRS for recognition as a charitable organization. A draft use permit application has been sent to County staff, and discussions are also underway with Arlington school officials. The planned market will be in front of the Westover Library and Reed School building and will likely also use the adjoining off-street parking lot in front of the ball field on N. 18th Street.

Financial support has been provided from several local civic associations and individual residents. Please consider being a financial supporter of our Westover Farmers Market. A financial contribution is easy and convenient. Simply make a check payable to Field to Table, Inc., P.O. Box 5948, Arlington, VA 22205-0948.

Interested in volunteering in some capacity to help launch or sustain the market? Send an email to westoverfarmersmarket@hotmail.com and identify how you may be able to assist. Or simply offer your assistance and we’ll work together to find what you would enjoy most.

JANUARY/MARCH ELECTIONS TO FILL COUNTY BOARD SEAT VACATED BY SENATOR ELECT FAVOLA

January 1st, 2012 Posted in News | No Comments »

The Arlington County Board special election — to fill the seat being vacated by state Senator-elect Barbara Favola — will be held on Tuesday, March 27 at your designated precinct, e.g. Lexington. So far, no Republicans have announced their intention to run for the seat. The announced Green Party candidate is Audrey Clement.

The Democrats will choose a nominee among, to date, 6 announced candidates — Melissa Bondi, Peter Fallon, Libby Garvey, Kim Klingler, Elmer Lowe, and Terron Sims. Democrats will choose their nominee during caucuses on Thursday, Jan. 19 (at Washington-Lee High School) and on Saturday, Jan. 21 (at Kenmore Middle School).

To date we are aware of three candidate forum:

1. Candidate’s Night hosted by Madison Manor civic association on January 10 at 7:30 (candidates arrive at 7:00). Location McKinley Elementary School. The format — two minute opening statement in alphabetical order, one minute closing statement in reverse alphabetical order. Q&A in random drawing between, and with only an hour program, probably only answering one question each. All seven announced candidates are invited.

2. The Arlington County Democratic Committee (ACDC) has scheduled a candidate forum for Wednesday, Jan. 4. The forum will be held during the ACDC meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the NRECA building in Ballston (4301 Wilson Blvd). The 6 announced Democratic candidates are invited.

3. The Cherrydale civic association will be having a candidate forum at the old Cherrydale fire station on Lee Highway at 7:30 on January 18. All announced candidates have been invited.

As an Arlington civic association, we are non partisan. This is for your information. If you know of other candidates’ forum that our residents might find of interest, please advise Bill Braswell at Braswell67@verizon.net. We will post any non partisan information of interest to our civic association residents on our website.

Big Walnut Park Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, Nov 5 at 3p

November 1st, 2011 Posted in Neighborhood Projects, News | Comments Off

From Arlington’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department:

Join us for the Big Walnut Park Ribbon Cutting! Enjoy balloon art, sweet treats and more as we celebrate the new park renovations, including a larger play area for school-age children, a sand play area, and a new picnic area.

See the flyer for more information.

REVISED SATURDAY WESTOVER HALLOWEEN PLANS

October 28th, 2011 Posted in News | Comments Off

Because of the weather forecasts predicting rain (and even snow) on Saturday, we unfortunately have decided to cancel the Halloween parade planned for Saturday, October 29. However, all kids and adults are invited to come to the Westover Library for Halloween story time from 2:30 to 3:00 on Saturday, October 29, some coloring activities, and a performance by mr. don at 3:15. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume! The Westover Village Civic Association will hand out non-candy treats under the awning in front of the library.

We look forward to seeing you all Saturday afternoon.

WESTOVER HAPPENINGS THIS WEEKEND — CANDIDATES AND HALLOWEEN FUN

October 25th, 2011 Posted in News | 1 Comment »

Please plan to attend these exciting events this weekend.

October 29, Saturday – Westover Votes! Come meet all the candidates on the November ballot in the Westover area at the Beer Garden between 2:30 and 3:30. No speeches, just a chance to meet and greet the candidates.

October 29, Saturday – The annual Westover Halloween Parade will kick off at 3:30 pm on the field next to Reed School. Children’s entertainer Mr. don will perform beginning at 4. The WVCA will provide non-candy snacks. The Westover merchants are organizing a series of events as well.

Local Crime Report – October 19, 2011

October 19th, 2011 Posted in News, Police Notices | Comments Off

From the latest Crime Report:

  • STOLEN VEHICLE, 10/15/11, VA SABLES, 2003 Toyota 4runner, silver, 5400 block of N. 23rd Street

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