AHCA November Minutes

Emma Whelan and Mark Pantall introduced their new business, located at 3650 South Glebe Road, near the Harris Teeter, and described their food, drink, and entertainment offerings and weekly special events. Addition information is available at www.mcgintyspublichouse.com

Mr. Richard Best, Arlington County staff member, provided his recommendations on how best to use the $97,000 developer-set-aside for street and sidewalk improvements along Joyce between 15th and 23rd. He provided a handout (copied below) with options, existing condition, and his recommended priority.

Mr. Best said the top 4 or 5 could be done for $97,000 and the rest could be done later with Neighborhood Conservation funds. He said it would likely cost $150,000 to $175,000 to do all nine projects.

A motion to support the priority list provided by Mr. Best received unanimous approval.

Mr. Best said that, given AHCA and ARCA endorsement of the priority list, he will return with a project plan for review.

Cheryl Mendonsa reported there is no news about Crystal City Business Improvement District activities. She also said the phone number listed in the SOC advertisement for holiday cards is incorrect. The correct phone number will be posted on the list serve. (Post-meeting addendum: The main SOC number is 703-521-4441 and the direct number to Ashley in sales is 703-299-3242.)

Bruce Cameron announced plans for a holiday dinner December 5, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Firehouse. Contact him at brucecameronahca@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Gail Fleming urged all to join AHCA and pay their dues for the coming year.

Bill Gillen expects there will be a $1M cut to the $12M library budget in the coming budget. Overall, the county budget shortfall is expected to be $80M-$100M, necessitating cuts in services and a tax increase. The new budget will be out next February.

Marcia Grenell described plans to install a bay window in her house at the corner of 19th and Ives and the need to get a set-back variance from the County. She said the neighbors she has spoken with have no objection.

A motion to support Ms. Grenell's variance request received unanimous approval.

Giovanni Saba, Maria Teresa's son, said he has been told AHCA opposition to the business is the reason the County has not approved their application to care for 50 children. The facility is currently approved for 34 children.

No one could recall AHCA opposition to the facility, and Mr. Cameron volunteered to call county staff to dispel rumors about AHCA opposition.

(From Mr. Cameron, a post-meeting addendum: "AHCA has been in touch with senior county staff. Two issues will go to the County Board on December 12th. One is the renewal of the use permit. Another is what we call a "variance" asking for an increase in capacity from 34 to 71. We have asked staff for insights on how all this pick up and drop off will be handled with the small driveway spot MT has, separate and apart from the staff parking concern.

Most likely, AHCA will publicize for community comment and a take a vote on December 5th at AHCA meeting, most likely to be held at the Community Building at 4:00pm just before the Holiday party at 5:00pm at the Fire House.")

AHCA and ARCA have representatives on the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) and they raised the need for the Crystal City Plan to include impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods. See the document posted on the AHCA website www.aurorahighlands.org/_Media/ARCA_AHCA_CC_Comments_Recommendations_Vision_Plan_2050_08_17_09.pdf The next LRPC meeting will be November 19. Mr. Cameron urged all to be constructively engaged in the planning process.