Whew! There's a lot going on, so the Growler wants to take a minute to pass along information and issue a couple of reminders.
Yet Another Braddock Road Community Meeting
This E-mail just arrived from Kathleen Beeton:
"Please be advised that the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Plan public hearings at the Planning Commission and City Council have been deferred from April to May. We will post the meeting notes from the Tuesday, March 20 community meeting and related information to the Planning and Zoning website shortly (http://www.alexandriava.gov/planningandzoning/braddock_road.php).
"A community meeting will be scheduled in April (date to be determined) and we will send a notice to you via eNews with the details. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Kathleen Beeton at (703)838-3866, extension 333 or kathleen.beeton@alexandriava.gov.
"Thank you for your interest in the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Plan. Please accept our apologies in advance if you have received another email with this information. We are working with eNews to ensure that people who wish to receive notices regarding the Braddock Plan are indeed receiving them. Thank you."
Public Meeting on Hunter-Miller Park
Monday, March 26
7:30 p.m.
Durant Center
1605 Cameron Street
If you recall, last year residents nearest the park successfully pressed police to remove the picnic tables at Hunter-Miller Park because they encouraged loitering and because the crevices of the furniture were being used by drug dealers to exchange money and crack with customers.
ICCA leaders tried to press for their return — who knows why? — but were overruled in a membership vote. Thank goodness.
However, the same dynamic may be at work again on Monday night. If you are interested in keeping the park drug-free for children and their families (as well as those who enjoy pickup basketball games on the nearby court), put this on your calendar.
"During the meeting, staff will present preliminary-site analysis and potential concepts, gather feedback from the community, and outline the next steps and the schedule for renovation. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2007 and continue to the spring of 2008. Funding for the project is included in the current FY 2007-2008 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) schedule."
"Persons who are unable to attend the community meeting can send written comments to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: Judy Lo, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or e-mail judy.lo@alexandriava.gov."
Redevelopment of Alexandria's Homeless Shelter
Thursday, March 29
Carpenter’s Shelter
930 North Henry Street
7:00-8:00 pm
The shelter is holding a meeting to discuss their "unique opportunity in the Braddock Road development plan" and a chance "to hear all about our exciting new opportunities for development and give us the opportunity to listen to your comments and community feedback."
The Growler is already shuddering to think what this project is going to look like. Condos on top of a homeless shelter?
We'll know soon enough ...
49 comments:
Condos on top of a homeless shelter...those ought to sell like hotcakes....
Wonder what that lobby would be like...Considering Mickie D's is always on the Top 10 calls for service list, we might move that location up to 4 if it ever gets built
What do you want to be the Homeless Shelt meeting will be yet another lecture on the value of low income, affordable housing in the 'hood. Mickey D's manager should be given combat pay for dealing with the homeless men it serves.
"ICCA leaders tried to press for their return — who knows why? — but were overruled in a membership vote. Thank goodness."
This is an issue that continues to be misrepresented. What actually happened was that the park and Rec department was ready to move the tables per a civic association request. Then they received some complaints about the prospect of the tables being removed. The department then asked the civic association to vote on the issue so that the department could get a better reading on the neighborhood's preference. Normally they would hold their own public hearing but they were trying to take action quickly and could not hold their own.
Read the full story on the picnic tables at:
http://parkergray.blogspot.com/2006/05/picnic-tables.html
and
www.parkergray.blogspot.com/2006/05/kids-1-crackheads-0.html
"Read the full story on the picnic tables at:"
Thank you for pointing out the misinformation that I was talking about. Ask about the history of the issue on Monday night. Then we can put this issue behind us.
qdrrjnfOn Monday night I'd like to know the truth all right: I'd like to know what Bill Cromley has against the children that have played in the park since the drug dealers and their tables were removed. I'd like to know why Bill Cromley won't employ black businesses. I'd like to know why he insists on putting facilities in the park that facilitate the drug trade. And I'd like to know how his building will sell in a saturated market.
Re: the park at Queen and Fayette: I'd like to congratulate Mr. Cromley on finally washing the year-old graffitti off the front of his building next to the park, and the park will make a lovely recreation area for the new residents. At some point, it should be renamed Cromley Park to express the "new attitude" he brings to Parker Gray.
"This is an issue that continues to be misrepresented. What actually happened was that the park and Rec department was ready to move the tables per a civic association request. Then they received some complaints about the prospect of the tables being removed. The department then asked the civic association to vote on the issue so that the department could get a better reading on the neighborhood's preference. Normally they would hold their own public hearing but they were trying to take action quickly and could not hold their own."
The phrases "the park and Rec department was ready to move the tables" and "the prospect of the tables being moved" imply the tables were still around at the time of the vote.
In fact, the tables were removed some time in late winter without any vote being solicited from ICCA first. This action probably was due to police involvement and the fact that the tables weren't permanent park fixtures, just forgotten temporary equipment from a past event.
While the issue was complicated by ICCA's participation in the City's "adopt-a-park" program, it remains curious that a vote wasn't required to get the tables out initially but was required to confirm that they stayed out.
Putting the issue to a vote created an opportunity to rally supporters of the picnic tables and get them returned.
That didn't happen, fortunately.
Hey, as long as the City keeps giving 3.9 million in loans to ARHA, we have nothing to worry about:
Alexandria (Map, News) - An application for $3.7 million in state public housing credits considered key to renovating a low income and public housing complex in Arlandria could receive a letter of support from the City Council Tuesday.
There is strong competition for the tax credit from Richmond, and city support increases Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s chances of getting it, according to city manager James Hartmann.
The nine-building Glebe Park apartment complex at West Glebe Road and Old Dominion Boulevard was built in 1945. More than half the units are unlivable due to persistent mold and other problems. The apartments were last remodeled after the state purchased them for public and affordable housing in 1987.
Due to “the property’s dilapidated condition and escalating vacancy,” ARHA has had to cover about $500,000 annually in upkeep and mortgage payments in recent years, Hartmann wrote the city council. If ARHA is unable to make the apartments self-sustaining, the federal department of Housing and Urban Development could foreclose on the property.
ARHA is proposing to redevelop Glebe Park in two phases. The state tax credit would provide $3.7 million in up-front cash for the first phase, renovating 12 units and building 28 new ones on Old Dominion Boulevard. The second phase on West Glebe Road will build 48 new apartments and rehabilitate 12 apartments.
“That funding is really key,” Alexandria Housing Division Chief Mildrilyn Davis said. “It’ll be back to the drawing board if they don’t get it.”
To go forward, the project also needs land use and zoning approval as well as a city loan of up to $3.9 million in May. A letter of support wouldn’t commit the city, Hartmann wrote.
The ARHA hopes to begin construction by the end of 2007.
http://www.examiner.com/
a-639054~Alexandria_to_
consider_public_housing_state_
tax_credit.html
"What do you want to be the Homeless Shelt meeting will be yet another lecture on the value of low income, affordable housing in the 'hood."
I was over there this weekend and it was seriously distressing to watch how the employees were treated...the Toms Auto condos and Northern Gateway condoes are going to sell like lemonade on a hot summer red zone day....
"600 block of North Henry Street 3/25 at 1:15 a.m. The victim, a 24-year-old Alexandria woman, was walking when a man she did not know began following her. He grabbed her and forced her to the ground a short distance from the road. Two police officers observed the abduction and intervened, pulling the suspect off of the victim and arresting him. The victim was not injured. William L. Moreno Rubio, a 20-year-old with no fixed address, was charged with Abduction."
Just show them a copy of this when they start their "bleeding heart" speech.
Ask the Mayor for Eternity whether we are going to be walkable and livable when he implements his "Condos on Crack" strategy.
Ask the Vice Mayor whether we can shift some homeless shelter residents down near his house on Union.
Have someone ask this victim whether she will return to PG anytime soon to shop at the Monarch....
"At Thu May 11, [2006]10:03:00 AM EST,
Anonymous said...
Thanks to those who attended last night's ICCA meeting. The member vote overwhelmingly favored the removal of the picnic tables. Sadly, Ms. Schubert seemed to want the tables returned. From whom does she seek advice?
I have been long coming to this conclusion, but Cromley's critics are right. I predict he and the President will revisit the issue, the timing to coincide with the sale of his Laundry condominiums.
We thank all who voted on behalf of our children."
Growler, anyone have a good idea of what transpired in the 'hood this weekend? There was a huge police presence near and around Bland on Saturday night. Precursor to the being of the red zone days? Police report notes drug and larceny pending.
It appears that not too many people hear care about the park. It was a good meeting even though it was lightly attended. If you don't participate, don't complain about the park.
"If you don't participate, don't complain about the park. "
Most people don't go to the Helen Miller Park, due to the presence of the nearby Spa Court and all its assorted problems.
So don't blame people when they don't really care about something they mostly never visit (or want to be around)
"There was a huge police presence near and around Bland on Saturday night. "
Adkins was heating up last night too...trash is piling up and loud music and f-bombs were a welcome relief for Metro commuters coming home from work.....
I noticed the increased, undesirable activity around Adkins yesterday, too, while walking home from metro. It coincides with the nice weather. Today Adkins should be even worse, as it's supposed to be 80 degrees.
"It appears that not too many people hear care about the park. It was a good meeting even though it was lightly attended. If you don't participate, don't complain about the park."
"So don't blame people when they don't really care about something..."
Deja vu, all over again. What makes you think anyone's attendance was truly wanted? Other than the Internet, was this thing announced? Not all my neighbors use a computer for communication. Did your block captain knock on your door? Did you get a phone call from the ICCCA phone tree, or even a flyer from Parks& Rec? Or see a flyer posted in your day care center, coffee house or church? There's a difference between giving notice and notifying someone.
"So don't blame people when they don't really care about something..."
"Deja vu, all over again. What makes you think anyone's attendance was truly wanted?"
There were enough people there to make it clear that the word had gotten out about the meeting. It is just that the people who were complaining about some conspiracy involving the picnic tables weren't there. The Growler certainly wasn't at the meeting...
It says it all when you live in a neighborhood where you cant even have picnic tables out at a park because there are drug dealers and crackheads everywhere using them as a way to distribute drugs....
Maybe they need to build condos near the Spa Court....that ought to clean up that area and get the "Queen Street Business Corridor" moving....
The Growler had a conflict last night: the Alexandria Commission on Women was sponsoring a banquet to honor women of outstanding achievement and one of the awards went to Sarah Becker, former long-time president of the ICCA.
>>"The Growler is already shuddering to think what this project is going to look like. Condos on top of a homeless shelter?"
I'll save you the effort and do your whining for you:
"Not In My Back Yaaarrrrd!"
"Persons who are unable to attend the community meeting can send written comments to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: Judy Lo, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or e-mail judy.lo@alexandriava.gov."
"It appears that not too many people hear care about the park...If you don't participate, don't complain about the park.
Why hire a babysitter when online communication will do?
"I'll save you the effort and do your whining for you:
"Not In My Back Yaaarrrrd!""
Sounds like another Cameron Station ninnie....wonder how many homeless shelters, public housing units, and safe havens they have....
"I'll save you the effort and do your whining for you: 'Not In My Back Yaaarrrrd!'"
In fact, it's not in the Growler's immediate back yard though it's been in Parker-Gray's back yard for years at various locations north of Wythe or Madison.
The question is how do you retain a homeless shelter while building above and around it. Will the redevelopment be transitional or low-income housing on top of the shelter or will they go for full Manhattan broke, with luxury condos on top?
Or, they could sell the land outright for an outrageous sum of money and find themselves a much cheaper property outside of Old Town/PG.
>> "The question is how do you retain a homeless shelter while building above and around it. Will the redevelopment be transitional or low-income housing on top of the shelter or will they go for full Manhattan broke, with luxury condos on top?"
Since – re: Redevelopment of Alexandria's Homeless Shelter – you snidely stated: "The Growler is already shuddering to think what this project is going to look like..." I see little reason to expect any positive input from you regarding the homeless shelter’s redevelopment.
"Since – re: Redevelopment of Alexandria's Homeless Shelter – you snidely stated: "The Growler is already shuddering to think what this project is going to look like..." I see little reason to expect any positive input from you regarding the homeless shelter’s redevelopment."
Please share with us how there would be any positive input in this "process" other than "we are leaving"
Maybe you need to head over to Mickie D's on a Saturday night......you sound like one of those Cameron Station ninnies who preach the bleeding heart gospel but have no public housing, homeless shelters, or safe havens anywhere around you....
"Or, they could sell the land outright for an outrageous sum of money and find themselves a much cheaper property outside of Old Town/PG."
Like Adkins or Bland as well....but the problem is the bleeding hearts would rather go down fighting for their ideology than worrying about what effect this overconcentration of social services has on North Parker Gray....
"The question is how do you retain a homeless shelter while building above and around it. Will the redevelopment be transitional or low-income housing on top of the shelter or will they go for full Manhattan broke, with luxury condos on top?"
More public housing above the shelter? Seriously, why dont they just station an entire company of policeman at the Mickie D's then? I am sure this will make the "Northern Gateway" the City's new hotspot.
>> "Or, they could sell the land outright for an outrageous sum of money and find themselves a much cheaper property outside of Old Town/PG."
Just so long as they go away, right?
"Today Adkins should be even worse, as it's supposed to be 80 degrees."
Yes, Adkins is a nightmare. So where was the poster of the above comment at the March 20 meeting? Where were the voices of all those who claim to be disgruntled by the Adkins projects?
"Just so long as they go away, right?"
No, just as long as they go somewhere near your house....
"Yes, Adkins is a nightmare. So where was the poster of the above comment at the March 20 meeting? Where were the voices of all those who claim to be disgruntled by the Adkins projects?"
They were either
1. ignored by the P&Z bureaucrats who apparently were instructed by ARHA and Council to allow no complaint about thgeir cherished comments or
2. Afraid that the race-card brigade (which you sound like a member of) might come out with their usual litany of namecalling and speeches
"Since – re: Redevelopment of Alexandria's Homeless Shelter – you snidely stated: "The Growler is already shuddering to think what this project is going to look like..." I see little reason to expect any positive input from you regarding the homeless shelter’s redevelopment."
Rather snippy don't you think? Or are you a lobbyist for homeless, public or low income housing.
>> "No, just as long as they go somewhere near your house...."
You've perfectly illustrated my point. Thank you.
"Rather snippy don't you think? Or are you a lobbyist for homeless, public or low income housing."
My guess is that ARHA finally got some computers installed at their HQ on Fairfax St.....
>> "Maybe you need to head over to Mickie D's on a Saturday night......you sound like one of those Cameron Station ninnies who preach the bleeding heart gospel but have no public housing, homeless shelters, or safe havens anywhere around you.... "
Sorry to break your heart, but I live at First & Fayette, diagonal from that McDonald's.
I walk past that shelter everyday.
Homelessness is a part of real life in America and – no matter how much money you’ve got – you can't hide from the fact that it exists. Face the problem. Deal with it.
Everyday that shelter helps families to get back on their feet and all you people on here can do is squeal "Not In My Back Yaaarrrrd!'" You all should be ashamed of yourselves.
And don't give me that "hey, I pay my taxes," crap. All that means is that you are doing the bare minimum. Try volunteering somewhere – or at least learn something about it – before you condemn it.
My goodness, from the tone of these posts, it certainly would appear that many people are sick and tired of all the social services in PG. At the March 20 meeting, I stood up and asked the panel why they thought retail would want to move to such a depressed area. The panel looked embarrassed, gave me a dirty look and moved on to another subject. It was an opportunity for other attendees to stand and voice their concerns about public housing. But no one else did. Oh, there were polite ladies who made polite speeches about how public housing policies need to be revisited. Does anyone truly believe that politeness in this situation will win over the "deciders"? Was everyone so scared that he or she would be labeled a RACIST for voicing an opinion on the glut of public housing in PG? As long as this fear of offending continues to exist, we will keep seeing more and more public housing, shelters, etc. I can just see the retailers tripping over one another to get in here. There are, of course, pawnbrokers and dollar stores. So maybe I'm wrong.
The Carpenter's Shelter describes itself as the largest homeless program in Northern Virginia.
http://www.carpentersshelter.org/about.htm
"Homelessness is a part of real life in America and – no matter how much money you’ve got – you can't hide from the fact that it exists. Face the problem. Deal with it."
OK, so why won't the City of Alexandria establish homeless shelters in Cameron Station then? Where is the homeless shelter in Rosemont? Where is the shelter down on Union St or near Fords Landing?
"And don't give me that "hey, I pay my taxes," crap. All that means is that you are doing the bare minimum. Try volunteering somewhere – or at least learn something about it – before you condemn it."
Guess what sonny, we are volunteering, everyday, to sit on the frontlines and deal with the issues that homelessness causes to the community.
I never hear any of the negatives, only the positives, from City leaders...
If its so wonderful, lets build right in Old Town then. Another one out on the West End.
First and Fayette...ahahahah...you live in the "sheltered" condo building where the problems of homelessness dont show their face. Get down to street level and walk around at midnight.
Why not build one in the new Potomac Yard as well?
"You've perfectly illustrated my point. Thank you."
Your point is that you seem to think we shouldn't complain about the Carpenters shelter?
And why is that?
It seems to be a hotspot for trouble in Parker Gray.
"I stood up and asked the panel why they thought retail would want to move to such a depressed area. The panel looked embarrassed, gave me a dirty look and moved on to another subject."
The "Plan" doesnt rely on retail. Thats just a facade to get the condos in. The "Plan" relies on lots of condoes so the Mayor for Eternity can take the tax dollars and spend them in Delray.
"The Carpenter's Shelter describes itself as the largest homeless program in Northern Virginia.
http://www.carpentersshelter.org/about.htm"
So, largest homeless shelter in Nova and largest concentration of public housing in Nova, all within a small 5 block radius....
Need anything more be said?
Other than: WHO THE HECK IS GOING TO BUY THESE CONDOES?
What are you spouting?
"Everyday that shelter helps families to get back on their feet and all you people on here can do is squeal "Not In My Back Yaaarrrrd!'" You all should be ashamed of yourselves."
If you claim we're facing a huge crisis that requires great personal sacrifice on everyone's part, but refuse to make any real sacrifice yourself, then your attempts to obscure the latter fact through empty symbolic gestures deserve to be mocked.
Tell this line word for word to the City.
If they and you believe homelessness is such a crisis, then they should demand that every neighborhood in Alexandria has some type of homeless shelter and some public housing units.
If we face a crisis, everyone must sacrifice in Alexandria and do their fair share.
Oh wait, did I just recite the Fair Share Report Executive Summary. Maybe you should read it, First and Fayette.
And while you are at it, understand that the original gist of this issue was the City's seeming insistence to expand the Carpenters Shelter by adding more room to the shelter and also building condoes on top of it.
Most people on the Planet Earth would have trouble with that concept. Most people on the Planet Earth also would want to know why you couldnt just expand the homeless shelter in other parts of the city, just like the question is asked with public housing.
Sounds like some of the bleeding hearts can dish it (into Parker Gray) but they cant take it (as in, take it in their neighborhood)
If you could not attend the meeting on Hunter/Miller park, please email Judy (judy.lo@alexandriava.gov) and ask for a copy of the survey she distributed and collected. Parks and Rec also said they had plans to solicit input at a neighboorhood association meeting and another meeting in about 6-8 weeks. They also asked for input as to how to get the word out about the meetings (FYI the March 26 meeting was listed in the Alexandria/Arlington section of the Washington Post last week). Roger also distributed a list of newly renovated parks in Alexandria and Arlington and encouraged people to get out and look at those for ideas for potential improvements.
Persons who are unable to attend the community meeting can send written comments to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: Judy Lo, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or e-mail judy.lo@alexandriava.gov.
"Sorry to break your heart, but I live at First & Fayette, diagonal from that McDonald's."
Are you a resident of The Meridian, perhaps a renter?
You know, the Carpenter's Shelter redevelopment may simply be a renovation to expand the facility so it can handle more people and programs.
We'll know more after tomorrow night.
"If you claim we're facing a huge crisis that requires great personal sacrifice on everyone's part, but refuse to make any real sacrifice yourself, then your attempts to obscure the latter fact through empty symbolic gestures deserve to be mocked."
Huge crisis? Did anyone notice the size of the buildings they propose near Metro? Oops, I mean east of Metro. The argument above applies to those huge buildings (and the traffic that will come with them) The rationale that the City needs that much more and that much bigger development around Metro is a sham. If it's all that necessary, then underdeveloped property everywhere within walking distance of Metro must be considered ripe for development.
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