The election is over readers, and the public housing topic is now officially closed for the summer, per the Curmudgeonly One.
There is more to life in Parker-Gray than ARHA, and it's time to celebrate the good things about our neighborhood and stop lamenting. We've made our point in the elections, and come September we'll start to see what the new Council is all about.
Here is the Growler's last word on the topic for the summer (and I DO mean all summer, unless there is news of earthshaking importance):
ARHA's board conducted a retreat earlier this year — the first ever — and laid out new goals and a plan of action. Let's give them a chance and then revisit the issue in six months or so to see how things are going.
Meanwhile, when are we going to talk about the gardens of Parker-Gray? The Growler used to be the only plant fanatic in the neighborhood, but suddenly now everyone around the Cantankerous One's house is putting down sod and planting hostas and peonies. In fact, it appears some of our neighbors on N. West Street are in a competition to have the greenest, most lush grass in Alexandria.
What's blooming on YOUR block?
There is more to life in Parker-Gray than ARHA, and it's time to celebrate the good things about our neighborhood and stop lamenting. We've made our point in the elections, and come September we'll start to see what the new Council is all about.
Here is the Growler's last word on the topic for the summer (and I DO mean all summer, unless there is news of earthshaking importance):
ARHA's board conducted a retreat earlier this year — the first ever — and laid out new goals and a plan of action. Let's give them a chance and then revisit the issue in six months or so to see how things are going.
Meanwhile, when are we going to talk about the gardens of Parker-Gray? The Growler used to be the only plant fanatic in the neighborhood, but suddenly now everyone around the Cantankerous One's house is putting down sod and planting hostas and peonies. In fact, it appears some of our neighbors on N. West Street are in a competition to have the greenest, most lush grass in Alexandria.
What's blooming on YOUR block?
45 comments:
The approaching summer is one of mixed emotions for me. On one hand, it's summer and a time to enjoy all that comes with it. But on the other, there's a tinge of sadness that another year has passed with little progress in our neighborhood. Another year of inaction on Payne St Apts and The Madison. And now we enter the summer doldrums and have to wait until the fall for things to pick back up again. Sigh...
But I agree that the neighborhood is looking better by the day between all of the remodeling and landscaping. Sidewalks are getting replaced. We're making the best out of what we have. The one thing I think is missing in Parker Gray are summer block parties where neighbors could get to meet each other. I don't see many of those around here. It could go a long way on many levels to make this a better community.
... then let's throw a block party- those are put together by residents. Anonymous- you interested in helping put one together?
What is the opposite of a growl?
A purr?
We have only lived here for 3 years, but agree the area has never looked better.
We would be happy to be part of a neighborhood block party if people are interested in putting one together.
"A purr?"
OK kitten...
After last night's rain, we may want to get the City to post "No Wake" signs along Henry Street.
I'd like to extend a "Parker Gray Purr" to our outgoing community cop, Officer Michael Sprague.
Liaison Captain Johnson has always been our best friend in uniform. However, some of my experiences with the rank and file officers left me quite unimpressed. When Officer Sprague was assigned to PG, he was visible, involved, and quick to respond to my concerns. By that I mean he addressed the problem - it wasn't just a phone call to yak, sympathize and do nothing. He really made a difference, and helped to make our neighborhood better.
Lots of stuff blooming on our block. Iris, peony, and hydrangeas just starting... Things look beautiful.
But lets not get complacent, Growler. I read an article in today's Gazette about cameras in the metro station. WMATA has reportedly received federal money and approval to install them at every metro station.
The article reports that they are very effective. For example, here's a quote: "When cameras were installed at certain stations in the District of Columbia, they experienced a dramatic decrease in crime," said Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay, who represents the county on the WMATA board. "That’s all the evidence I needed to support this."
However, OUR MAYOR, the rocket scientist Euille, states further down in the article as follows: "I don’t think cameras are warranted," said Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, who is also a member of the WMATA board. "I’m not opposed to them, but I also think that cameras don’t stop crimes from happening."
Is there any possibility he could derail the cameras installation at Braddock?? I'd really like to prevent Euille from stopping the good momentum in the neighborhood which we've all worked so hard to achieve.
"However, OUR MAYOR, the rocket scientist Euille, states further down in the article as follows: "I don’t think cameras are warranted," said Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille...."
The mayor favors one of his constituencies over the rest of us. By making it harder to gather evidence to arrest and convict the local thugs, he preserves their votes.
"stations with parking garages tend to have the most instances of crime ... Braddock Road Metro station ranked number four on Virginia’s top-10 high-crime list"
Braddock Road is one of the smaller stations ridership-wise as I understand it, doesn't have a parking garage, but still manages to rank number 4 in Virginia metro stations when it comes to crime!! Yet our Mayor doesn't want Metro to install cameras?? Seems to me he should be kicking and screaming for cameras if he actually had our best interests at heart.
"as I understand it, doesn't have a parking garage, but still manages to rank number 4 in Virginia metro stations when it comes to crime!!"
Growler, did you not ask posters to cite a primary source when making claims of this type? It's a remarkable statement if true.
"The mayor favors one of his constituencies over the rest of us. By making it harder to gather evidence to arrest and convict the local thugs, he preserves their votes."
I'm not sure what the mayor's reasoning is. Placing cameras at Braddock seems like a no brainer to me. However, convicted felons lose their right to vote in Virginia. They can petition for restoration after a waiting period (three for nonviolent offenders and five for violent offenders).
"as I understand it, doesn't have a parking garage, but still manages to rank number 4 in Virginia metro stations when it comes to crime!!"
I did not post the comment that prompted the request for evidence for the statement above. My own quick research found evidence in a WMATA report for a claim that Braddock Road ranks third in the Virginia metro crime department. See http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/board_of_directors/board_docs/032609_MTPD.pdf However, the tiny number of reported crimes in Virginia leads one to question the validity of the ranking. It also suggests that Metro uses very narrow definitions for the crimes and the locations of crimes in compiling its statistics.
This discussion on Metro cameras and crime at Braddock Metro was triggered by an article that appeared in today's Alexandria Gazette:
http://tinyurl.com/ogudzj
It was mentioned in the first commenter's post but without a link. We also now have the link to the original WMATA ranking document courtesy of another reader.
I don't like saying negative things about people but sometimes it's hard to hold your tongue.
The Mayor can't seem to stop putting his foot in his mouth. He answers a question on an PG walk with "Hey, I'm only a part time Mayor".
He stands in front of Sarge's building and says that he wants to revitalize the area and bring it back to the way it was 20 years ago. Come on!! He grew up in the City and KNOWS that back then Fayette and Queen street was the worst area in Old Town on any given weekend night.
The man is not inane, but the following stuff here drives me nuts and I can't for the life of me understand where he is coming from.
Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay says "When cameras were installed at certain stations in the District of Columbia, they experienced a dramatic decrease in crime"
"Prosecutors in Alexandria used surveillance footage from inside the Suitland Metro station to construct a timeline that became a CRITICAL piece of evidence in the prosecution of a MURDER. The footage did not show a crime in progress, but prosecutors were able to use it as a key piece of evidence — placing their suspect in the right place at the right time and SECURING A CONVICTION.
Can you say that the part time Mayor has common sense when he disagrees with these statements and says "I don’t think cameras are warranted," "I’m not opposed to them, but I also think that cameras don’t stop crimes from happening."
Are you telling the citizens of the City you care about that securing convictions of murderers are not warranted Sir? You owe us more than this. That statement was nonsensicle gibberish and he should give us all a public apology and admit he was wrong in saying that.
Last summer we had a string of robberies on the bike path connecting King and Braddock Metro. Thugs were coming from D.C. and Prince George's County. Most either came or fled using the Metro. Now if they are caught on tape, it WOULD help with the prosecution. How can he claim otherwise??
The poster of the comment "By making it harder to gather evidence to arrest and convict the local thugs, he preserves their votes." was not thinking clearly when writing. Not an intelligent statement at all. But it does however show the frustration level we are all feeling with his lack of common sense.
I abstained from the Mayors vote in this last election as did approximately 33% of the people who voted. Will he get the hint and try to think before he speaks or is this the best he can do?
I have nothing personal against the man, but I'm not proud of the above instances and believe we ALL deserve better than what he is giving us.
JBL
Here we go again.
For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure, check out today's shocking Washington Post article about council member elect Hughes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104152.html?sub=AR
Re: Ms. Hughes
Wow. Where to begin? Is she even paying personal property taxes in VA with Maryland tags? I bet not.
And she thinks that as long as you pay your bills "within the course of a month. That's a fair cycle to me for getting bills paid."
Huh. Maybe I'll pay my property taxes a month late. That's a fair cycle, right?
Damn. I really regret voting for her. How slimy.
Not excusing the behavior but having just paid two mortgage for 5months while trying to sell a home in PG, I can somewhat relate. Being forced to sell in a down market is not a choice many are willing to make. That doesn't however excuse running for council with MD plates--come on are the savings that much that you would risk looking like a complete moron when caught? As with Bill Campbell, you would think people would get their personal financial houses in order before seeking elected office, but that's just me.
"As with Bill Campbell, you would think people would get their personal financial houses in order before seeking elected office, but that's just me."
Yes, that factor was a major reason I didn't vote for Bill. I really wanted two PGers in the school board, but couldn't do it. I wish I hadn't voted for Alicia - I feel duped, frankly.
"wish I hadn't voted for Alicia - I feel duped, frankly."
You got Alicia on Council because of the Democratic locals. Those idiots decided to dump the only intelligent black person on COuncil - for what? To show how they're really the party of diversity??
"You got Alicia on Council because of the Democratic locals."
Maybe that's part of it, but many of us voted for her because she was NOT an incumbant. We were angry at the City for raising our taxes (and our assessments....) to waste on ridiculous programs, particularly the one which the Growler has forbidden us to discuss for the rest of the summer. Frankly, I'd rather have Lovain, given Ms. Hughes' apparent feeling that the rules don't apply to her.
"Those idiots decided to dump the only intelligent black person on COuncil - for what? "
They're smarter than you think. They saw when Gaines stepped out and pushed the Melvin Miller issue people didn't like that. They distanced themselves for good reason. Gaines made his own bed and knew he couldn't get re-elected.
"Those idiots decided to dump the only intelligent black person on COuncil "
Who Gaines?
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Growler, I know we are not supposed to talk about that which cannot be mentioned, but I noticed this article in the Examiner today about Glebe Park and it mentioned the deteriorating conditions of the aprtments at Bland. I wasn't aware there was a group focused on these issues:
City offers to help Glebe Park redevelopment
By: David Sherfinski
Examiner Staff Writer
05/26/09 8:39 PM EDT
Glebe Park Apartments (Examiner File)
Alexandria is lending its housing agency nearly $1.5 million for a project to redevelop public housing units at Glebe Park, after a private $2.3 million loan fell through in March.
The project has been a hot topic since October 2007, when the city approved a $5.6 million loan so the Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s development partner, Bethesda firm EYA, could redevelop the Glebe Park area and the beleaguered James Bland public housing units.
EYA was supposed to provide a $2.3 million equity loan investment to buy land from the housing authority, said Mildrilyn Stephens Davis, director of Alexandria’s Office of Housing. But the company couldn’t get the loan because of the poor development and lending climates, city documents said.
EYA has repaid $600,000 of the original $5.6 million loan, according to city documents. The project was awarded federal low-income housing tax credits worth $9.8 million in 2008.
The redeveloped Glebe Park would include 84 ARHA-owned public housing units — 60 new and 24 rehabilitated — costing $15.7 million, which would replace 40 public housing units in the current Glebe Park property in Arlandria and 44 units in the James Bland property in the Parker Gray neighborhood. The project also involves completing 18 homes for sale to the public, which would cost about $7.4 million. The $1.4 million loan will come from affordable housing funds.
Some residents of the public housing units on the James Bland property, though, are lobbying for better conditions in the apartments before they are torn down.
The group Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement organized a walk-through of some of the Bland units so Mayor Bill Euille could observe some of the conditions — including broken refrigerators and other maintenance problems — firsthand.
ARHA Chief Executive Roy Priest said he believed that the authority has addressed all the repair requests the group brought forth in March, plus more than 100 that weren’t listed.
“We made all the repairs that have been identified,” he said.
But Marsha Rhea of VOICE said there were still serious issues that may not be readily apparent in a simple inspection.
Of particular concern are problems with the sewer line in the housing units, which she said have created backups in the homes.
“We all think that’s a really serious public health issue,” she said.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/City-offers-to-help-Glebe-Park-redevelopment-46133707.html
"Of particular concern are problems with the sewer line in the housing units, which she said have created backups in the homes."
Welcome to the club! Sewer backups into our homes - finally, something ARHA, PG, and Del Ray households have in common!! I guess the mayor is right - we are ONE Alexandria after all!!!
"What's blooming on YOUR block?"
So, Growler, what's up with the renovation where Sarge's Restaurant was before the fire. Will it be a renewed Sarge's, or something else?
"So, Growler, what's up with the renovation where Sarge's Restaurant was before the fire. Will it be a renewed Sarge's, or something else?"
Funny to mention that, it was told to me that Tim Lovain was at one point interested in opening a restaurant there. It was an idea at best only, but it never seemed to pan out.
I have heard the possibilities of an italian place, but thats only rumor. If anyone knows anything concrete about any new business here, please let us know.
I would LOVE to see a nice restaurant which has good food like Vaso's Kitchen (with a little better prices) on Powhatten St.
A place the community can call their own.
Where everybody knows your name..... dunn , dunn dunn dunn!!!....
What's in bloom - a summertime activity for those interested. Attend this Saturday's Rugby Extravaganza at GW Middle School is a great way to support local youth. Alexandria has put together a team to face off against our sister City, Dundee, Scotland. The fun starts at 10:30AM -- come out to watch great matches and support Alexandria Youth Rugby. Proceeds from this event directly support AlexandriaRugby.org's youth activities. Have a look at the website:
http://www.alexandriarugby.org/mayorscup.shtml
http://www.truveo.com/chairman-walter-tejada-mayor-william-d-euille-at/id/3795371391
Mayor Bling's speech at the VOICE rally is at the above link at 5:40 into the 9 minute video.
VOICE wants free dental care, affordable housing and I forget what else for the downtrodden.
In the meantime, a good neighbor who is one of the hardWORKING poor just had their water turned back on. God knows how long they had no water going into their house.
On a completely different topic...No intention of squashing this current bit. Can one see the July 4th fireworks from DC from the river's edge in Old Town at one of the waterfront parks? We have two little ones, and don't want to even think about those crowds on the National Mall. Please advise.
"Can one see the July 4th fireworks from DC from the river's edge in Old Town at one of the waterfront parks?"
There is a pretty good view (albiet a little far away) at Dangerfield Island (aka, the sailing marina, Indigo Landing Restaurant). There is usually a nice crowd there, too.
On the Fourth, take Metro to Arlington Cemetery and watch from Memorial Bridge (which is closed to traffic). Great views and at most you'll have to wait for one train on the way back. We've done this the last few years and always had a good time.
Growler - how about posting photos of the neighborhood gardens/yards?!
Can one see the July 4th fireworks from DC from the river's edge in Old Town at one of the waterfront parks?"
Not really, at least not from the ones in Alexandria. Because of the way the land juts out by National Airport the view is blocked.
"You got Alicia on Council because of the Democratic locals. Those idiots decided to dump the only intelligent black person on COuncil - for what? To show how they're really the party of diversity??"
Are you kidding me- did you see the vote totals- 15% of the City coming out to vote? And you think the "Machine" decided to dump Councilman Gaines? I'll go get his attendance records for you- he's been MIA over the past year and not someone I would have voted for if he decided to run. IF he had decided to run, he could have run a campaign and been re-elected. All the Council candidates ran their own races and turned out voters- as evidenced by the fact they all got different vote totals and two weren't reelected. You're blaming Gaines deciding not to run again on the Democrat "machine"? Give me a break- that was his decision and one based likely on the poor reviews a lot of folks have given him over the past year or two. This isn't some big conspiracy here, folks.
You can see the downtown fireworks from the hill at the Masonic Temple. And if you look around you can see many of the other suburban ones in the distance.
In addition to whats already been named, there is a good view from the hill just above Pentagon Row, can't remember the address but its a good family crowd. Remember the radio, it goes better with the live audio. Its easy to get to and out of after the event and our kids are old enough to sit on the roof on a blanket so they love it. YOu can also so lots of other show in both MD and VA while you wait.
To watch the fireworks?
We take the metro to the airport and walk to gravely point. Its a good view and easy to get to and from the site without much hassle.
Hopefully someone is paying attention to the outcomes of the Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group because the article in Thursday's Alexandria Times states "Though city staff members were surprised at the projected capacity of Route 1, it will approach capacity regardless of redevelopment." Sandra Marks "thought it would be worse." Who among us is comparing this Group's findings with the consultants' findings presented in the Braddock Road charrettes. Me smells more political manipulation in the works especially with Wagner as the Chair. Combine this gamery with the ball fields maneuver and politically Del Ray remains in the driver's seat.
Moratorium or not, I am feeling sick about who was elected this time. That's what happens when an unknown is elected I guess. Not even a legal resident!
http://www.alexandrianews.org/2009/06/post-election-disclosures-plague-hughes/
"That's what happens when an unknown is elected"
Big deal, if she can get the public housing moved I don't care if it takes her a year to register her car. How banal.
"if she can get the public housing moved I don't care if it takes her a year to register her car"
Sure, but of course she can't. Anyway, her rules-don't-apply-to be attitude is breathtaking. Also, as a small time landlord, I really don't appreciate her rule that it's OK to pay your rent a month late. As someone who depends on the rent check to pay the mortgage, I would never rent to a person like her. She better shape up, because if she doesn't she'll have a hard time finding another place to live...
And there is NO WAY I'm voting for her again....
Is it us, or are a few of the people that drive the Old Town Trolley cars have really bad customer service skills. Last week, my wife with two children in tow was moving a collapsed stroller into the rear of the trolley car and the wonderful driver didn't wait for her to sit down. Instead, she punched the gas pedal and nearly sent her down onto the floor. On another instance, we were exiting the trolley along with about 8 other people as a couple got the doors shut in their face. The driver said that there was no more room. After fighting with the crabby driver, she eventually let them on. Is this what we are paying for? Is this why my property taxes (assessment) went up? As the baby pools at both Durant and Warwick won't be ready until mid-July. Screw the trolley! Fix the pools for the residents!
There is an interesting article here: http://www.alexandrianews.org/ about Alicia Hughes. Apparently, three voters have challenged her eligibility for public office. There is also a hint of possible criminal prosecution if she misrepresented her residency on the candidates' forms.
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