Attendees: Approximately 20 plus invited visitors

Announcements:

• A parking deck has been approved as part of the new construction at the National Guard/State Department site on George Mason Dr.

• The county's mosquito control budget has been cut.

• Information was circulated about the upcoming census.

President Bryant Monroe
Vice President Steve Wilson
Recording Secretary Jennifer Lis
Treasurer Gary Lefebvre
Corresponding Secretary Wes Stien
Membership Secretary Peg Lefebvre

Buchanan Gardens

Representatives from Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) discussed an opportunity they have to purchase and renovate the apartment complex at 914 S. Buchanan St. APAH development plans for the property include modernizing all systems and units, while keeping rent affordable for low-income households. APAH will be making a proposal to the Arlington County Board in June for financing to support this opportunity. APAH has performed similar renovations for the Columbia Grove apartments near Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run.

Randy Swart noted that there have been ongoing issues with this property and previous versions of the neighborhood conservation plan included recommendations to improve the complex. The attendees proposed a motion to support the application and purchase of Buchanan Gardens by APAH. The motion passed with 16 for and 2 against.

Glencarlyn Park Plan

A representative from Arlington County discussed the design concept for improvements to Glencarlyn Park near the intersection of Four Mile Run and the north side of Columbia Pike. The concept is to "combine environmentally friendly features with elements to attract park users while maintaining sitelines into the park for safety." In addition, there is a need to slow down water and related runoff in the area.

Attendees provided feedback on the concept, including concern that the game area is too close to Columbia Pike, which could be unsafe for children, and feedback on the routing of the bike loop trail.

The County representative noted that the goal is to move ahead with this basic design to get funding, hopefully in the June or December funding cycles. Once the funding is approved, parts of the plan can be moved around and finalized based on BSCL feedback.

A motion was made to recommend that Arlington County approve the use of Neighborhood Conservation Funds for the park with the understanding that the final design will be revised based on BSCL feedback, among others. The motion passed by acclamation.

Financial Report

Gary Lefebvre provided the financial report. Year-to-date, the community house has a positive margin of $1,400 and the newsletter has a positive margin of $774.

Additional Announcements:

• A new sign manager is needed to hang up the meeting announcement/vote today signs around the neighborhood.

• Chris Ditta provided an update on Barcroft School, noting that there is now enough money to fund construction of a track at the school.

• Bryant Monroe reminded everyone of the upcoming 4th of July parade and noted there would be no more meetings until September.

Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Lis, Recording Secretary.

For minutes of other meetings, see this minutes page.

This page was revised on: November 24, 2009.