Approval of September 4, 2009 Minutes

A recommendation was made to adjust the September 4 minutes to note that the Community House actually turned 100 last year. With this change, the minutes were approved.

Announcements:

• The county will be holding an e-Care recycling event at T.J. Middle School on October 3.

• The County Board will be holding focus groups with various civic associations, including BSCL. Bryant Monroe and another volunteer will be participating. The groups will discuss successes and challenges in the neighborhoods and ways to partner with the County. Any feedback should be passed along to Bryant.

• Jim Whitaker is leaving the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO). Pam Holcomb, a Barcroft resident, will be the Acting Executive Director while a search begins.

Treasurer's Report

Gary Lefebvre provided the report. Rentals brought in more revenue than expense for September. Many people sent in their dues as well as 61 donations. A potential dues increase will be discussed at the next meeting. There is currently a $13,000 obligation for painting and other restoration work.

Buchanan Gardens

Representatives from Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) provided an update on its plans to purchase and renovate Buchanan Gardens. APAH will be going before the County Board on October 24 to seek the following:

• Gap financing to acquire the apartment complex

• Use permit to renovate

• Zoning amendment to continue current nonconforming "minimum lot area per unit"

APAH noted that it is not seeking to increase the number of units per acre on the site; rather, APAH intends to increase the number of bedrooms per unit. One attendee noted that 2-3 bedroom affordable apartments are hard to find in Arlington, and this would be a plus. The APAH representative noted that a ratified contract is in hand with a planned close date of December 18.

A motion was made to create a resolution to support APAH in obtaining the items requested. The motion carried unanimously, and a resolution will be forwarded to the County Board.

Candidate Forum

Candidates for the House of Delegates seat and County Board seat came to the meeting, and each provided a brief presentation on his platform.

The following candidates attended the meeting:

House of Delegates
Josh Ruebner
Eric Brescia

County Board
Jay Fisette
John Reeder

Patrick Hope (House of Delegates candidate) and James Lander (School Board candidate) sent their regrets but said they would be campaigning in the neighborhood.

Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Lis, Recording Secretary.

For minutes of other meetings, see this minutes page.

This page was revised on: November 24, 2009.