A motion was made and seconded to approve the October 1 minutes. The minutes were approved.

APAH Update on Buchanan Gardens

Kate from Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) provided an update on APAH's plan for Buchanan Garden apartments. The County Board has approved the zoning amendment discussed last meeting, and APAH is now in the process of presenting to the Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) for its loan. Based on APAH's projections, there will be 5 additional students at Barcroft School and total occupancy at the apartment complex will decrease by 111 after the renovations and enforcement of the county lease requirements. In early December, APAH will meet with all residents as a group and then individually to assess each family's situation. APAH will apply in Spring 2010 for tax credits and expects renovations to begin in late 2010 or early 2011.

Changes in BSCL Dues

The group discussed a recommendation to increase the annual membership dues. BSCL dues are the lowest in the Arlington area and have not been increased in 13 years. Due to lower community house rental revenue and ongoing costs related to operating the community house and 4th of July, there is a need to cover an ongoing operating loss. Current dues are $3 per individual and $6 per couple. 389 individuals paid dues last year, and 60-70% of dues included donations ranging from $2 - $103 per donation. Various increases in dues were discussed as well as a need to identify any ways to reduce operating expenses (e.g., do not water the grounds). A motion was made and seconded to increase the dues to $5 per adult effective January 1, 2010, and to re-visit the dues level again in 2010 to see if any further changes are needed. The motion passed unanimously.

Holiday Party

The annual holiday party will take place on December 3 as part of the next BSCL meeting. Barbara Swart is coordinating.

Announcements and Other Items

One of the "Vote Today" signs is missing from S. 8th St (near George Mason).

Robert Bradley discussed a parking issue near the service road of Route 50 and S. Pershing Dr. He has been working with the County to put up additional no parking signs due to overflow and safety issues related to the construction at the National Guard. He would like BSCL Traffic Committee to get involved and would be happy to provide additional background information on the situation. Steve noted that the Traffic Committee Chair position is currently vacant. Steve will discuss this with Bryant Monroe, BSCL Chairperson.

There was a discussion of fixing the "missing link" sidewalks near S. 4th & Wakefield. Randy Swart has written to the owner of the property near this location, but the owner is currently overseas and has not responded. Randy noted that BSCL can vote to install the sidewalks if the owner cannot be reached. The group agreed that Randy will send another letter to the owner, stating that the issue will be discussed at the February BSCL meeting, and inviting the owner to attend the meeting or send a representative.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Lis, Recording Secretary.

For minutes of other meetings, see this minutes page.

This page was revised on: November 25, 2009.