Minutes of the BSCL Meeting
January 8, 1998
The monthly meeting of the Barcroft School and Civic League was held on Thursday, January 8, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barcroft Community House.
President Dave Michaelson called the meeting to order.
Old Business
Barcroft Community House Renovation - Dave Michaelson. The kitchen cabinets are due Tuesday, January 13. Hope to have a functional kitchen in time for the Spaghetti Dinner on January 18, 1998.
Committee Reports
Civic Federation - Randy Swart presided as Vice Chairman at the last Civic Federation meeting. Members of the Arlington County Board gave a presentation on the outlook for Arlington for the year to come. Key issues were: promotion of Arlington as an ‘urban village’, to promote a sense of community; a national search for a County Executive; concern for code enforcement (i.e. housing) throughout the county; and public safety. One of the best vehicles to promote the urban village is the Neighborhood Conservation Program. There is currently a shortage of funds for this Program, which may mean a bond referendum at the next election. Another issue raised is the continued quality development of schools (this may be under the purview of the School Board rather than the County Board).
Other Business
BSCL Membership - Peg Lefebvre told the group that there are about 180 Barcroft households that were BSCL members last year that have not renewed their membership for this year. Peg asks that we spread the word, telephone people, etc.
McDonalds - Dave Michaelson discussed meetings he has had with attorneys and representatives of McDonalds, which has bought the Roy Rogers facility at the corner of Columbia Pike and South Buchanan. During the second week of December the County Board authorized an amendment to use permit. Barcroft’s concern for traffic exiting onto South Buchanan Street was not addressed. McDonald’s agreed to move the building over 5 feet and to put in a diverter curb, to divert traffic from South Buchanan to Columbia Pike. The County will not allow this, saying it is better to have traffic exit onto South Buchanan. Barcroft got a commitment that the Public Works staff will prepare a detailed traffic analysis of the site. If, after the traffic study is completed, our concerns are valid, Barcroft can get a diverter curve in place to reroute traffic onto Columbia Pike. Dave emphasized the importance of staying on top of this issue with the County.
Barcroft Welcoming Committee - Dave discussed the idea of a Barcroft Welcoming Committee for newcomers to the neighborhood. Anyone interested should contact Barbara Swart or Elaine Squeri.
Block Captains - Dave also spoke about the idea of having informal groups of Block Captains who would act as liaisons for what goes on in the community.
Guest Speakers
The new Arlington County Chief of Police, Ed Flynn, and Lieutenant Tom Panther, in charge of ACPD Community Policing Units, spoke to the group about the community policing concept. One of the first ideas the new Chief of Police has is to develop a Special Target Area, where the Police Department will assign different unit officers under one Commander, and the County will focus community resources under the same umbrella. The Special Target Area unit will be coordinated by a Police Lieutenant. The initial Special Target Area includes the communities of Barcroft, Green Hill, Columbia Heights West, Shirlington and Fairlington.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Corey
Recording Secretary
February 9, 1998
This page was last revised on: September 15, 2000.
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