Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization

May 2008 CPRO e-Newsletter

Farmers Market Opens This Sunday for 13^th Delicious Year

Another sure sign of spring is the reopening of the popular Columbia Pike Farmers Market this Sunday, May 4, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm! The Market will take place each Sunday through November in Pike Park, at the corner of S. Walter Reed Dr. and Columbia Pike. Opening day festivities will include live music by Buck Empson, and performances by local juggler Patty Johnson. What’s more, courtesy of the Arlington Cinema N’ Drafthouse, selected vendors will offer free movie passes with a purchase of $5 or more.

This year, in addition to old favorites like Creek Side Produce, Twin Springs Fruit Farm, Smith Fresh Organic Meats, Bonaparte Breads, and Toigo Orchards, an exciting array of new vendors have joined the market. These include organic Stoneybrook Farms, as well as local producers of milk, butter, yogurt, salsas, and tea. These join the Virginia Chocolate Co., The Jam Jar, Hondo Coffee, Union Street Soapworks, and other vendors who are happy to be coming back to the Pike for another year. For a full list of vendors at the Columbia Pike Farmers Market go to: http://www.columbiapike.org/MARKET/index_E.html

Giant to Offer Interim Pharmacy and Grocery Services

With demolition of the existing Giant grocery and pharmacy stores in the Adam’s Square Shopping Center several months away, Giant’s Director of Real Estate has issued a letter spelling out plans to serve existing customers during construction of the replacement store in the Penrose Square development. The plan includes operating a pharmacy at 2408 Columbia Pike, the vacant storefront next to Rappahannock Coffee. The letter indicates the interim pharmacy will open “simultaneously with or as soon as practicable after the closing of the Adams Square unit.” For grocery service Giant plans to provide a free round-trip shuttle from the interim pharmacy to the Bailey’s Crossroads Giant on Saturday mornings. Pursuant to a condition of the Penrose Square site plan, the County Manager must approve Giant’s interim service plan before the County will issue a Clearing, Grading, and Demolition permit. To see a rendering of the future Penrose Square project please visit: http://www.columbiapike.org/UPDATE/93207.html

Pike Featured as Part of Real Estate Showcase & Bus Tour Columbia Pike will be one of five areas featured during the 2008 Arlington Real Estate Showcase & Bus Tour that takes place on June 12 from 7:30 am-12:00 noon, followed by gourmet bites and refreshments at the new Hotel Palomar. This popular event begins with a trade show and then includes a bus tour of areas with Arlington’s newest and most innovative development projects. It’s a great opportunity to learn about what’s new on the Pike and all around the County, and get a peek at what’s up and coming in the next year. For more information and on-line registration, go to www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/bustour2008

County Initiates New Online Tax Filing for Businesses

Arlington Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy recently announced the launch of a new business tax filing program. The system will allow businesses to file business license and monthly meals tax returns online and pay at the same time, without completing any paperwork. To access the system business owners will enter their Federal Employer Identification or Social Security Number and their business account number. Once the return has been electronically submitted and taxes paid, the system provides a confirmation. For more information call the Business Tax Division at 703-228-3060. To access the website go to www.arlingtonva.us/cor

Plans for Bob & Edith’s 2 Site Coming Together

Local developer Bob Eisenberg is refining plans for a 4-story mixed-use project at 4707 Columbia Pike, the former home of a Bob & Edith’s Diner. Eisenberg, who is President of Heritage Property Co. LLC, a firm he established in 2006, said he has had his eyes on the site for some time, and is excited about the opportunities that Columbia Pike presents. He is committed to following the Columbia Pike Form Based Code, and said he “wants to build something the neighborhood will be proud of.” Eisenberg recently attended a meeting of the Barcroft School and Civic League where he met some of those neighbors and presented conceptual plans for his site. The development, which is expected to cost $26 million, is slated to include 13,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail space, and 65 apartments on the three floors above. Eisenberg hopes to obtain approvals and start construction in about a year, and complete the project in the summer of 2010.

Top Notch Line Up Planned for Columbia Pike Blues Festival!

Along with headliner Roomful of Blues, five more great bands have been booked for the 13^th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival to be held on Saturday June 21, 1:00 to 8:00 pm. on S. Walter Reed Dr. just north of the Pike. They are Memphis Gold, Tom Principato, Melanie Mason Band, Karl Stoll & The Dangerzone, and Danny Blew & The Blues Crew. “This is our best line up ever!” exclaimed Steve McWilliams, who has helped CPRO book talent, manage the stage, and serve as MC for a number of years. The popular street party will also feature international foods, cold beverages, arts & crafts and other vendors, civic groups, children’s activities, and more. CPRO relies on sponsors to underwrite the costs of putting on the festival and to help keep admission free. If you would like your company to gain valuable visibility while supporting one of Arlington’s favorite community celebrations, please consider becoming a Blues Festival Sponsor. For sponsorship information or information about renting booth space please go to: http://www.columbiapike.org/home/245566.html

Washington Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project—Public Forum Scheduled

The public is invited to learn about the proposal to replace the Washington Boulevard Bridge and other related interchange modifications. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 17^th between 6:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 125 South Old Glebe Road in Arlington. The presentation of the project will begin at 7:00 P.M. The replacement project includes rebuilding the entire Columbia Pike/Washington Boulevard interchange, beginning .03 miles north of I-395 along Washington Blvd. and ending .20 miles north of Columbia Pike, and from S. Quinn Street to S. Orme Street along Columbia Pike. For more information about the project plans, see www.virginiadot.org/projects/nova/27-244WorkingGroup.asp

Hollywood Video Store Closes

The Hollywood Video store in the Westmont Shopping Center (3263 Columbia Pike) closed for good this week as part of the bankruptcy reorganization of their parent company, Movie Gallery. With nearly 5,000 square feet of well appointed space, this creates a nice opportunity for a new retailer to come to the Pike. If you know of a likely candidate, please call CPRO at 703-892-2776.

Barcroft Elementary Wins Praise; Randolph Teacher Honored

Did you see the piece in Washington Post Magazine’s April 13 Education Review? There it was, Barcroft Elementary being described by the reporter, Jay Mathews, as “an educational jewel, with enthusiastic teachers in a sparkling building overseen by one of the most admired principals in the region.” And, to make it even better, the piece includes not one, but two quotes from CPRO’s own Managing Director Pam Holcomb! To see the article please visit:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/08/AR2008040802043.html?referrer=emailarticle

In other good news for Pike area schools, Ward Merritt, who has been teaching second grade at Randolph Elementary for 13 years, has been awarded the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award from the Washington Post. Congratulations!

New Task Force on Diversity Established

The Arlington County Board has named the members of its new Diversity Dialogue Task Force, which is an extension of Board Chair Walter Tejada’s efforts to foster greater understanding across Arlington’s many cultures. The Task Force will play a key role in 3 “world café” style public dialogues this year, and develop recommendations on diversity related matters to the County Board. The panel is chaired by Reverend Dr. Leonard Hamlin, and has seven other members including CPRO Board member Dr. Teshaye Teferra of ECDC, and Columbia Heights resident Wuiping Yap who also serves on Arlington’s Multicultural Commission.

It’s Performance Time!

Wakefield High School presents the musical Grease on May 2, 3, 9, and 10. All performances will start at 7:00 pm in the Wakefield auditorium located at 4901 S. Chesterfield Rd. in Arlington. For more information contact Alicia Zekan at 703.228.6705. And, at Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road), Bowen McCauley Dance will be performing the world premier of Saint Saens’ Carnival of the Animals on Saturday May 3 at 7 pm and Sunday May 4 at 3 pm. Following the Sunday performance only, young audience members will be invited to the stage to join Artistic Director, Lucy Bowen McCauley, and Company for a free creative-movement class for children. Visit www.bmdc.org to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Also, a benefit youth concert for the Children’s Defense Fund will be presented Sunday, May 4 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2217 Columbia Pike. The concert is a joint effort by the Columbia Pike MusiKids, Arlington Youth Chorus, Redeemer Lutheran Church Youth & Children’s Choirs, Barrett Elementary School Chorus, and the Columbia Pike Community Chorus. For more information contact Barbara Steffan at 703-920-7077 or at musicmin@tecarl.org. Meanwhile, CPRO's Associate Director Amy McWilliams is currently appearing in Kander and Ebbs' The Happy Time in the Ark space at the Signature Theatre in Shirlington. The show, which the Washington Post called "a little charmer," includes a collection of fine theatrical songs celebrating the joys and disappointments of life. It runs through June 1. For tickets call 703-573-SEAT or visit www.signature-theatre.org.

CPRO Members Support the Pike’s Revitalization

CPRO receives an annual grant from Arlington County that makes up almost one-third of our budget. For the remainder we rely on the support of our members, as well as organizations and companies who sponsor our events. Please consider becoming a CPRO member today. To access a membership form please follow the link below. Thank You! http://www.columbiapike.org/membership/index_E.html

Contact Us

As always, the CPRO staff welcomes your input. Email your suggestions, questions, comments, and offers of assistance to Jim Whittaker at jwhittaker@columbiapike.org; Pam Holcomb at pholcomb@columbiapike.org; or Amy McWilliams at amcwilliams@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776. Know someone who would like to receive the CPRO e-Newsletter? Please send us email addresses and we will add them to our distribution list. As always, for more information about what’s happening on the Pike go to www.columbiapike.org

April 2008 CPRO e-Newsletter

Don’t Miss the Arlington Home Show & Expo this Saturday!

For the second consecutive year CPRO has partnered with the County’s Housing Division to bring Arlington its own home improvement show! More than 60 exhibitors will be on hand at the Walter Reed Community Center offering ideas, products, and services for all types of projects in and around your home, and admission is FREE. In addition, the County’s Fresh AIRE initiative will be giving away compact florescent light bulbs to the first 250 people who visit their booth, a number of free classes and seminars will be offered, and many experts on improving your home’s energy efficiency will be available. For more information go to www.ArlingtonHomeShow.org

Tejada Draws Crowd to Columbia Pike Business Gathering

Nearly 100 members of the Pike’s small business community were in attendance at the March 19 gathering of the Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network, and they were treated to inspiring remarks by Walter Tejada, Chairman of the Arlington County Board. Tejada encouraged the group to continue its efforts to promote the Pike and the unique and diverse businesses that make their home here. He spoke with pride of the County’s commitment to remain a welcoming community to immigrants, and of the need to revitalize Columbia Pike while maintaining affordability for the Pike’s residents and businesses. The event, which was emceed by Tara Miles of the County’s BizLaunch program, was sponsored by HSBC Bank and the Pan American Bakery.

Plans Discussed for Washington Boulevard Bridge

On the evening of March 16 representatives of VDOT presented updated plans to area residents for the Washington Boulevard Bridge replacement project which will include rebuilding the entire Columbia Pike/Washington Boulevard interchange. The latest plans move a traffic light on the Pike from S. Quinn St. to S. Queen St., and include a sound barrier near the southbound ramp from Washington Blvd. to the Pike. Next steps include obtaining final approval of the design, holding a citizens meeting, conducting a noise wall survey, completing detailed design work, and putting the project out to bid. Construction, which will be managed in 20 sub-phases to ensure continuous traffic flow, is expected to take 24 months once they have broken ground, and cost the State $45.6 million, $39.4 million of which is already in place. The local community has expressed a desire to name the bridge “Freedman’s Village Bridge” which would require action by the Virginia General Assembly.

Giant to Remain Open Awhile Longer

Developers of the Penrose Square project report that final details are being worked out on the lease for a new Giant store, and they are in the process of selecting a general contractor for the large construction project that will create significant new retail space, nearly 300 apartments, and over 700 underground parking spaces. “Before long we’ll be making plans for a groundbreaking event,” said Andrew Gutowski of Carbon Thompson Developers. In the meantime, the existing Giant grocery and pharmacy will remain open. For future updates check the CPRO website at www.columbiapike.org

Army National Guard Readiness Center Expansion Plans Spark Concerns over Parking

In response to 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommendations, new construction is planned at the National Guard site on S. George Mason Dr. in order to accommodate 1200 employees being moved out of Crystal City. While the new facilities are scheduled to open in 2011, there is no funding to build the additional parking garage that is also planned. The civic associations representing the Alcova Heights and Barcroft neighborhoods have written a letter to the Army National Guard disagreeing with the Draft Environmental Assessment’s “finding of no significant impact.” While the civic groups do not oppose expanding the facility they believe the project should not proceed until funding can be provided for a new parking garage to be completed in time for the opening of the expanded facilities.

Police Target Speeders in Pedestrian Safety Effort

As part of a 2008 “Street Smart” Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Campaign, Arlington County Police targeted three intersections on Columbia Pike (S. Scott St, S. George Mason Dr. and S. Frederick St) for stepped up safety enforcement between 5-7pm on March 26. In those areas, 40 citations were issued; 10 of the 40 were for speeding near a crosswalk and the rest were for miscellaneous non-moving violations (e.g., no seat belt, expired inspection and improper display of tag). Arlington County Police hope to carry out a similar targeted enforcement effort along the Columbia Pike corridor, in either the summer or early fall.

Farmers Market Set to Reopen on Sunday, May 4

In another sure sign of spring, the Columbia Pike Farmers Market returns to Pike Park (S. Walter Reed Dr. and Columbia Pike) on May 4, and each successive Sunday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come out for early season produce and other products, greet our long standing members, and welcome new vendors to the market. As always, our market helps you to “eat local” and supports sustainable agriculture. In addition, this year we will invite a small number of arts and crafts people to join us. Know someone who would like to participate in the Market? Have them call CPRO at 703-892-2776.

Initial Opening of “Dog Paws” Planned for Later this Month

The long-awaited opening of Dog Paws ‘N Cat Claws University is just around the corner as contractors work to complete build-out of the former Rite-Aid Pharmacy at 940 S. George Mason Dr. On April 21 they will open the doors to their doggie day care facility, and a grooming center and retail store will follow soon behind. Pet training classes are being scheduled for the summer. Special rates are available for clients who sign up before the doors open. For more information call 703-931-5057 or go to www.dnpcc.com

22204 Holding its Own in Residential Real Estate Market

More than $14.2 million dollars worth of homes were sold in the Pike’s 22204 zip code in February of 2008, up 7% over February 2007. The number of homes sold also increased from 30 to 33, including 22 single family homes and 11 condo/coop units. However, average days on the market grew from 74 to 110, and the average sale price declined slightly from $443,768 to $432,409. Jeff Payne of Prudential Carruthers Realtors, who provided the MLS data, said “Arlington and 22204 continue to perform well and show that real estate here is a good long term investment.” For more information contact him at jeff.payne@prudentialcarruthers.com.

County Provides Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Opportunity

The Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) will take place on Saturday, April 19th from 8:30a.m.-3:00p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Take advantage of this semi-annual event to safely dispose of household hazardous materials, recycle old electronic equipment and small metal items, as well as donate bicycles, books, shoes, and eyeglasses. There is no fee for the collection of household hazardous materials and the regular handling fee for computer monitors and televisions will be waived. In addition, compost bins will be for sale. For those interested in dropping off bicycles, a $10 donation is requested in order to help Bikes for the World ship the bicycle to a developing country. For more information, call 703-228-6832 or go to www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/EnvironmentalServices/EnvironmentalServicesEnvex.aspx

Historic Columbia Pike Church Celebrates its 100^th Year with a Free Centennial Concert

The Arlington Presybyterian Church (APC), located at 3507 Columbia Pike, is commemorating its 100 year anniversary with a special free concert open to the public. The Arlington Presbyterian Chancel Choir and Cantate Chamber Singers will present music of a century ago, hymns and anthem favorites. For more information, please call 703-920-5660 or go to www.arlingtonpresbyterian.org/music_notes.htm.

More Dancing Comes to the Pike!

Check out the new YesOn2Salsa Learn 2 Dance Studio (951 S. George Mason Dr.,2^nd floor of the Wachovia Bank building, www.yeson2salsa.com). A variety of dance classes—Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, and Hip-hop—are being offered by expert dance instructors Karen Aguilar, Orlando Machuca and Ronald Rios. All levels of dancers, including beginners are welcome! Try out your new moves at Cecilia’s (2619 Columbia Pike, www.ceciliasclub.com) which features a large new dance floor, lessons, and the best Salsa bands around. And there’s more! The Center Dance Company and its school, Arlington Center for Dance, are moving to a location just off the Pike at 3443 Carlin Springs Road (next to the REI and Tuesday Morning stores). The Center offers classes and workshops to children and adult students in ballet, jazz, modern, tap and conditioning. The new location offers this outstanding community-oriented dance company and school almost 21,000 square feet of space—three times more than their old location in Clarendon. To learn more about the new location, classes and performances, or how to support the Center’s substantial build-out expenses necessary to make it a truly state-of-art dance studio, go to www.arldance.org.

Come Sing with the Columbia Pike Community Chorus

The Columbia Pike Community Chorus is welcoming new and returning singers for their “Juneteenth” Black Heritage concert “Changed My Name,” a cantata inspired by the lives of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, and composed by Broadway music director Linda Twine. All are welcome to participate! Rehearsals for the June 15^th concert are held on Monday 7-9 pm, beginning April 14 at Trinity Episcopal Church (2217 Columbia Pike, www.trinitychurcharlington.org). Free parking is available across the street from the church. For more information contact Barbara Stefan, Music Director at musicmin@tecarl.org or 703-920-7077.

Contact Us

As always, the CPRO staff welcomes your input. Email your suggestions, questions, comments, and offers of assistance to jwhittaker@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776. Know someone who would like to receive the CPRO e-Newsletter? Please send us email addresses and we will add them to our distribution list. As always, for more information about what’s happening on the Pike go to www.columbiapike.org

March 2008 CPRO e-Newsletter

Excellent Progress Made on Design for Arlington Mill Project

On March 10 the County and its partner, Public Private Alliances, presented their latest plans for the redevelopment of the Arlington Mill Community Center site to the Columbia Pike Form Based Code Advisory Working Group. While still being refined, the group was able to visualize many aspects of the project, including the modern architectural style of the building, depicted here. According to Hunter Moore, the County’s lead representative for effort, the design was chosen to create a distinct and iconic look appropriate for the building’s civic purpose. The 6-story tower on the left side of the image, at the corner of the Pike and S. Dinwiddie, will contain space for community center programs, some ground floor retail, and rental apartments on the upper floors. Extending to the right of the image is a large gymnasium which sits behind a new public plaza. To the north of this building along Dinwiddie will be a 5-story residential building. The Advisory Working Group reviewed the plans using a 370-point Form Based Code checklist. While the project has been designed largely to meet the Form Based Code, the County Board will be asked to allow variations for the civic building on the Pike, but not, however, for the residential building, which will be fully compliant. The current community center is expected to close this summer, with demolition planned for this fall. For a rendering of the project, and for more information about this and other developments go to: http://www.columbiapike.org/UPDATE/93207.html

2^nd Annual Arlington Home Show & Expo Set for April 12

Building on last year’s successful event, CPRO is again partnering with Arlington County’s Housing Division to bring local residents a one-stop shopping opportunity for all their home improvement needs. Whether you are looking to put an addition on your home, remodel a kitchen or bath, install energy efficient replacement windows, or to pursue dozens of other projects, exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions and show you their products. Plan to attend this wonderful, local home show on Saturday, April 12, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Walter Reed Community Center. Admission is FREE. For more information go to: www.arlingtonhomeshow.org.

Walter Tejada to Address Columbia Pike Business Group

The next gathering of the Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network will feature a special guest appearance by the Chairman of the Arlington County Board, Walter Tejada. The event will take place at 8:00 am on Wednesday, March 19 at the Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16^th St. S. Special thanks go to Michaela Whelan and HSBC Bank for sponsoring the gathering, and to Pan American Bakery for providing breakfast treats. All are welcome. To register for this FREE event go to:

www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/bizlaunch/events, or call Pam Holcomb of CPRO at 703-892-2776.

“Roomful of Blues” Booked for 13^th Annual Festival!!

CPRO is pleased to announce that the legendary band “Roomful of Blues” will headline the 2008 Columbia Pike Blues Festival on Saturday June 21, 1:00 to 8:00 pm. Since 1967, the combination of swing, rock ‘n’ roll, jump, blues and soul has earned the multiple award-winning group just praise. As one critic put it, “the group’s greatest asset is how well the band performs as a cohesive unit. Throughout, the horns hop, the keyboards sway, the vocals enthuse, the guitar rocks, and the band jumps.” Get excited! Roomful of Blues, one of the finest jump and swing blues bands in the land, is coming to Columbia Pike. Check out this flash postcard from the band:

www.roomful.com/downloads/images/4900ROB_R.swf

School Board Candidates to Debate at Wakefield

Candidates seeking the Democratic Party endorsement for School Board are being brought together for a debate at Wakefield High School on Monday March 24, at 7:30 pm. The free event is being sponsored by Columbia Pike area civic associations as a service to local residents who wish to learn more about the candidates and their ideas.

Columbia Pike Properties Gain Recognition

Two Columbia Pike apartment communities were among the winners of the 2008 Landscape Recognition Awards from the Arlington County Beautification Committee. The Pike area champs are Dorchester Towers at 24001 Columbia Pike, owned by the E.G. Reinsch Companies, along with Quebec Apartments at 4014 Columbia Pike, owned by Silverwood Associates. The beautifully maintained Dorchester, located in the Penrose neighborhood, was built in 1963 and boasts lush grounds and a rooftop garden. The Quebec, located in Douglas Park neighborhood, was built in 1953 and renovated in 2002 and includes 129 affordable units along with 43 market rate apartments in a green park-like setting. Congratulations to the Reinsch and Silverwood companies, both long time CPRO members! Meanwhile, last month the Directors of the Community Appearance Alliance of Northern Virginia voted unanimously to present a special award to the impressive Air Force Memorial on the eastern end of the Pike. Well done!

Columbia Pike MusiKids: A Great Experience for Kids

The Columbia Pike MusiKids are welcoming new singers for their spring benefit concert, "A Place for YOUth," songs that honor the young. Children in grades K-5 are welcome, no auditions are required, and performances are free to the public. Rehearsals are Mondays starting March 24, 5:30 to 6:15 pm, and the concert is Sunday, May 4, at 4:00 pm. To enroll your child for this concert, email musicmin@tecarl.org, or call Barbara Stefan, Music Director, at 703-920-7077 . Rehearsals and performance at Trinity Church, 2217 Columbia Pike, Arlington. "A Place for YOUth" will also feature the Arlington Youth Chorus, the youth and children’s choirs of Redeemer Lutheran Church of McLean, Barrett Elementary School Chorus, and the Columbia Pike Community Chorus. Free-will donations received at the performance will benefit the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF).

Learn How to Create an Effective Business Plan

Arlington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and George Mason University- Mason Enterprise Center at School of Public Policy in partnership with Arlington Economic Development is presenting a seminar entitled: ’Business Plan - The Universal Tool.’ The seminar will cover the important elements of a business plan, how to create your own, and how it can help you to effectively run your business. Learn how a business plan is used when approaching a bank for financing, applying for government contracts and is also an essential guide for your management team.

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 25th, 2008, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Venue: Suite 341, 901 S Highland St, Arlington, VA 22204
Directions: For directions click here
Admission: $20.00 (Cash only) Paid at the door
RSVP: Required by 5:00pm March 24th 2008
For more information: Contact Pratibha Shenoy at 703 892 1528 or email pshenoy@gmu.edu.

The Pike Area Offers Many Houses of Worship

Looking for a congregation? Check out any of these places of worship:

Arlington Baptist Church; 714 S. Monroe St.; 979-7344; arlingtonbaptist.com

Arlington Presbyterian Church; 3507 Columbia Pike; 920-5660; arlingtonpresbyterian.org

Arlington Seventh-Day Adventist Church; 3425 8^th St. S.; 979-4860

Arlington United Methodist Church; 716 S. Glebe Rd.; 979-7527; arlingtonumc.com

Bangladesh Islamic Center; 2611 S. Nelson St.; 778-1550

Church of God; 790 S. Carlin Springs Rd.; 671-6726

Congregation Etz Hayim; 2920 Arlington Blvd.; 979-4466; etzhayim.net

Greenbrier Baptist Church; 5401 7^th Rd. South; 703-671-6688

Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Church; 915 S. Wakefield St.; 553-0370; cttdva.net

Long Life With Jesus Spiritual Baptist Church; 1611 S. Walter Reed Dr.; 920-1128

Mt. Zion Baptist Church; 3500 19^th St. S.; 979-7411; mountzionbaptist.com

Our Savior Lutheran Church; 901 S. Taylor St.; 892-4846; osva.org

Second Church, Christ Scientist; 700 S. Buchanan St.; 920-4877

St. John’s Baptist Church; 1905 Columbia Pike; 920-4228

St. Thomas More Cathedral Catholic Church; 3901 Cathedral Lane; 528-6781; cathedrealstm.org

Trinity Episcopal Church; 2217 Columbia Pike; 703-920-7077; trinitychurcharlington.org

Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington; 4444 Arlington Blvd.; 892-2565; uucava.org

Contact Us

February 2008 CPRO e-Newsletter

Digging the Pike!

Excavation of sites for two major projects progressed quickly over the past month as crews continue to dig the holes necessary for underground parking at the Columbia Village (5440 Columbia Pike near S. Greenbrier St.) and Siena Park (2301 Columbia Pike at S. Wayne St.) developments. Jerry Brill, a resident of the Carlyle House next door to the Columbia Village construction site snapped this photo from the 9^th floor of his building several weeks ago. Thanks Jerry! For updates on developments projects along the Pike, see www.columbiapike.org/UPDATE/index_E.html

County Board Approves Concept Plan for
a Mixed-Use Development at the Arlington Mill Community Center Site

At its January 29 meeting the County Board endorsed the Arlington Mill Community Center Concept Plan, making it possible to meet the application deadline for an affordable housing tax credit program offered through the Virginia Housing Development Authority. The project includes a 6-story building at the corner of Columbia Pike and S. Dinwiddie St. that features a new community center with a large gymnasium, residential apartments, some ground floor retail, and a public plaza. To the north along Dinwiddie will be a 5-story residential building. Altogether the project includes just over 200 residences, of which approximately 61 will be affordable units for those at 60% of the area’s median household income level. In order to accommodate this plan, technical adjustments to the Form Based Code were approved by the Board on December 15. These include redrawing the revitalization district boundary to include the northern portion of the Arlington Mill property, designating a portion of Dinwiddie St. as “Avenue” site frontage, and modifying the planned width of Dinwiddie St. For more information go to: www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/ParksRecreation/forums/arlingtonmill/pdfs/page60672.pdf

Columbia Pike Restaurants Get Top Marks

The L.A. Bar & Grill at 2530 Columbia Pike is featured as the Bar of the Month in On Tap Magazine (www.ontaponline.com/view_article.php?article_id=10938), the DC metro area’s magazine for music, entertainment, nightlife and culture. If you haven’t checked out L.A. Bar & Grill or at least not recently (it’s under new management), find out for yourself why On Tap praised this friendly neighborhood bar for having some of the “best nightly specials in the area.” Congratulations also go to local favorites Thai Square (www.thaisquarerestaurant.com) and Bangkok 54 (www.Bangkok54restaurant.com), both named among the Washingtonian Magazine’s 100 best eateries in the metropolitan area, in their annual rankings released in January.

County Signs Contract to Continue Columbia Pike Utility Undergrounding Project

With Verizon and Dominion utility lines now installed in the underground ducts that were contructed along a 2,500 ft. stretch of the Pike from S. Garfield St. to S. Oakland St., the County recently awarded a $250,000 contract to an electrical contracting firm to connect the underground lines to individual businesses. When this work is complete, overhead wires will be removed, as will some of the utility poles, but other poles with light fixtures will remain on a temporary basis until streetscape improvements (including new sidewalks, trees, and ornamental light poles/fixtures) can be implemented. The County expects to put the streetscape work out to bid in the near future. This project, which began in 2002 is expected to be completed this year. It will cost approximately $10 million, and is funded 50% by the State and 50% by the County.

Meanwhile, the County is in the planning phase of a $6 million utility undergrounding project for a smaller stretch of the Pike from S. Wakefield St. to S. Four Mile Run. This project includes the realignment of S. Four Mile Run Dr. across from S. Buchanan St. and will require acquisition of a portion of the Goodwill parking lot. Construction of the duct system is expected to begin by Fall of this year, and streetscape work would begin by the Summer of 2009.

Bob & Edith’s 2 Site Under Contract

The property at 4707 Columbia Pike at S. Buchanan St. has found a buyer. A local development company has signed a contract to purchase the .87 acre site and is planning to build a 4-story mixed-use building in accordance with the Form Based Code. The site was once the home of a Roy Rogers restaurant, and more recently was used for the second Bob & Edith’s diner. The diner closed its doors on January 25, and patrons are encouraged to visit the original diner at 2310 Columbia Pike.

You Won’t Want to Miss These Upcoming Events!CPRO staff are busy planning a number of events for the upcoming months, including the next breakfast gathering of the Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network (for more information go to http://www.columbiapike.org/calendar/29355.html), the 2^nd Annual Arlington Home Show & Expo (go to http://www.columbiapike.org/calendar/29357.html), and the 13^th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival (go to http://www.columbiapike.org/calendar/20449.html). Please mark your calendar for these important events.

Demolition of Adams Square Delayed

Carbon Thompson Development and Giant Food are reportedly working out the final details of a new lease which, once the agreement is finalized, will make way for the demolition of the current Adams Square Mall and the construction of the new Penrose Square Development. The new development site will include a flagship Giant grocery. Demolition of the existing site is now slated for Spring 2008, later than previously reported by CPRO. Plans are also being worked out to provide temporary Giant Pharmacy services at a nearby location so that there will be uninterrupted access to pharmacy services. Meanwhile, the existing Giant Grocery store at 2515 Columbia Pike remains open for business.

EnviroCAB is Rolling!

Noticed any smart-looking green and white hybrid taxi cabs making their way around town lately? Those are EnviroCABs (2617 Columbia Pike,703-920-3333), Arlington’s new “green” taxi company. Headquartered at 2617 Columbia Pike, EnviroCAB will have 16 cabs on the road by mid-February and their entire fleet of 50 cabs up and running by the end of March. The cabs are fuel-efficient, low emission hybrids that get 40 to 60 miles per gallon. For more information go to their website at www.envirotaxicab.com. Or call 703-920-3333 the next time you need a cab!

Stratford Towers Renovation to Begin

Residents of Columbia Forest and Columbia Heights West neighborhoods may have noticed a flurry of recent activity at the Stratford Towers apartments at 4990 Columbia Pike and 955 S. Columbus St. Both buildings at the property, which was purchased in October of 2006 by Carmel Partners for $28.4 million, are scheduled to receive makeovers, and many residents are in the process of moving out of the first building. Management indicates that the 125 units in that building should be vacant by the end of April when the work is scheduled to begin. Following the renovation the property will re-open as rental apartments.

Join in the Four Mile Run Watershed Cleanup!

Join in the continuing effort of the Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) for the annual cleanup of Four Mile Run on Saturday, March 8^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Meet ACE at any of seven locations including Arlington Mill Community Center, Barcroft Park, or Shirlington. The largest watershed in Arlington County, Four Mile Run feeds directly into the Potomac, and from there into the Chesapeake Bay. Like other tributaries, it is an important component of Chesapeake Bay restoration, revitalization, and cleanup efforts. To register, contact 703-228-6406 or volunteer@arlingtonenvironment.org.

Free Tax Preparation Services Being Offered

If you need assistance with preparing your taxes and earn less than $40,000 a year, there a number of resources along the Pike that can help you. The Ethiopian Community Development Council’s Enterprise Development Group www.entdevgroup.org) is providing free tax preparation and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) determination on a first-come, first served basis every Friday evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) until April 11^th at their headquarters on 901 S. Highland Street (right off Columbia Pike) and on Saturdays from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Arlington Mill Community Center (4975 Columbia Pike). Contact: Chona Bravante, chona@entdevgroup.org. Free tax preparation is also available at the Columbia Pike Library (816 S. Walter Reed Dr.) on Tuesdays from 1:15 PM – 7:45 PM and Thursdays and Saturdays by AARP (aarp.org/taxaide).

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January 2008 CPRO e-Newsletter

Streetcar Project Gains Momentum;

Feasibility of Funding and Public Interest Rise

The likelihood of bringing a modern streetcar system to Columbia Pike, which has been in consideration for nearly 5 years, has increased substantially in the past several months, as the project has gained public attention, and funding sources have become more promising. At the recent Pike Progress Luncheon Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman told the large crowd that he is "more confident than ever" that the system will be up and running in "four or five years."

Proponents of the system have been encouraged by a unanimous County Board vote that placed the Columbia Pike project on a list of County transportation priorities, the establishment of a $300 million per year fund by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority that can be used to address area transportation needs, and the endorsement of the project by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, the Columbia Pike Streetcar has gained a good deal of media attention of late, as the subject of articles in the Washington Business Journal, the Arlington Sun Gazette, and in a number of segments on WTOP radio. One reason for the attention here is what’s happening elsewhere in the region and around the country, including in Portland, Oregon (streetcar pictured above), where the streetcar system is credited with helping to revitalize much of the downtown area. "We are beginning to see a streetcar revolution," said Steve DelGiudice, an Arlington County transportation planner, who cites dozens of municipalities that are planning streetcar systems both to efficiently transport more people, and to gain the benefits of new economic development.

In another effort to provide information about transit options and the Streetcar Project, DelGiudice, CPRO Executive Director Jim Whittaker, and former Federal Transit Administration official Franz Gimmler addressed the Jan. 9 gathering of the Committee of 100 held at Marymount University . The presentation and question and answer session were videotaped and will be aired on Comcast Channel 69 and Verizon Channel 38 in the days and weeks ahead.

The proposal for a Columbia Pike Streetcar System came out of the extensive public planning efforts that produced the community’s vision for a revitalized Pike, the "Form Based Code" which prescribes the kinds of development that can occur here, and the Columbia Pike Street Space Planning Task Force Report. The specific plan for a 4.7 mile line that will run from Skyline to Pentagon City , operate in mixed traffic lanes, and be supplemented with buses during peak periods, was endorsed by the Arlington and Fairfax County Boards in April and May of 2006.