The October 2026 newsletter is linked below. If you have any comments or questions, email editor@ashtonheights.org.
All Hands On Deck
by Scott Sklar
The number of issues coming before the Ashton Heights Civic Association (AHCA) is increasing at full speed.
Our AHCA Committees and AHCA Issue Leads will be working on multiple fronts. We are looking for interested AHCA residents to help provide input and even attend county-sponsored meetings. See page 2 for contact information.
Arlington Neighborhood Commission (ArNAC) of which AHCA is a member, oversees funding for sidewalk and curb improvements, small parks and open spaces. Leads for this initiative are Lisa Shimberg (healingworks [at] verizon.net), alternate Hillary Berlin (hillary.berlin [at] gmail.com) and Executive Committee (ExCom) backup Betsey Lyon (etlyon410 [at] gmail.com). Reach out to these new AHCA representatives.
Transportation issues are proliferating, including the upcoming road work on Wilson Blvd at North 10th Street. AHCA residents have expressed concerns on the listserv over the new online residential parking program implementation, so we are trying to get a county rep at an upcoming AHCA meeting. Patrick Lueb from the Transportation Committee continues the dialogue on traffic calming (especially reducing tractor trailer trucks through our neighborhoods), as well as pedestrian and bicycle safety, plus visibility issues.
The Historic Preservation Committee has initiated an historic plaque program (see page 8) and I urge our AHCA residents to participate. Julie Mangis and Ann Felker lead this committee.
The Tree Canopy and Native Plants Committee initiates and coordinates planting of trees and they have lawn signs. The committee advises the county of both building and park projects to protect and expand tree canopy focusing on native plants. Guidance on native plants and pollinators to attract and expand fireflies, butterflies, and native birds is also a priority. The committee is vigilant on providing input on the Greenway and the upcoming Buckingham planning study. Brooke Alexander is chair of this very active committee.
The AHCA Development Committee co-chaired by Jack Spilsbury and Alexander Tuneski are busy overseeing the three new developments along 10th St North & Wilson Blvd. They have been appointed to the upcoming county effort on the Ballston Park & Buckingham Commercial Area Planning Study.
Our Noise Committee focuses on noise emanating from areas businesses, primarily bars and restaurants. Robby Mook represents AHCA on the Clarendon Live Entertainment Committee. He needs neighborhood input, so don’t be shy.
Stormwater AHCA lead Chris Lewicki is the contact for “all things stormwater” and represents AHCA on the Spout Run water renovation effort and follows Arlington County’s stormwater credit system.
For the sake of space, I have limited coverage on AHCA Committee actions, but the point here, again is look over the committees and issue representatives within AHCA, and drop them an e-mail (contact info on page 2). They need your help.
I have an “AHCA Honorable Mention” of Ann Felker whom many of you know for her years of service within AHCA and our community. She took it upon herself (by way of a suggestion from neighbor Sarah Friedrich) to have child sitting so parents can come to our AHCA meetings the third Wednesday of every month at the Clarendon United Methodist Church social hall. I want to personally thank her for this effort and ask parents to email Ann with suggestions, and even help build this effort, so contact her at gr8est9 [at] gmail.com.
And finally, please reach out to any member of the ExCom, who are elected officers and at-large members that oversee and try to coordinate all of these activities. Don’t be shy with us, and while we are active on the AHCA listserv, you should feel free to send any of us an e-mail with suggestions, concerns, and even plaudits!
I wish you all a Happy Autumn and thank you for being an involved member of our Ashton Heights Community.