Ashton Heights Civic Association Meeting Minutes for 11/18/2020 via Zoom
Scott Sklar, AHCA President, brought the meeting to order at 7:32 pm.
Scott gave a shout out of thanks to Emmilou Olsen and all who helped for the Halloween Celebration in Ashton Heights.
He called the Committee Chairs (below) to make reports other than the Development Committee who is hosting the speakers at today’s meeting.
Christina Schultz of our Safety and Security Committee pointed out two police-related engagement opportunities that they are hoping some of our residents might want to get involved with. One is the recruitment process for a new police chief, and the other is the use of cameras for collecting evidence. If you have any questions or concerns with these two items, please contact Christina at cmschultz@yahoo.com.
Arlington Police Department Representatives Officers Harley Gunther and Corporal Wallace reported no huge change in our crime activity. Please do your part to prevent crime – if you see something strange, please contact the police to investigate. These tips have been helpful.
- Since it is getting darker earlier please be vigilant maintaining awareness of your surroundings and who is around you. Carry your keys in your hand as a weapon.
- Package larcenies from front porches are on the rise. Track your packages. Have someone you trust pick up your packages and hold them until you get home. Maybe use in-store pick up instead of delivery to your front porch if you are not home.
- Lock your cars. If you have packages in your car, please keep them out of sight. The have been two arrests for larceny in autos. Do the 9:00 pm routine to lock all your cars and doors.
- The was an attempted rape reported nearby. Since it is an ongoing investigation there were no specifics to report.
Brent Burris our Neighborhood Conservation Representative reported that Brooke Alexander is working with county reps making sure appropriate replacement trees are planted in Gumball Park.
Two Presentations:
1) Overview of the Arlington Neighborhood Planning and Redevelopment Process – Bob Duffy, Planning Director, Arlington Department of Community Planning and Development
Concerns raised about the impact on our area by traffic, pedestrian safety, light and noise from these new developments, as well as tall buildings creating a “canyon effect”. Hoping that setbacks and tapering will be incorporated in the planning to help diminish impact on our neighborhood. Bob Duffy responded that all these concerns will be addressed.
2) Redevelopment Plans for the Clarendon Wilson Blvd/10th Street Triangle (Silver Diner and Beer lot Sites) – P. David Tarter, Esquire, Tarter Nova Law, and Tom Shooltz, TCS Realty.
Christopher Gordon the Architect with KGD Architecture gave the presentation on the different aspects of the development and answered questions posed by AHCA members.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Jodie Flakowicz, November 19, 2020