The November 2026 newsletter is linked below. If you have any comments or questions, email editor@ashtonheights.org.
A Wide Set of Issues and Opportunities
by Scott Sklar
I would like to welcome our two newest AHCA leaders who have just stepped up to fill vacancies. Catherine Palin has been voted in unanimously by the AHCA Executive Committee (ExCom) as the AHCA VP of Membership and is also now a voting member of the AHCA ExCom.
On October 13th, I sent a letter on behalf of AHCA to the Arlington County Board addressing the Ballston Park and Buckingham Commercial Area study. This proposed redevelopment effort is a year long study initiated by the county. Protections for 233 units expire December 2027.
“Under the LIHTC program, administered by the state housing finance agency Virginia Housing, affordability restrictions for the 233 income-restricted units will expire on December 31, 2027. This will be followed by a three-year Decontrol Period, ending in 2030, which will provide additional protections for existing residents as the LIHTC program winds down.” (https://www.arlingtonva. us/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/ projects/documents/ballston-park/ballston-park-county-board-charge-5.19.26.pdf )
These 25 acres of historic buildings and old tree canopy are entirely within the confines of Ashton Heights. The AHCA Development Committee chairs Jack Spilsbury and Alexander Tuneski are representing AHCA on this process. Our major AHCA Committees on Historic Preservation, Tree Canopy and Native Plants, Transportation, and Housing are all following their respective issues within this process.
I am in communications with the Buckingham Civic Association and the Lyon Park Citizens Association and we are coordinating a response. Please see pages 7 and 16 for more information about this study and how you can advocate.
In another challenge, we are receiving increasing reports of speeding in our neighborhoods and increased tractor trailer trucks traversing our residential streets. At the moment, we do not have a solid strategy, but we do have an open dialogue with the county. If you have any suggestions, please contact AHCA Transportation Chair Patrick Lueb (see page two).
Finally, I am amazed at the hard work, energy, and dedication of such a broad swath of our community members who work on issues on behalf of our community. The effort is worthwhile and the stakes are important.
Thank you all for your interest and dedication to our community. Have wonderful autumn and Thanksgiving.