Scott Sklar, AHCA President, brought meeting to order at 7:30 pm, with a full schedule. Various AHCA Committee reports:
Transportation Committee, Patrick Lueb was not here, but Scott shared draft copies of the Ashton Heights Transportation and Parking Principles and went through to solicit comments. Please review and email any comments to Patrick. We will vote on this document at next month’s meeting.
AHCA Neighborhood Historian, Jim Terpstra is gathering the historical records of the Ashton Heights Civic Association. Any neighbors who might have old AHCA documents please let him know. Right now he is reviewing documentation that he has and what he can find at the Central Library.
Daniel Berkland the Editor of our Newsletter is stepping down as of the September 2019 newsletter. Kristine Babick is stepping up to take over this role in September 2019.
Schools Committee, Gregory Morse reported that there has been some confusion with what the school board has been up to with respect to the new high school plans. There has been some talk of using the space occupied by the Columbia Pike Library, which he is looking into.
Tree Canopy and Native Plants Subcommittee, Brooke Alexander – we have applied for and will receive 15 new native trees for the neighborhood.
Mosaic Park – concerns raised about the budget for the park being cut, because the bids came in too high. The funds for the native trees and plants was reduced because of this. We are keeping an eye on this.
The new pedestrian bridge over Wilson Blvd. has now been installed.
Rita O’Brien announced that Culpeper Gardens will be having their 50th Anniversary Gala at the Unitarian Church on June 8, 2019.
Development Committee, Jack Spilsbery – The hotel proposal for the Staples site seems to be dead. Our Development Committee attended a presentation about a new proposal from Kitchens United using the existing foot print. It has a millennial focus, which will have 10 – 11 modular kitchens to be used by existing restaurants to expand their services or for test kitchens for possible new food markets. This is primarily aimed for delivery or pick up service with some seating. This project will need permission from the county for pick up service. The pick up entrance will be on Wilson Blvd. and there will be twenty-two parking spaces in the parking lot. Kitchens United has three other locations in the country. At peak times at these other locations, there can be 120 – 160 orders an hour. Concerns expressed by attendees of our meeting were about additional traffic flow, parking, signage and lighting, times for trash and recycling pick up. The AHCA Development Committee and neighborhood group, led by AHCA ExCom member Cole Deines will be reviewing the proposal.
The proposal for this site will be going to the County Board on 4/27/2019. Our Development Committee needs any questions/concerns about this action emailed to them soonest.
Brooke Alexander asked the committee to also check out the land use plan for a “greenway” designation for an area of land running from Irving to Oakland or Oxford. She wants to make sure that this new proposal does not impact on this “greenway” designation in the zoning.
Member of the County Board, Libby Garvey – Amazon coming to Arlington is a good thing. The future of our economic region, which stretches from Richmond to Baltimore is good. We are 3rd in the U.S. and 7th in the world. Our office vacancy rate is currently 17.2%. With Amazon moving in we will benefit from incremental increase of taxes from them. We will also be getting $75 million from the state for affordable housing and funding from the state for transportation.
Presentation about the Harris Teeter Redevelopment on Glebe Road – Matt Allman Venable Design with Architect Jan Makovnik, seeking any community input, and some suggestions were bike stand near entrance, and wider parking spaces for easy access to cars with packages.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:10 pm and AHCA members mingled, finished up the food and put away chairs. A
Respectfully submitted by, Jodie Flakowicz, March 26, 2019.
A. The Ashton Heights Civic Association (AHCA) supports retention, expansion and resident education on the benefits of our tree canopy, with a focus on replacement and expansion and utilization of native trees.
Ashton Heights’ tree canopy declined from 48.3% in 2008 to 40% in 2016 (the most recent survey). It is apparent that this decline has continued since 2016, but it has not yet documented or quantified. Much of the decline is from re-development within the neighborhood. As individual lots are redeveloped with larger homes, or expansions, our trees are removed one lot at a time.
In order to maintain our neighborhood tree canopy, we must make a concerted effort to retain our large trees, and replant them. Our large trees are 100+ years old. It will take 100+ years to replace each of them. See the benefits provided by our urban forest at NOTE(1).
See NOTE (2) for a county wide assessment of Arlington’s tree canopy, which also quantifies the loss in Ashton Heights. Within this document, find a description of tree benefits including clean air, stormwater interception and energy savings. The ecological advantages of planting native plants are documented in www.plantnovanatives.org and Bringing Nature Home: How you can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Doug Tallamy. 2014.
See NOTE(1) for some tips for taking care of our valuable, mature trees.
B. Ashton Heights Civic Association supports the County programs which supply free trees to property owners
Tree Canopy Fund Program.This County grant program provides trees on private property. Grant recipients are provided a free tree, and each tree is also planted for free. The trees are 1½” caliper trees that generally are 6-8 feet tall. Once or twice a year, 8-10 different native canopy trees are made available. The number of trees is a function of the program’s funding. Priority is given for county priorities. Application is required; not all applications are accepted.
Also, the Tree Canopy Fund Program can fund maintenance of County Champion trees which are on private property. See NOTE (3) below.
The current Ashton Heights Tree Canopy and Native Species coordinator, Brooke Alexander, is the neighborhood coordinator for the Tree Canopy Fund. Contact Brooke at brooke.alexander52@gmail.com to participate in the program. Brooke coordinates the applications, the plantings, and the 2 year oversight. The watering (which is required for 2 years) is on you! Brooke is a member of the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (ARMN); in having oversight by an ARMN member, priority is given to Ashton Heights’ applicants who go through Ashton Heights. Individuals are also allowed to apply, separately from Ashton Heights.
2. Tree Distribution program.This free annual County tree distribution allows residents one tree per residential property per year. A variety of native tree species are available each fall. The available trees are generally termed ‘whips’ in the nursery trade and are in two gallon containers; they range from 2-4 feet in height. There are a finite number of trees made available each year so for the most choice, sign up early.
This sign up is online. You pick up the tree and you plant it. Generally, the sign up is early Sept and the pick-up is in late October. For more information, see Tree Distribution Program under NOTE (5) below.
Brooke Alexander, Ashton Heights Tree Canopy and Native Species coordinator, is available to consult on tree choices with the County Tree Distribution Program and individual homeowner plantings. (brooke.alexander52@gmail.com)
C. Ashton Heights Civic Association supports the planting of native shrubs and groundcovers.
D. Ashton Heights Civic Association supports the retention of native trees, shrubs and groundcovers within the county, including the continuing stewardship of Arlington’s parks and natural areas.
E. Ashton Heights Civic Association discourages the planting of non-native invasive species, and encourages replacement of non-native invasive plants with native plants.
Note from Arlington’s Nature Resources Manager: “While up to 40% of the plants found in a typical urban environment are non-native species, a relatively small number of these “alien” plants are known to represent an ecological threat to the natural environment (parks, woodlands, and backyards). Known as “invasive species”, these non-natives will spread from urban plantings into natural areas, eliminate native species, alter natural plant communities, and degrade the environment.”
See the list of non-native invasive species in Arlington County at NOTE (6). These species are prohibited from use in County projects. Native plant alternatives for Arlington are documented at www.plantnovanatives.org.
F. Ashton Heights Civic Association has coordinated with Dominion Energy regarding tree trimming along the utility right-of-way. See NOTE(7) below for background
NOTES:
NOTE (1).Arlington Trees Make a Difference! Our Urban Forest’s Measurable Benefits. Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation. Vincent Verweij, Acting Urban Forest Manager. Undated. See at:
Here are some tips for taking care of our valuable mature trees. (from Arlington County Champion Trees 2007-2008 under NOTE(3)).
Watering. In dry periods, even mature trees need to be watered. A thorough soaking once a week is much better than frequent, but light applications of water.
Invasive Plants. Keep English ivy and other invasive plants away from trees. (see more info on invasive plants at NOTE(6).)
Pruning. Trees need their branches and leaves, and should be pruned only for good reason. When mature trees require pruning, hire a tree care firm with a certified arborist to do the work. Note that responsible tree crews use ropes to lift themselves up into a tree; they never use spikes to climb living trees.
Avoid topping. Topping cuts off large branches and leaves stubs. It is an extreme form of pruning that severely damages trees, making them vulnerable to insects and disease. Trees should not be topped. When it is necessary to limit the height or spread of a tree because it is close to buildings or utility lines, there are alternatives to topping. Engage an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist, or a Consulting Arborist (American Society of Consulting Arborists) to help you best support your tree. A list of ISA Certified Arborists can be found at www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist. Consulting arborists can be found at www.asca-consultants.org
NOTE(2).Urban Tree Canopy Assessment. Arlington County, Virginia. December 2017. Prepared for Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation. By Davey Resource Group. See at:
Arlington has identified and registered its most Notable trees. As of 2/2019, since the program start in 1987, 332 trees have been named in the county. More information on these Notable trees and the application form for identifying your tree as Notable is here:
As of February 2019, there are 17 privately owned and 9 publicly owned Specimen trees that have been nominated by the County Board. Specimen trees are protected from removal or injury through the County’s Tree Preservation Ordinance. See more information on these Specimen trees and the application form for identifying your tree as Specimen here:
NOTE(6).Document identifying non-native trees, shrubs, and ground covers that are invasive in Arlington County, from Arlington’s Natural Resource Manager, 11/13/2018.
NON-NATIVE INVASIVE PLANTS OF ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA (Version 10-14-11)
While up to 40% of the plants found in a typical urban environment are non-native species, a relatively small number of these “alien” plants are known to represent an ecological threat to the natural environment (parks, woodlands, and backyards). Known as “invasive species”, these non-natives will spread from urban plantings into natural areas, eliminate native species, alter natural plant communities, and degrade the environment. The following plants have been documented as invasive species in Arlington. Known invasive plant species should not be planted as part of any Arlington County sponsored project. This list will be periodically reviewed by the Invasive Plant Coordinator (PRCR) and updated by Version (date) (sic).
Invasive Plant Species List
Akebia, Five-leaf
Akebia quinata
Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
Bamboo
Bambusa sp.
Bamboo
Phyllostachys sp.
Bamboo
Pseudosasa sp.
Barberry, Japanese
Berberis thunbergii
Beefsteak Plant
Perilla frutescens
Burning Bush
Euonymus alata
Cherry, Weeping (Higan)
Prunus subhirtella
Cherry, Yoshino
Prunus yedoensis
Chinese Silvergrass
Miscanthus sinensis
Clematis, Sweet Autumn
Clematis ternifolia
Common Reed
Phragmites australis
Crabapple, Japanese
Malus floribunda
Crabapple, Siberian
Malus baccata
Crabapple, Tea
Malus hupehensis
Daffodil
Narcissus sp.
Day Lily, Common
Hemerocallis fulva
Elaeagnus, Thorny
Elaeagnus pungens
Euonymus, Creeping
Euonymus fortunei
Garlic Mustard
Alliaria petiolata
Golden Rain Tree
Koelrenteria paniculata *
Gooseberry, Alien
Ribes sp.
Ground Ivy
Glechoma hederacea
Holly, Japanese
Ilex crenata
Honeysuckle, Bush
Lonicera maackii
Honeysuckle, Bush
Lonicera morrowii
Honeysuckle, Japanese
Lonicera japonica
Hops, Japanese
Humulus japonicus
Indian Strawberry
Duchesnea indica
Italian Arum
Arum italica
Ivy, English
Hedera helix
Japanese Stiltgrass
Microstegium vimineum
Java Dropwort
Oenanthe javanica
Jetbead
Rhodotypos scandens
Jointgrass, Hairy
Arthraxon hispidus
Knotweed, Japanese
Polygonum cuspidatum
Kudzu
Pueraria montana
Lesser Celendine
Ranunculus ficaria
Lily-turf, Grassy
Liriope graminifolia **
Liriope, Creeping
Liriope spicata
Mahonia, Leatherlfeaf
Mahonia bealei
Maple, Japanese
Acer palmatum
Maple, Norway
Acer platanoides
Mile-A-Minute-Weed
Persicaria perfoliata (Poly.
perfoliatum)
Mimosa
Albizia julibrissin
Mock Orange
Philadelphus sp.
Money Plant
Lunaria annua
Mulberry, White
Morus alba
Multi-flora Rose
Rosa multiflora
Orchid, Helleborine
Epipictis helleborine
Oriental Bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus
Pachysandra
Pachysandra terminalis
Pear, Bradford
Pyrus calleryana
Pearlwort
Sagina procumbens
Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Phellodendron
Phellodendron amurense
Porcelainberry
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata
Princess Tree
Paulownia tomentosa
Privet, Border
Ligustrum obtusifolium
Privet, Chinese
Ligustrum sinensis
Privet, European
Ligustrum vulgare
Privet, Japanese
Ligustrum japonicum
Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus
Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
Viburnum, Double-file
Viburnum plicatum var.
tomentosum
Viburnum, Linden
Viburnum dilatatum
Viburnum, Tea
Viburnum setigerum
Wineberry
Rubus phoenicolasius
Wisteria, Chinese
Wisteria sinensis
Wisteria, Japanese
Wisteria floribunda
Yam, Chinese
Dioscorea oppositifolia
* Do not plant in close proximity to forested areas or woodland edges.
** Plant only in confined garden beds and avoid park entryways or woodland edges
Please note that the plants listed above are known to be invasive locally. Additional plant species may be documented as invasive in other locales or represent potential invasive species. A number of public agencies, universities, and conservation non-profits are currently documenting and tracking the spread of non-native invasive species across the country. As field research continues, the number of identified invasive species will increase. In order to ensure that the use of invasive species is avoided, a number of data sources are available for vetting purposes. The following PDF files and internet links are considered reliable information resources:
Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia (DCR) www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/invlist.pdf
Terrestrial Invasive Plants of the Potomac River Watershed – Nature Conservancy. www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/maryland/news/news2699.html
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States – Center for Invasive Species Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia. www.invasiveplantatlas.org/index.html
Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council. http://www.ma-eppc.org/
Invasive Plant Atlas of New England. http://nbiinin.ciesin.columbia.edu/ipane/ipanespecies/ipanespecies.htm
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. http://www.se-eppc.org/
NOTE(7). Brian Knightley, Arlington County Deputy Division Chief –Environmental Operations and Planning provided the following information on the conflict of trees and power lines.
Conflicts between overhead utilities is a constant concern in Arlington due to the restricted space that utilities share with our street trees. Public utilities have easements which grant their personnel, as well as their tree trimming contractors, right of ingress and egress, as it relates to providing safe and reliable power within their rights-of-way. Utilities do not need resident consent to trim trees within the utility rights-of-way, and they do not need to give notification either. However, Dominion claims to give a courtesy notice to residents by mail when conducting routine vegetation management along distribution lines. Typically, this notice is attached to the bill header, or sometimes is a stand-alone document (so, if renter occupied, the owner would not receive this courtesy notice). Arlington County has no jurisdictional powers to enforce notifications by public utilities under the current regulations governed by the Virginia SCC.
According to Mr. Knightley, in order to deal with specific actions regarding Dominion’s tree trimming contractors, County Parks have a courtesy agreement with Dominion to coordinate tree trimming and vegetation management actions.
In response to problems AHCA citizens have had in some instances with Dominion contractors regarding tree trimming on their property, in the summer of 2018 AHCA formally dialogued with Scott Reamy, External Affairs Manager, Corporate Public Policy. Dominion Energy Services, Inc O:571-203-5001. Mr Reamy agreed to provide notice to every affected Ashton Heights house (by leaving notice on the door knob) and to include a Dominion phone number for the property owner or representative to call in the event the tree contractor is doing (or about to do) anything that is not in-line with what the property owner desires.
Ashton Heights Civic Association Meeting Minutes 01/16/2019 Scott Sklar, AHCA President, brought meeting to order a bit earlier at 7:23 pm, since we had a full schedule. Various AHCA Committee reports: Membership Committee: Jim O’Brien – The PayPal aspect of our website is back up, so members can now pay for their memberships on-line. Transportation Committee, Patrick Lueb was not here, but Scott mentioned that Patrick mentioned that the County Board changed some parking rules in another jurisdiction, without proper protocol. Sklar has been dialoguing with other civic associations on this issue. Patrick will be looking into this. Schools Committee, Gregory Morse reported that Thomas Jefferson Middle School will be taking Patrick Henry kids starting in September 2019. The renaming of Washington Lee High School did not have input from all Arlington County Civic Associations. Volunteers were solicited from each Civic Association, but none came forward from Ashton Heights. Development Committee: David Phillips mentioned that anAHCA Development Principles Working Group has been formed with four volunteers. Does anyone else want to join? Brandon Watts mentioned that the County Budget for neighborhood projects has shrunk from $12 million to $5 million this year, so not sure how many of these projects will get done. Ken Matzkin mentioned that NCAC (Neighborhood Conservation Program for Arlington County) has been stalled/delayed until June. The Project Manager has been pulled to work on Amazon’s relocation to our county. Tree Canopy and Native Plants Subcommittee: Brooke Alexander presented the Ashton Heights Tree Canopy and Native Plants Principles for review, discussion and approval. . It was voted on and approved. Next month Patrick Lueb will present a draft of the Ashton Heights Principles and Guidelines for Traffic and Development for review and discussion. Denny Edelbrock, the Race Director for the Arlington Bunny Hop – They are looking for runners and volunteers to help with this effort, which will be held this year on April 27, 2019. Christian Dorsey Arlington County Board Chairman who is now serving as the Chair as of January 2016. Here are some of his talking points. Main issue – Budget. We have slow revenue growth, how to fix? Amazon – The total impact will be spread over the next dozen years, so he’s not expecting any serious detrimental impacts. Amazon coming is a good thing. Years ago Arlington put all its eggs in the Federal Government basket, which was a mistake. Better to have a balance of both private and federal activity in the county. Housing – He envisions the need for selective up-zoning for certain properties, especially along transit corridors. How to do this fairly? “Arlington Way” – On the one hand, the traditional openness of the county decision-making has declined. On the other hand, more vigilance is needed to survive certain people “fighting dirty.” County Staff needs to better learn how to engage while avoiding the dirty fights. Arlington County vs. Arlington City? Arlington County will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary this year. Pros and cons to being a County vs. City. Virginia General Assembly would have to grant home rule authority and more responsibility to change our status from a county to a city. Watersheds Project Manager – Anne Guillette with Arlington County Presented plans for a watershed garden at the corner of North Pershing Drive and North Oakland St, and discussed their program to catch rainwater from flowing into Chesapeake Bay. Chief Of Animal Control, Arlington County – Jennifer Toussaint Presentation about what happens in the animal welfare program in Arlington County, with a staff of five dealing with over 1000 calls on wild animals and lost pets. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm and AHCA members mingled, finished up the food and put away chairs. Respectfully submitted by, Jodie Flakowicz, January 23, 2019
Ashton Heights Civic Association Meeting Minutes 11/29/2018 as relayed to Jodie Flakowicz by Scott Sklar
Erik Grabowsky, who heads Arlington County’s Recycling efforts, went through the entire portfolio of Arlington recycling programs. Answer’s questions for 20 minutes.
Brooke Alexander, who heads our Tree Canopy and Native Plants Subcommittee, went methodically through the set of AHCA principles for tree canopy, native trees, and open spaces. We discussed all the issues and they will be made more concise for a final vote at the AHCA January 2019 meeting.
Brooke Alexander covers the CSA program of fresh farm vegetables and eggs which will be starting again shortly.
Scott Sklar, AHCA President, reviewed Committee reports:
Development Committee – David Phillips and Jack Spilsbury reviewed AHCA Development Principles at the last AHCA meeting and had a subsequent committee meeting with about 15 AHCA members. Dave, Jack, and Scott are working this Sunday to refine them intoa concise updated AHCA Development Principles, and a more detailed list of AHCA Development Operating Guidelines, for a vote at our January 2019 meeting.
Transportation Committee – Patrick Lueb is tracking the Wilson Blvd from North Monroe St through 10th Street North, and Clarendon Circle (which is in progress). We are following these and activities carefully.Also raised that 10th Street North has now been under the authority of Arlington County transferred from State of Virginia, and the County is looking for ideas.
Crime and Safety Committee, Christina Schultz (list prepared beforehand by Christina Schultz) which Scott Sklar read.
– For the previous quarter (July-September), most crime rates decreased from the quarter prior (April-June) with the exception of larceny and stolen vehicles.
– The majority of larceny cases come from unlocked vehicles.
– The incidence of stolen vehicles has increased because people are stepping away from running vehicles. This is particularly the case for Uber Eats drivers. With the approach of winter, the ACPD recommends resisting the temptation of going back in your house while your car is heating up. It is harder to steal running cars if you have the key fob since the car must be a certain distance from the fob.
– While there has been no change in robberies, this crime has mainly been occurring after dark. There is a concern that robberies will increase when the Ballston mall reopens.
– Holiday shopping tips at stores and on-line were provided. I can post these on the listserv if anyone is interested.
– Another issue that came up was electric scooters (e.g., Bird, Lime).Several concerns were noted during the meeting. The County is still grappling on a regulatory framework for this new form of transportation. In the meantime, the Countyhas approved a nine-month demonstration program to evaluate dockless bikeshare bikes and electric stand-up scooters, referred to as shared mobility devices. Thanks for your support. Christina Schultz
Submitted by Jodie Flakowicz, Ashton Heights Secretary
