May 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes  

Board Members Present:  Chanda Choun, Linda LeDuc, Noreen Quill, Janeth Valenzuela

1.       Guest Speaker.  Mr. Edson  Bravo, Arlington county Parks and Rec, was invited to inform the neighborhood about summer teen programs.  Unfortunately, no programs will be held at Tyrol Hill Park due to staff shortages.  However, if we can find volunteers to staff programs, DPR might be able to fund them.  A query about any teen summer work programs to help volunteer was made.  Teens would be required to take training and may not be available in time.

There are 2 summer camps available.  One is teen summer drop in program at Arlington Mill, Monday-Friday from 1-5 pm.  The second program is a Saturday trip series.  Trips:  June 24, laser tag; July 8, Luray Caverns; July 22, Funland in Fairfax; and August 8, an open deck bus tour to D.C.  The Saturday series will be posted on the county web site.  There is a fee for the second program.  Participants of free or reduced lunch may have a reduced fee option.  Mr. Bravo noted that the county cannot accept funds for any neighborhood participant but a participant could be funded directly. 

It was suggested that Justin Beck, Arlington County’s Public Engagement Specialist, be contacted about county resources for the festival as well as follow up with Bryna Helfer, Assistant County Manager, for financial support for a moon bounce for the festival.

2.       Update on Arlington Mill Survey.  The survey will be available on line until May 30.  We have received several Spanish survey responses, many focused on issues at the Serrano Apts.

3.       Volunteers for September 9 AMCA Festival.  An email will be sent to the list gathered via the neighborhood survey seeking volunteers.

4.       Update on West End Pike Mural.  No news as to whether the county has included funding in its 2024 budget for this project.

5.       Other

a.   Annual Neighborhood Clean Up.  The county will provide its annual clean up in the duplex areas on June 3, from 7-11 am.  Noreen needs help distributing flyers.  She will confirm with the county whether the flyers to the duplexes along S. Dinwiddie St./S. 8th Rd. will be distributed by the county.

b.   Tyrol Hill Park.  Problems continue in the Tyrol Hill Park including teens driving a car into the park.  It was suggested that a letter be written to Kasey Spriggs, Arlington County South Arlington Park Manager, about park issues to include the need for stronger bollards at park entrances and summer evening programs.  It was noted that school ends on June 16.

c.   Virginia Hospital/Behavioral Addition.  Arlington Mill, Forest Glen and Glencarlyn Civic Association representatives have formed a community group to interface with Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) and Arlington County as VHC develops plans and builds its proposed mental health/spinal injury rehab center at the 601 S. Carlin Springs Road site.  Janeth indicated that parents are concerned for their children’s safety when walking by the new facility.  Janeth also noted that the county will add speed cameras and give traffic tickets on S. Carlin Springs Road next year.

d.   Neighborhood Complete Streets.  Linda was notified that the county is proposing a project to improve safety and accessibility of the intersections of 8th Road South with South Dickerson and South Emerson Streets.  Improvements will be made at 8th Road South between S. Dinwiddie St and S. Frederick St. and 8th Road S. between S. Dinwiddie St. and S. Frederick St.  The proposed improvements include accessible curb ramps, pedestrian bump outs and other relevant signage and pavement markings.  This project has not yet been funded.

e.   Form Based Code.  Noreen noted that the FBC group met on April 26 for an update on the Barcroft Apartments purchase.  Details are available on the county web site.

f.        Civic Association Participation.  It was lamented that participation is lagging.  We will discuss options to increase activity in the future.

6.        Adjournment.  A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved at 8:20 pm.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 18, at 7 pm.