Hello, Ms. Yupette,
I spoke with a super-friendly Trader Joes employee about TJ opening a new store in Clarendon. He told me that the amount of bribes TJ would have to pay to open a new store in DC was "impossible" and the amount of bribes TJ had to pay to Arlington's elected and unelected officials was "quite reasonable, less than a half million." He was also surprised that Arlington agreed to so little on-site parking, given that 25 - 35 TJ employees will be working in the store and only a few will be able to afford to live within Metro corridors. So I guess a half million dollars still goes a long way in Arlington.
Janet - 22201
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
County Board Reportedly Helping Fairlington Civic Association Extort Shirlington Restaurant Owners
Hello, Yupette,
Did you know what all the fuss was about today and last Saturday at the County Board Meeting concerning awnings, music, and seating at Shirlington Village restaurants? Well, it's like this. For years the Fairlington Citizens Association Incorporated (the civic association in Fairlington) has been trying to extort Shirlington restaurants into placing expensive full-page ads in the FCA's monthly newsletter. And the restaurant owners have repeatedly said - no way. So about 5 years ago the FCA's leadership hit upon the bright idea of making constant complaints against the restaurant owners for noise, seating, and other petty violations until the restaurant owners capitulated. Latest twist involves Chris Zimmerman ratcheting up the pressure on the restaurant owners in return for the FCA's support and contributions to Boss Zimmerman's recent campaign. Of course Fairlington is a half-mile from Shirlington See how rotten these local pols and their ward heelers can be?
Susan
Did you know what all the fuss was about today and last Saturday at the County Board Meeting concerning awnings, music, and seating at Shirlington Village restaurants? Well, it's like this. For years the Fairlington Citizens Association Incorporated (the civic association in Fairlington) has been trying to extort Shirlington restaurants into placing expensive full-page ads in the FCA's monthly newsletter. And the restaurant owners have repeatedly said - no way. So about 5 years ago the FCA's leadership hit upon the bright idea of making constant complaints against the restaurant owners for noise, seating, and other petty violations until the restaurant owners capitulated. Latest twist involves Chris Zimmerman ratcheting up the pressure on the restaurant owners in return for the FCA's support and contributions to Boss Zimmerman's recent campaign. Of course Fairlington is a half-mile from Shirlington See how rotten these local pols and their ward heelers can be?
Susan
Pike, EFC Projects - 'Development for the Sake of Development' Pushed by County Board, Planners, REITs, 'Community Leaders'
Hello Yupette,
I attended the East Falls Church planning forum yesterday. My son, who lives near Bailey's Crossroads, attended the Columbia Pike Planning forum at Godwin House.
It's clear that these projects are 'development for the sake of development' pushed by the Arlington County Board, real estate trusts and developers, the County's bloated planning staff that's looking for more projects to justify its existence, and the County Board's pet 'community leaders'.
These were more charade forums where the affected residents are not allowed to ask questions or make comments, only submit written comments - for the record.
Sad, sad, sad to see massive development imposed on suburban neighborhoods that only want the basics upgraded and better public services, like streets paved and modern street lighting installed.
Larry - 22205
I attended the East Falls Church planning forum yesterday. My son, who lives near Bailey's Crossroads, attended the Columbia Pike Planning forum at Godwin House.
It's clear that these projects are 'development for the sake of development' pushed by the Arlington County Board, real estate trusts and developers, the County's bloated planning staff that's looking for more projects to justify its existence, and the County Board's pet 'community leaders'.
These were more charade forums where the affected residents are not allowed to ask questions or make comments, only submit written comments - for the record.
Sad, sad, sad to see massive development imposed on suburban neighborhoods that only want the basics upgraded and better public services, like streets paved and modern street lighting installed.
Larry - 22205
Monday, November 15, 2010
County's Lack of Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Law Enforcement is Appalling
Hello Yupette,
I am 55 years old and drive around Arlington in my Honda Civic on the usual errands. This past weekend I saw the worst behavior by pedestrians and bicyclists I have ever seen. Massive jaywalking, people on all kinds of bicycles running stop signs and traffic lights, runners running down the middle of streets, parents pushing strollers in the middle of the street. And most of these people were dressed in black or dark colors.
Who started the share the road insanity? Wasn't it Fisette? Will Jay Fisette visit the people who end up in the hospital because of his Yuppie recreation craziness?
Please, if you are going to walk, bicycle, run, or push a stroller down the middle of a street at least wear a bright-colored shirt or jacket.
Ken
I am 55 years old and drive around Arlington in my Honda Civic on the usual errands. This past weekend I saw the worst behavior by pedestrians and bicyclists I have ever seen. Massive jaywalking, people on all kinds of bicycles running stop signs and traffic lights, runners running down the middle of streets, parents pushing strollers in the middle of the street. And most of these people were dressed in black or dark colors.
Who started the share the road insanity? Wasn't it Fisette? Will Jay Fisette visit the people who end up in the hospital because of his Yuppie recreation craziness?
Please, if you are going to walk, bicycle, run, or push a stroller down the middle of a street at least wear a bright-colored shirt or jacket.
Ken
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Many Planning Charades Scheduled This Week
Hi Yupette,
County Board and its minions have scheduled a number of charade public meetings this week - planning has been completed per the County Board's specifications. Citizens, taxpayers, voters are only allowed to make insignificant changes. OK, so here' a list of the meetings.
Monday, November 15th
Columbia Pike Transportation (Pike Trolley) Planning Meeting, Godwin House, 3440 South Jefferson St., 7-9 PM
East Falls Church Area Plan Open House, Tuckahoe Elementary School, 6550 N. 26th St., 6-9 PM
Master Transportation Plan Community Meeting, Navy League Building, 2200 Wilson Blvd., 7-9 PM
Tuesday, November 16th
County Board Meeting, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 6:30 PM
Wednesday, November 17th
Community Energy Planning Meeting, Navy League Building, 2200 Wilson Blvd. 6-9 PM
Thursday, November 18th
Community Energy Planning Meeting, Central Library, 7:30-10 AM
Ten Year Plan to Eliminate Homelessness Meeting, Holiday Inn at Ballston, 4610 N. Fairfax Dr., 8-10 AM
Columbia Pike Transportation (Pike Trolley) Meeting, Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S 16th St., 7-9 PM
Saturday, November 20th
East Falls Church Area Plan Open House, Resurrection Lutheran Church, 6201 Washington Blvd, 1-3 PM
Mark 22205
County Board and its minions have scheduled a number of charade public meetings this week - planning has been completed per the County Board's specifications. Citizens, taxpayers, voters are only allowed to make insignificant changes. OK, so here' a list of the meetings.
Monday, November 15th
Columbia Pike Transportation (Pike Trolley) Planning Meeting, Godwin House, 3440 South Jefferson St., 7-9 PM
East Falls Church Area Plan Open House, Tuckahoe Elementary School, 6550 N. 26th St., 6-9 PM
Master Transportation Plan Community Meeting, Navy League Building, 2200 Wilson Blvd., 7-9 PM
Tuesday, November 16th
County Board Meeting, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 6:30 PM
Wednesday, November 17th
Community Energy Planning Meeting, Navy League Building, 2200 Wilson Blvd. 6-9 PM
Thursday, November 18th
Community Energy Planning Meeting, Central Library, 7:30-10 AM
Ten Year Plan to Eliminate Homelessness Meeting, Holiday Inn at Ballston, 4610 N. Fairfax Dr., 8-10 AM
Columbia Pike Transportation (Pike Trolley) Meeting, Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S 16th St., 7-9 PM
Saturday, November 20th
East Falls Church Area Plan Open House, Resurrection Lutheran Church, 6201 Washington Blvd, 1-3 PM
Mark 22205
Friday, November 12, 2010
County Covernment, Media, Misled Citizens About Student Population Growth
Hello, Yupette,
Why are Arlington's schools facing seriously overcrowded conditions over the next five years? Because both County Government and the local media misled citizens and voters about the size of the student population increase. Why? So school board incumbents (who the local media endorse) could build more Tah Mahal schools that will primarily function as sports and recreation centers. By the way, Arlington County employs a full-time demographer and the school system conducts a biennial census of Arlington residences.
Margaret - 22206
Why are Arlington's schools facing seriously overcrowded conditions over the next five years? Because both County Government and the local media misled citizens and voters about the size of the student population increase. Why? So school board incumbents (who the local media endorse) could build more Tah Mahal schools that will primarily function as sports and recreation centers. By the way, Arlington County employs a full-time demographer and the school system conducts a biennial census of Arlington residences.
Margaret - 22206
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Ballston BID Would Fund More Live Theater
Hi, Yupette,
In the event you wondered why the County Board is advertising for a business improvement district (special tax district) for Ballston, it's the primary means of getting another performing arts center constructed, this time in the Ballston-Clarendon area, most likely on the site of the present Arlington Funeral Home. Jay Fisette is looking to put at least two live theater groups in Ballston. The Ballston BID would generate at least $3 million yearly that Fisette and other County Board members could use for vanity projects.
2100
In the event you wondered why the County Board is advertising for a business improvement district (special tax district) for Ballston, it's the primary means of getting another performing arts center constructed, this time in the Ballston-Clarendon area, most likely on the site of the present Arlington Funeral Home. Jay Fisette is looking to put at least two live theater groups in Ballston. The Ballston BID would generate at least $3 million yearly that Fisette and other County Board members could use for vanity projects.
2100
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