Category: Development

September Newsletter and September 14 Meeting

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Message from CCCA’s President

On September 14th (Wednesday)  at 7pm we will have our next CCCA meeting. We will have an update from JBGS on all of their construction projects, a presentation by the County transportation staff on alternatives for Metro.  We will have one more presentation that has not been confirmed.

Mark your calendars for Nov 16th and Jan. 18th for our next two meetings. All will be hybrid.  If you have suggestions for topics, please email me. We are always trying to find presentations!

Register in advance for the September meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkde2tpjgoHd0_eY7447i31YOTx8meHtQX 

– Eric Cassel, CCCA President

Click here to download the September Newsletter

https://www.crystalcitycivic.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CCCA_Newsletter-No.-9-September-2022.pdf

CCCA August 2022 Newsletter

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Click here to download

Message from CCCA’s President

Livability22202 is looking at the problem of crime in the area. We are meeting with the police and are looking for volunteers to work on the issue. If you are interested, please email me at: [email protected].

Last month we did a survey on potential names for the two parks at the Amazon HQ2 sites:  MetPark and PenPlace.  The results are here.  Overall, the names chosen are likely candidates for the final names.

Lastly, have a great summer! Be sure and take some time off and enjoy life!

– Eric Cassel, CCCA President

VDOT Multimodal Project for Route 1

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Update as of July 14, 2022

VDOT held a virtual public information meeting #2 June 21. Watch the meeting video here. Comments were requested by Friday, July 15.  Livability22202 and the People Before Cars Coalition submitted a letter of joint comments on July 7, focusing on areas of agreement.  This was a follow-up to the joint letter sent on May 20. Livability22202 sent a letter July 14, focusing on the need for better protection for peds/cyclists at 18th Street and additional measures to improve VDOT’s plans for the boulevard Right of Way.  The Crystal City Citizens Review Council submitted a letter July 14 as well.  Review the CCCA meeting June 15 for a full understanding of the Livability22202 concerns and proposals to VDOT.   

Next steps: The third PIM is scheduled for September and will include more information on TDM methods.

Happy Fourth of July!

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July Newsletter is Out – click here to download

July 4 Announcement of Road Closures and places to View the Fireworks: See inside the Newsletter for details

Message from CCCA’s President

We have a survey about Park Names! Three parks around the new Amazon HQ2 need names. In the map below are the 3 parks. Park 1 is next to Eads and just north of the Whole Foods. Park 2 is the redesigned park. And the 3rd park is essentially inside the Amazon Property where the Helix will be. Please take a survey below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T2M8VX3

The Livability 22202 Housing Working Group wants to hear from renters in our zip code. Please take a few minutes to share your recent living experiences, rent increases, what you enjoy and what is challenging here. You can do so anonymously if you wish! Here is the link.

Route 1 continues to be a major commitment for me. We had a great meeting on the 15th and VDOT’s meeting on the 18th was interesting, but we had problem with not enough space outside the roadway. Sidewalks, bike lanes and trees are important for a road. We are working hard to get the best solution for our neighborhood.

– Eric Cassel, CCCA President

CCCA June Newsletter is Out

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Click here to download.

Message from CCCA’s President

Thanks to everyone who joined us virtually and in person for our May meeting on transportation.  Our next regular meeting will be in September, but we will have a special meeting on June 15 to cover Route 1. This meeting will be for all three civic associations. We will cover all the different alternatives for 18th street and Route 1!

 Register here.

The County 10-year investment plan was recently released and 3 Crystal City Parks were included. We have a significant number of new parks in the planning stages, but funding has been uncertain.

With summer approaching, please maintain personal awareness, as crime will increase. While our area does not have high crime rates, it does happen. A purse was recently stolen just outside of Long Bridge Park on Crystal Drive. A violent attack with weapon took place outside Bowlero on 23rd St on May 23.

Finally, be sure to visit our website (https://crystalcitycivic.org) or our Facebook page. (We always need people to help with social media!)

– Eric Cassel, CCCA President

CCCA Meeting May 18, 2022, 7-9 pm

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Join us for the next CCCA Meeting:

CCCA Hybrid Meeting May 18, 7-9 pm

Transportation and Development

NOTE: This is a hybrid meeting. Participants may choose to either:

  • View on Zoom or
  • Attend in-person. Anyone wishing to attend in person may come to the conference room at 251 S 18th Street (Wells Fargo Building where Precinct 006 Crystal City voters vote.  We’ll be there!

Meeting agenda:

  1. Presentation by the County on transportation projects in Crystal City and the surrounding area.  You will be amazed at all that is planned or in progress and will want to be informed.
  2. Brief update by Amazon on their HQ2 (MetPark and PenPlace)
  3. Brief presentation by Dweck on their new site plans for Crystal Towers construction at 1600 S Eads Street

You can join us in person at 251 18th St S or please register in advance for online at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsd-yrrzkqEtdSnKdmvtTiuvDdOidF3hUr

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting by Zoom or phone. 

We will try to live stream on Facebook but haven’t been having much luck with that for recent meetings.  Facebook/Live streaming page: https://www.facebook.com/crystalcitycivic/live.     

The meeting is open to all 22202 residents by Zoom registration or visible on the CCCA Facebook page.

CCCA May Newsletter is Out

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Once again, filled with lots of information on what’s happening in our area. Don’t forget, you can get this Newsletter and email update in your in box and vote at meetings by becoming a member of the CCCA for $10 annually. Local businesses may become Associate Members without a vote.

President’s Corner
May 18th Meeting and More Issues than Normal

  1. On May 18th at 7:00, we will have a presentation by the County on Transportation. We will also have
    an in-person report from an Amazon representative on their HQ2. Lastly we will have a short
    presentation by Dweck on their new buildings. Join us in person at 251 18th St S or register in
    advance     for this meeting.
  2. Last week the County Board approved the Helix, three office buildings and the rest of the
    development for Amazon at PenPlace. Besides my comments before the County Board, NBC4
    interviewed me.
  3. The County is developing a new graphics tool for all things construction/development. There will be
    a meeting on Monday May 16th at 7:00. This should be a good tool for all residents.
  4. The bringing down of Route 1 has generated several alternatives for 18th Street. VDOT made a
    presentation on Thursday and we will be having a meeting on the various choices.
  5. The County is proposing to change the way Storm-Water is going to be billed to residents.
    Switching to a Storm-Water Utility will mean Crystal City Property Owners will see net bills will fall and
    single-family owners will see an increase, but the method of payment will change.
  6. The Civic Federation is proposing numerous changes to the County Government Structure. For
    example, one recommendation is to increase the number of County Board Members from 5 to 7.

See more in the Newsletter.

Eric Cassel, CCCA President

April CCCA Newsletter

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Download it here.

1.  Save the Date:  Our next CCCA meeting will be May 18.  With all of the transportation projects in progress or being planned, we may focus the meeting on that topic.

2.  What’s to Become of Route 1? Many of you are aware of the ongoing VDOT feasibility study on the Route 1.  You can read the background on the Livability22202 website for the Route 1 working group, including the February 27, 2022, letter to VDOT.  VDOT has now started Phase 2 of the study and is planning a Public Information Meeting on April 28. Register here.  We don’t know yet what will be covered in that meeting, but we have been disappointed that VDOT discontinued the Task Force meetings with essential stakeholders.  In the meantime, the Livability working group continues to engage with VDOT, the National Landing BID, the People Before Cars coalition, and JBG to develop creative solutions to the problems of bringing Route 1 down to grade.  Safety of crossing Route 1 for pedestrians and bikers is our primary goal and lowering Route 1 to grade with a traffic intersection at 18th Street poses the greatest risks. Working with two pro bono urban architects, the working group has proposed consideration of three ideas:  a) pedestrian/bike-only plazas on both sides of Route 1 at 18th Street; b) passageways under Route 1 at 18th for bikes and pedestrians that would connect to the Metro and c) a “blue sky” option for a bridge over Route 1 similar to Highline in NYC.  We will continue to inform the community as the study progresses as we seek the best options for a safe crossing of Route 1.

3.  Construction to start for Transitway on 12th and Crystal Drive April 4:  A notice went out March 25.  But remember that beginning the week of April 4th, Arlington County contractors will initiate the construction work for the first segment of the Transitway Extension to Pentagon City. The work includes the installation of two new transit stations at Crystal Drive & 15th Street S, and 12th Street S. & Long Bridge Drive, along with street improvements along 12th Street S. between S. Eads St. and S. Clark St., and the intersection of 12th Street S. at Crystal Drive.  See details in the Newsletter.  

March Newsletter is Out

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click here to download

Next CCCA Meeting:  On Wednesday March 16, 2022 we will be holding CCCA meeting. The presentations are from JBGS on:
The Underground, Riverhouse Plans, New Residential plans at the old Americana Hotel Site.  You can join us in person at 251 18th St S or please register in advance for online at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsdO-vrzsvEtBwmdZ_OGDlgN1dAStJ-6sO

Seeking a New Newsletter Editor
Your CCCA Newsletter Editor is trying hard to retire. Time for new blood, ideas, and innovative format.  If you’re interested in writing the monthly Newsletter, let us know at [email protected].  Glad to provide training and all the necessary contacts.
 

In Memoriam:  Many of you may not be aware that the widow of Robert H Smith, who built Crystal City, lived here in the north part of Crystal City until her death December 9, 2021.  Clarice Smith was an artist and DC philanthropist who donated to many causes.  Her husband died in 2009.  We say goodbye in the Newsletter.
 

February 2022 Newsletter is Out

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Download the Newsletter here.

1.  Message from Your President:  A big thank you to everyone who made January’s Meeting a success!  We had a presentation by VDOT on the proposed changes to Route 1. Then a discussion panel with Carol Fuller, Pam Van Hine, and Arthur Fox, led by Brian Harner. Lastly, we had a presentation by the County Mental Health Director- Carol Layer on their resources.  All the presentations are on the CCCA website.  Our next meeting will be in March and we are open to suggestions for topics!

2.  REMINDER:  Annual Dues Payment Now Overdue:  NOTE:  If you have not paid your 2022 annual dues, this is the last Newsletter you will receive by email.  Annual dues are paid for the calendar year, so payment of $10 will be due no later than February 28 for members to remain on the mailing list as voting members to receive the monthly Newsletter and Updates.  Renew online by PayPal or send a check to our new Treasurer Steve Miller, 1300 Crystal Drive #408S, Arlington VA 22202.   A confirmation email will be sent by February 28 to all those who have paid their 2022 dues.

3.  Seeking a New Newsletter Editor:  Your CCCA Newsletter Editor is retiring.  Time for new blood, ideas, and innovative format.  If you’re interested in writing the monthly Newsletter, let us know at [email protected].  Glad to provide training and all the necessary contacts.