Open Space – Crystal City Civic Association (CCCA)

January 2023 CCCA Meeting

Posted onJanuary 19, 2023January 19, 2023AuthorEric Cassel

On January 18th we held our January meeting in a hybrid format. Below are the powerpoint slide and the video:

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CCCA-Meeting-Presentation

January 2013 Meeting

April CCCA Newsletter

Posted onApril 18, 2022June 9, 2022Authorcfuller603

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 18^th 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 18^th Street; b) passageways under Route 1 at 18^th 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.

Livability22202 Open Space Updates

Posted onMarch 11, 2022April 18, 2022AuthorAlistair Watson

1. 2022 Spring Garden Kickoff March 12:

Registration is now live for the Plot Against Hunger Spring Garden Kickoff, organized by the Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA). Join us at Central Library on March 12th from 10 am until 2 pm for our annual Spring Garden Kickoff event, “Growing Together: Let’s Dig In!”

Highlights:

* “Growing with Climate Change,” an expert panel discussion

* Garden tours and demonstrations

* Seed and seedling giveaways

* Tool clinic and tool swap

* Opportunities to engage with garden experts on a host of topics

Library staff will distribute garden-themed “take and make” craft projects for visitors of all ages. All workshops are subject to change. Outdoor activities will be weather-dependent. Register today at arlingtonurbanag.org and click on the event image or banner.

Note: Our Livability22202 Highlands Urban Garden (HUG) is one of the garden plots.

2. Highlands Urban Garden (HUG) Season Opening: Calling all Volunteer Gardeners. Following on the very productive 2021 year gardening at the HUG next to the tennis courts at Virginia Highlands Park, we’re preparing for spring planting. Come join us March 13 from 1-3 pm for our first work day of the season. We will be 1) reinstalling the irrigation system connected to the water tanks; 2) demonstrating seed planting in peat pots for the garden and handing out seeds; 3) cleaning up the area, including leaves and weeds; and 4) adding compost to the rings. We’ve already assessed what wintered over, fixed fencing, discussed what plants to grow this year. We have kale and chard that wintered over in covered plots and we want to say “hello” to them. Bring some seeds to share or suggest for planting. It’s going to be a good year at the HUG.

The HUG Instagram account has gone live. highlands.urban.garden Highlands Urban Garden (HUG) is a collaborative project with Livability22202 sponsored by the @nationallanding, @arlparksrec and the Crystal City Rotary Club to develop a demonstration urban garden. @arlingtonfoua is managing the project and providing design and technical expertise. The small-scale garden demonstrates modern, sustainable agricultural practices such as modular, low-impact design principles, sustainable water management practices, and incorporates smart technology to collect agriculture metrics. A team of neighborhood volunteers help install, maintain and manage the garden. Follow to see more HUG updates and details on getting involved! #urbangarden #urbangardening #plotagainsthunger #garden #urbanfarming

3. Tell Arlington County How to Spend Its Capital Improvement Plan Budget: Share your thoughts on how Arlington should invest in major infrastructure for the future. Your input will help inform the proposed 10-year Capital Improvement Plan to be presented in May. Read the information and share your thoughts now through March 15! FYI, the 3 civic associations in 22202 and the Crystal City Citizens Review Committee have emphasized open space and parks. Particularly critical, we need construction funding put into two Crystal City Parks: Center Park (connected to the 1900 Crystal Drive construction) and Metro Park on 18th Street between the existing and proposed Metro entrances. If not funded in the CIP, we’re going to be looking at mud and holes for a long time. Please add your support for the parks.

4. Water Park:

Deconstruction of the park infrastructure that needs to be removed has started. About 8 trees that needed to be removed, either because they were weak or in the way of major infrastructure, have been cut down in the Water Park; ones that will be saved have tree protection fencing around them. It may look terrible right now, but the plan requires many more trees to be planted than were there before. The Mt. Vernon Trail is to remain open. Construction in that section of the park has not yet started – may happen by late March. JBG is looking for potential retail tenants for the kiosks – with focus on locally owned, small women and minority business owners.

5. PenPlace Park:

The proposed redevelopment of the PenPlace block in Pentagon City will include a 2.5-acre public space, detached retail pavilions, and underground vehicular access and parking garage. The proposal includes a variety of inviting public spaces. Some of the proposed components include an amphitheater facing a spacious central green, a forest grove and other amenities to complement the convenience of retail pavilions and restaurants located throughout the site. The proposal also includes room for a dog run, a market promenade, and outdoor seating. The park plan is part of the overall site plan for PenPlace and will come to the Board for final approval in April.

6. MetPark Park:

Despite recent weather, spring is on the horizon and work is progressing across the two-acre park. Crews recently formed concrete footings in the children’s park area in preparation for upcoming installation of playground equipment. Clark Construction is looking forward to seeing the park evolve over the next few months!

7. Crystal City Metro Plaza:

Work continues on the Crystal City Metro Plaza enhancements – a collaboration with JBG SMITH and the National Landing BID to improve the plaza. The Harmony Mural was installed last fall with work continuing on the upgrades to the plaza including new seating, lighting, and other upgrades. Completion is anticipated for late April 2022.

8. Cherry Blossom Kite Festival:

Blossom Kite Festival - National Cherry Blossom Festival Sat., March 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Virginia Highlands Park. The National Cherry Blossom Kite Festival comes to Arlington! This will be a day of fun for the whole family – free and for all-ages – and the event will feature food trucks, live entertainment, games, art projects, inflatables, fitness and more to celebrate spring and our great Arlington outdoors. Free kite kits will be handed out to the first 100 attendees. No registration required. Learn more here.

9. Roaches Run: At the May 2021 CCCA meeting, the Superintendent for the National Park Service told us that the two studies of upgrading Roaches Run had essentially been forgotten. He told us that if we want to do anything with Roaches Run, we must launch a campaign with the County for that purpose. The BID has been approached by George Washington University about the possibility of bringing Roaches Run into National Landing, and a few of us are planning to work with them on this project. This will be a huge slog. But stay tuned for more details in the future.

Also check out these two related articles!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jbg-smith-commences-construction-pair-220000920.html

Construction begins on revamped Crystal City Water Park and courtyard along Crystal Drive

CCCA October 2021 Newsletter

Posted onOctober 1, 2021October 31, 2021Authorcfuller603

Click here to download.https://www.crystalcitycivic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CCCA_Newsletter-No.-10.pdf

Some Highlights:

1. Save the Date: CCCA Annual Meeting, November 17, 7-9 pm. So far, we’ve confirmed that we will have our annual CCCA elections and a presentation by Amazon on its operations in 22202 and its plans for PenPlace. Stay tuned for details in early November

2. Construction Alert: On October 9-10, 18th Street between Crystal Drive and Bell Street will be closed to accommodate installation of construction cranes for the 1900 Crystal Drive development project. Construction will not be very noisy, but will start at 3 am on Saturday and 7 am on Sunday and last until 9 pm. Traffic engineering services will provide traffic control and ensure pedestrian safety.

3. COVID Booster Shots: Arlington County Public Health is now offering COVID-19 vaccine boosters for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to certain people at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series. Appointments are required at Arlington Public Health Clinics. Visit vaccinate.virginia.gov to find additional locations and appointments near you. Pharmacies are offering them too. And don’t forget your flu shot.

4. Metro Proposals: Be sure to read about the six multibillion-dollar alternatives to improve the capacity and reliability of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines.

HUG Inauguration Ceremony July 26

Posted onJuly 18, 2021September 24, 2021Authorcfuller603

Community holds inauguration ceremony, harvests produce at new Arlington park garden

The Livability22202 Open Space Working Group and Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA) hosted a small ceremony and media event July 26 to inaugurate the Highlands Urban Garden (HUG) in Virginia Highlands Park and to thank our donors, volunteers, and the County for their support. We’ve been in operation at the HUG now for going on a year and have already donated more than 100 pounds of produce to various charities, with the goal of reaching 250 by the end of the year. The pilot project has been very successful. There were 3 speakers: Carol Fuller, the Open Space Coordinator for Livability, David Sachs for FOUA, and County Board member Libby Garvey. This was followed by a harvest of produce available in the garden on that date: peppers, cherry tomatoes, beans, parsley, and basil. Previously, harvests included red and green lettuce, Swiss chard, bok choy, beans, cucumbers, and herbs. National Landing BID President and CEO Tracy Gabriel represented the largest financial donor and also gave words of thanks. The Sustainable Scoop videotaped the event.

But none of this would be possible without our wonderful donors who contributed funding and in-kind donations. As of mid-July, volunteers had donated 433 hours of service to the HUG, the equivalent of $11,690 in labor hours. We invited all of our donors, volunteers, and County coordinators. A copy of the invitation letter is attached here. The July 2021 progress report is here. To learn more about the HUG and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://arlingtonurbanag.org/project-hug

New Park at S Eads and Army Navy Drive

Posted onMay 23, 2021April 18, 2022Authorcfuller603

The final draft of the Park Master Plan and Design Guidelines for the New Park at Army Navy Drive and South Eads Street has been posted here. Many thanks to the community members who have provided feedback on this project since September 2020. The final draft plan includes many new amenities including a pollinator habitat, a shade structure– and even an outdoor fitness area. The draft final plan for the park will be considered by the County Board as a consent agenda item at the Sat., June 12 regular meeting. Learn about meeting procedures then review the agenda and access the meeting when it starts here.

CCCA General Meeting May 19, 7-9 pm

Posted onMay 11, 2021July 26, 2021Authorcfuller603

From 7-8 pm, we will have a presentation by the County on the opening of the Aquatic Center at Long Bridge Park around July 1 and meet the new facility manager.

From 8-9 pm, the National Park Service will make a presentation on upcoming changes in our area and possible projects, including Roaches Run.

The meeting is open to all 22202 residents by Zoom registration or visible on the CCCA Facebook/Live streaming page: https://www.facebook.com/crystalcitycivic/live.

Registration is required in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpceCtpzwjE9NuuLBcgyBcTnVRmdAtGPiu

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

Livability22202 Open Space Working Group Meeting, March 2, 7-9 pm,

Posted onFebruary 28, 2021March 31, 2021Authorcfuller603

(Updated March 3)

Open Space: Is it important to you?

COVID has shown us how important it is to have parks, trails, and open spaces. Yet 22202 is very lacking in those amenities, except for Virginia Highlands Park and Long Bridge Park. The Livability22202 working group created an open space report in December 2020, but this is no time to rest on our laurels. There is so much more to be done. This is not a roll up your sleeves and dig the ground working group. We are looking for your ideas and input. Join the working group: email [email protected] for more details.

As demonstrated by three recent meetings, we’re starting to have an impact. See the current status here: https://livability22202.org/open-space/ But it’s soooo important to expand membership of the working group to ensure participation, not only geographically across 22202 but also demographically, with emphasis on renters in high rise multifamily buildings needing access to open space. And not just during the COVID pandemic, but year round. An Arlington County Civic Federation White paper shows residents in multifamily units have some of the least access to open space in the County.) Not a surprise to us, is it?

The March 2 Open Space meeting covered:

1. Briefings on recent meetings with County staff (DPR, DES, CPHD) and the Parks & Recreation Commission (described on Livability22202 Open Space working group page)
2. Presentation of the Civic Federation White Paper on Equity in Arlington County Open Public Spaces
3. What does OpenSpace mean to us? (A summary of comments coming soon.)
4. Future of the Highlands Urban Garden (HUG) and further projects with FOUA; volunteer here
5. Furthering the Integrated Pedestrian Map
6. Roaches Run Clean Up Days in April
7. Cherry Blossom Festival activities in National Landing and Virginia Highlands Park
8. National Landing BID support for open space and Cherry Blossom Festival

See the recording of the meeting on Facebook here and on YouTube here. The PowerPoint presentation for each agenda item can be viewed here. View the Open Space final report, the Fact Sheet, and the press release.