Announcements
Leeway Overlee Civic Association
Notice of General Membership Meeting:
Wed., Sept 27, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM
@ Westover Library
This will be an in-person meeting with an option to observe virtually through Zoom
Guest Speaker: Ginger Brown, Langston Boulevard Alliance
ZOOM MEETING INVITATION:
Meeting ID: 884 5033 0503
Passcode: 844017
Using your internet connected electronic device, connect via this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88450330503?pwd=WTJTTXc1NG0yaFEvQXVrUTh1QjNXQT09
For those who prefer to dial in by phone, dial (301) 715-8592 US (Washington DC)
One tap mobile: +16465588656,88450330503#,*844017# US (New York)
AGENDA
Secretary’s report: Review and Approval of Minutes of last meeting (June 6, 2023) -- Ladd Connell
Treasurer's report: Financial update, including Yard Sale results -- Jennifer Michener
June 6, 2023, Election of civic association officers for the coming year (June 2023 – May 2024): No changes
Invited Speaker: Ms. Ginger Brown, Executive Director, Langston Boulevard Alliance
Discussion Topic: The Lee Community Center / LAC Studios and its future
LANGSTON BOULEVARD ALLIANCE
Ginger Brown, Executive Director of the Langston Boulevard Alliance (LBA), will be the featured speaker at our September 27 General Meeting and will address the roles of the LBA and County in the Langston Boulevard Area Plan, Draft 1: June 2023 (the Plan) as well as how the Plan, prepared by Arlington County, will change our neighborhood.
The LBA - formerly Lee Highway Alliance - is a citizen's initiative and non-profit that was formed in 2013 with the goal of creating a joint community vision for an economically vibrant, equitable, tree-lined, walkable, sustainable, and attractive corridor that benefits both residents and businesses.
LEE COMMUNITY CENTER / LAC STUDIOS / LEE COMMUNITY PARK
(located between Langston Boulevard / 24th Street North and North Lexington / North Kentucky Streets)
Did you know that this property and its facilities have been a vital and publicly available gathering place and park within the Leeway Overlee community as one of Arlington's earliest public schools (1926), Lee Community and Senior Center, then the LAC Studios?
Did you know that County planners are proposing to repurpose the Lee Center block by removing almost a century's worth of athletics on that property, which is the ONLY PUBLIC PARK WITH OUR CIVIC ASSOCIATION?
Are you willing to abandon these historic limited public recreational options within our neighborhood?
Most importantly, it has been used for almost 100 years for children's recreation. This was true when the original elementary school was opened in 1926. It remained true when Arlington Public Schools (APS) closed the school in 1971 and transferred the property to Arlington County. It was true when the former school building housed the Lee Center Children's Cooperative. Today it continues to be true with its playground equipment, softball diamond, basketball court, and open green space providing neighborhood children with multiple recreational opportunities.
The Executive Committee of Leeway Overlee Civic Association requested Arlington County preserve The Lee Community Center Park "as is" with no new construction on the site. IF YOU SUPPORT THIS, PLEASE TELL THE COUNTY BOARD and send it in writing to the County Board and Planning Commissioners -- they count the number of letters received regarding issues (a LOCA Executive Committee letter to the County is available below and on the LOCA Facebook page; you can print it and add your signature and your printed name, scan it, and email it to the County Board via its web site).
Please refer to pp 28-32, 61 the Langston Boulevard Area Plan Draft 1: June 2023 detailing the county's plans: www.arlingtonva.us/files/sharedassets/public/projects/documents/plan-langston-blvd/draft-langstonboulevard-area-plan.pdf
ANY QUESTIONS? CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE LOCA EXEC COMMITTEE
President: Jean Henceroth (president@leewayoverlee.org)
Vice Presidents: Karen Guevara, Mike Weinstein (vicepresident@leewayoverlee.org)
Secretary: Ladd Connell (secretary@leewayoverlee.org)
Treasurer: Jennifer Michener (treasurer@leewayoverlee.org)
ArNAC Rep. Rob Swennes ArNAC@LeewayOverlee.org
Date: September 13, 2023
To: Residents of Leeway Overlee Civic Association (LOCA)
From: Jean Henceroth, President
Leeway Overlee Civic Association
RE: Langston Boulevard Area Plan, Draft 1: June 2023 ("the Plan") and
LEE PARK AND FORMER LEE COMMUNITY CENTER/LAC STUDIOS
Hello Neighbor,
Today I'm writing to ask you to send an email or letter (via email) to the Arlington County Board regarding the future of Lee Park and the former Lee Community Center / LAC Studios, both of which are threatened by the current version of Langston Boulevard Area Plan ("the Plan"). Although not yet approved by the County Board, the Plan refers to the former Lee Community Center as demolished, with the probability that a building replacing it could be 5 stories high and its footprint could take half of the park. Its purpose had not yet been determined but it probably would not be a community center.
If you support saving our park, please use the attached sample letter or email to write to the County Board. The County Board considers the volume of letters or emails received regarding a specific community issue when voting on it -- YOUR LETTER COULD HELP SAVE OUR PARK!
The LOCA Executive Committee is determined the park and any structure built therein be committed to serving our community and wrote a letter on August 31, 2023, to the County requesting:
"Arlington County conduct a public evaluation with public input to determine the short- and long-term uses of the former Lee Community Center (now LAC Studios) and the Lee Community Center Park (located between Langston Boulevard / 24th Street North and North Lexington / North Kentucky Streets) to commence no later than early 2024."
HOW TO SEND A LETTER OR EMAIL:
A Word copy of this letter is provided for your use, either to send in a traditional letter format or as an email. Please:
remove the red writing in the document
add your name
email to the County Board at the following address: Countyboard@arlingtonva.us
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Link to Traditional Letter (to be mailed via USPS): document for mailing
Link to Electronic (to be copied and pasted into an email and then emailed): document for emailing
Westover Day!
When Saturday, September 30, 2023
2:00 PM ET - 5:00 PM ET
Where Cardinal Elementary School Grounds
Hosted by: The Greater Westover Civic Associations, the Cardinal Elementary PTA & the Westover Farmer's Market
Join us to celebrate the Greater Westover Community and its many accomplishments over the past several years, including the end of construction and the addition of our beautiful new school, playground, athletic field & stormwater detention vault! This event will take place on the Cardinal School Grounds. This event is hosted by the four greater Westover Civic Associations (Highland Park - Overlee Knolls, Tara-Leeway-Heights, Leeway-Overlee & Westover Village), the Cardinal Elementary PTA; & the Westover Farmer's Market.
*Cardinal Elementary Open House 1:00-2:00pm.
*Ribbon cutting ceremony
*Food Trucks & Toby's Ice Cream
*Live Music featuring Soulfire Band and local favorite TJ the DJ
*Children's games & activities
Want to get involved?! Do you, or your child, have a special talent such as face-painting, magic, or balloon art? Are you willing to bring lawn games, scooters, sidewalk chalk, etc; or would you like to help us set-up or clean-up? Sign up here:
September 2023 Arlington News and Events
Recent Articles
Arlington Transit Purchases Electric Buses
Published on August 16, 2023
Arlington’s transit system, ART, is buying four Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) as part of the County's commitment to sustainable public transportation. These will be the first BEBs in ART’s fleet.
"Delivering transit service is at the core of who we are and what we do, when it comes to realizing our vision of smart growth that is environmentally conscious and sustainable,” said Christian Dorsey, Chair of the Arlington County Board. Read more.
Police Remind Drivers: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Published on August 16, 2023
The Labor Day holiday weekend is often celebrated with friends and families gathering at end-of-season pool parties, backyard barbecues and other festivities. As you enjoy the informal end of summer, the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is again partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during the high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, to remind community members to celebrate responsibly.
From Wednesday, August 16, 2023 – Monday, September 4, 2023, motorists nationwide can expect to see increased messages about the dangers of driving under the influence, coupled with enforcement and increased saturation patrols to identify and apprehend impaired drivers. This campaign aims to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways through a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement. Read more.
DHS, APAH Selected for Supported Housing Institute of Virginia
Published on August 10, 2023
The Arlington County Department of Human Services’ Permanent Supportive Housing Program (PSH) and the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) have been selected to participate in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia starting in August 2023. Read more.
Department of Human Services Takes Home Two State Awards
Published on August 09, 2023
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has been awarded two Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) 2023 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. DHS was recognized for its Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative (AARI) and the Volunteer Guardianship Program. Read more.
Arlington Reveals New Destination Branding: "All in Arlington"
Published on August 03, 2023
The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS), the official destination marketing organization for Arlington, announced the launch of its new tourism brand at an event on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. Centered on its “All in Arlington” message, the brand aims to inspire awareness and enthusiasm about Arlington among travelers and meeting professionals located outside the national capital region. It highlights the vast array of visitor attractions and activities throughout this 26-square-mile urban county, from historic discoveries to cultural experiences to unexpected adventures. Read more.
Events
21st Annual Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff and ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K
September 9, 2023 | 6 p.m.
Register for the Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff and ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K, scheduled for Saturday, September 9. Visit the webpage to register for the 5K and to learn more.
September 11 Remembrance
September 11, 2023 | 9:30 a.m.
Join County staff in the Bozman Plaza as we remember the events that took place on the tragic day, 22 years ago on September 11, 2001. You can join the event in person or via live stream. Learn more here.
Rock-n-Recycle Open House
September 16, 2023 | 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Explore the world of recycling, trash-to-energy and other key environmental services. See the big work machines (The Rock Crusher! The Tub Grinder!) up close, sit in the driver's seat and meet the experts who keep Arlington clean and sustainable. Join us on September 16 at Trades Center in Shirlington. Learn more.
Feedback Opportunities
Draft Athletic Field Availability Framework - Feedback Form through September 8
Watch a presentation and share your feedback on the draft Athletic Field Availability Framework and new approach for enabling more drop-in play opportunities on athletic fields across the County. The goal of this project is to develop a field availability framework that will enable consistent evaluation of field utilization. Learn more on the project webpage.
Bozman Suspended Public Art Project – Feedback Form through September 30
Share your favorite route in Arlington to help inform the Bozman public art project, to be designed by artist Kipp Kobayashi. Visit the project page to learn more about the project and the artist.
ARLINGTON PERMANENT DRUG-TAKE BACK LOCATIONS
The Arlington County Police Department offers four permanent drug take-back boxes to dispose of unused, unwanted and potentially dangerous prescription drugs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with no questions at the following locations: Fire Stations #2, 5, 9 and Arlington County Police Department.
THE LEE ARTS CENTER NOW KNOWN AS LAC
The future of the former Lee Community Center and Senior Center and Park or Lee Arts Center, now referred to as LAC, is in jeopardy. Originally built in 1926 as the Robert E Lee Elementary School, the Arlington County web site now describes the LAC as a fully equipped professional studio for artists working in ceramics and printmaking while housing a mini-gallery with rotating exhibitions of visiting and resident artists. Master workshops are offered throughout the year. Before the pandemic it hosted senior history lectures, voting, pottery classes, and leaf bags for autumn pickup.
However, to quote our local journalist/author and local historian, Charlie Clark, in an article he published in the August 22, 2022, edition of the Falls Church News Press as Our Man in Arlington, "The Lee Community Center at Lexington St., for decades a red brick gathering place that dates to1926, is now in county purgatory.” His article continues with an explanation from Katie O’Brien, the Environmental Services Department’s communications manager, “The building’s HVAC equipment is 20-25 years old and nearing the end of its useful life. Spare parts are no longer available. Replacing the roof-top HVAC units would require major renovation, including invasive removal of embedded asbestos and recreating the interiors to meet current accessibility standards.” A link to the article follows:
https://www.fcnp.com/2022/08/26/our-man-in-arlington-490/
The building and property appear to be under the jurisdiction of Arlington Cultural Affairs. If you wish to offer your thoughts on the future of the building, please contact this office at:
Arlington Cultural Affairs
3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-228-1850; Fax: 703-228-0805; TTY: 703-228-1855