This week was, quite frankly, a disappointing week for comments on the site.
Without going into detail, there were way too many assumptions being made about groups of people, way too many off-topic political trolls and way too much mean-spiritedness.
When following issue discussions in Arlington, it seems that most people understand that federal law is the supreme law of the land and that County actions cannot contravene federal laws pursuant to the “supremacy clause” of the U.S. Constitution.
However, it is not as well known how Arlington’s actions are constrained by state law.
Last week’s ARLnow.com story about a recent Arlington County survey has reignited a multi-year debate over the wisdom of building an Aquatics Center at Long Bridge Park.
For reasons I have outlined in multiple prior columns, that particular Aquatics Center — a facility that is likely to cost much more than $80 million to build and at least $4 million a year to operate — is a foolish waste of taxpayer dollars. This is especially true given the:
The draft plan envisions a tree-lined Lee Highway that’s more pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with mid-rise development concentrated in “mixed-use activity nodes.”
The rationale behind the plan, and the community process that helped inform it, is to set an aspirational vision for future development and transportation improvements along the Lee Highway corridor. The community can thus have more of a voice than if it were to just let piecemeal development take place along the corridor without a unified plan.
Whether you’re heading out of town, heading down to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms or just relaxing at home this weekend, ARLnow.com wishes you a happy Easter and — to those fortunate enough to have one — a happy spring break.
Enjoy the sunny, mild weather while it lasts. The D.C. area’s hot, sticky summer is only a few weeks away, despite what the calendar says.
Just prior to its adjournment earlier this month, the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution honoring Arlington School Board Chair Emma Violand-Sánchez. Dr. Violand-Sánchez was first elected to the School Board in November 2008. She plans to retire at the end of this year after completing her second term on the Board.
Discussion
Next week, Arlingtonians will have their opportunity to weigh in with the County Board on the annual budget. The two night event will feature opportunities for Arlingtonians to provide feedback on the advertised tax rate and the proposed budget — both on the same night if they so choose.
Many fiscal conservatives in the County tell me they do not go to speak because they feel like their voices will not be taken into account.
By Andrew Schneider
2016 is a year of elections – from the highest office in the land to positions as a Civic Association President in Arlington.
It’s not yet clear how much snow this weekend, but don’t be surprised if on Sunday you see a scene like the photos above, from March 25, 2013.
At minimum, forecasters say say a coastal storm will make for a cold, soggy weekend, with a mix of rain and snow. Accumulation seems to be the biggest wildcard.
While the mid-week Metro shutdown was sudden and shocking to the area, it sent a clear message that the new General Manager Paul Wiedefeld is prepared to make unpopular decisions in the name of safety. And that’s a good thing.
During the shutdown Wednesday, safety inspections revealed at least three other locations where cables required repairs because they were fire hazards.
Last week, the Virginia General Assembly filled a vacancy on the Virginia Supreme Court. The name of the candidate finally selected to fill this vacancy — Stephen McCullough — was first revealed to the public only one day before the legislature voted to confirm his appointment. That’s a bad process.
Background
By Krysta Jones
Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month as a way to honor and remember women who have been pioneers and who have helped shape our society and contributed to its success.
