From: Patrick Smaldore and Larry Mayer

Date: February 26, 2006

Re: Arlington County Civic Federation (ACCF) Meeting with Arlington County board Chair on February 17, 2006 Background

ACCF President, and Chairman of the ACCF Executive Committee met with Arlington County Board Chairman, Chris Zimmerman, on Friday, February 17, 2006 from approximately 1:30 PM until 2:10 PM. We gave him materials including a letter with attached six (6) points for discussion; The 2005-2010 ACCF Strategic Plan; ACCF PowerPoint Description slide copy; and copy of proposed Virginia House Resolution honoring ACCF's 90th year. Objective

Our objective was to review the letter and discussion points. Given the limited time, we would be unable to address specifics of all our discussion points even though they were pre-released. Our other objective was to agree on a formal periodic dialog with the County Board Chair and/or his designees on at least a quarterly basis - or more often should any situation require increased frequency of dialog. We were successful, and began by initiating a dialog with the Arlington County Manager on one discussion point item we did not have time to address, namely, flexibility in existing County Policy regarding construction of sidewalks. Out last objective was to schedule a meeting with County Board Member Walter Tejada to discuss ACCF Outreach efforts and ask for his assistance.

Notes on Discussion Point Items

1. Affordable Housing - After making clear the ACCF strong support to all reasonable approaches, the Chairman indicated that Affordable Housing was their number one goal, and they had already approved over 100 units with the years first board meeting, and were working on an additional 112 units. Chris indicated that they were also going to incorporate policies, where possible, to support a "broad based community" across the "life-span" of Arlington residents and, were especially sensitive to the changing demographics of senior citizens. He expressed that concern by citing projected statistics whereby a 25 year projection showed a 27% growth in total residents, but a 106% growth in residents 65 years of age or older. Furthermore, he said all options needed to be considered, in order to increase affordable housing stock including:

• Accessory dwelling units;
• Creative Tax Policy
• Application of new Roundtable rules and;
• Building form changes - e.g. Triplex levels - for one-level (Seniors) versus Townhouse.

2. Public Spaces Master Plan - we did not discuss in detail but the Chairman suggested that where we had concerns he would assist in any meeting that we would schedule with Toby Smith with our relevant committee(s).

3. Transfer of Density Rights (TDR's) - ACCF reiterated its "strong" objection to acting prematurely on this item as witnessed by our resolution from our February 7, 2006 meeting. We highlighted the ACCF unusual unanimous support and "quick" response to a premature grant of this authority. We also expressed concern about the need for any "administrative procedures" to both be publicly reviewed in depth, and not to be effective without further County Board approval versus County Staff alone. The Chairman felt that such a process would be the path they would follow, and promised to make sure those steps would occur.

We also discussed the possibility of a site plan development incorporating TDR's prior to issuance and approval (by the County Board among others) of administrative procedures. The Chairman felt that at MOST 2 to 3 development proposals would make use of TDR's during any year. He furthermore indicated that the ONLY development proposal where there could be the use of TDR's prior to full vetting of administrative procedures could be for the 1101 Lee Highway development (where he felt it appropriate to transfer density to "central Roslyn" - especially if the County was offered a boathouse - something he has long desired.

The Chairman made clear that from his prospective, that in spite of the ACCF resolution, and the strong feeling we expressed during our meeting, that this authority needed to be passed at the County Boards February meeting since ordinance tolling (apparently a legal term reminiscent of "tolling" a bell to announce laws) to Richmond would avoid any change in the authority available to the County. We questioned this approach and necessary "rapid reaction", without success.

The Chairman disagreed with our points about the Fairmont project and stated that they were "inaccurate" (his words). He stated that money earmarked for a western Metro entrance was used for an eastern entrance due to escalated construction costs. He felt this project was necessary, and the contribution "extraordinarily large". He volunteered to meet with any ACCF committee chairs or delegates privately in another meeting to have a further dialog on this concern.

4. Budget Review - No real discussion of this item - the Chairman only expressed the point that they were enmeshed in the process and perhaps discussion was premature. We should use our Committee Chair and whomever else we feel appropriate to make sure both our input and concerns are given a fair hearing - perhaps in further meetings with the Chairman and/or his designees. This wasn't discussed, but we are looking at recommending the ACCF R&E Chairman as a member to the Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee (FAAC). This may make up some of this gap.

5. Citizen Process - Not directly discussed. We are sure he took note of our points only in his ready agreement to have quarterly meetings at a minimum, or more frequently for specific items (as noted above under "objective")

6. Flexibility to existing County Policy regarding the construction of sidewalks - As noted above, we did not get directly to this item. However, during discussions on item 2 (Public Spaces Master Plan - Sidewalk accessibility) Larry Mayer, in effect, referred to the "rules and regulations" followed by Environmental Services having little "leeway" to which the Chairman "nodded" in agreement. Patrick Smaldore has already sent an Email to the County Manager to initiate discussion and hopefully a resolution on this discussion point.

Adjournment and Photo

We adjourned our meeting at approximately 2:10 PM for a photograph with the County Board Chair and members of the Executive Committee who were present - which will posted to the ACCF Web site.

Summary The County Board Chairman indicated that in addition to the ones he has already received, he is looking for more topics from the ACCF. We encourage all ACCF Committee Chairs, and ACCF Executive Committee members to please provide them to ACCF Executive Committee Chairman Larry Mayer ASAP, and myself so that we can continue our engagement.

Thank you all for your support in this very successful effort.

Patrick Smaldore
President, Arlington County Civic Federation

This page was last revised on: March 7, 2006.