Nonetheless, I think the schools in each of these areas are only part of the equation to a child's success. Doesn't have to do with parents who care about educating their children OUTSIDE the classroom. Thankfully, in the DC Metro, there's plenty of culture to help in this.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Falls Church 1, Arlington 0?
I was reading my Google News feed and found this story about Falls Church and why it's better than Arlington. I'm not sure I totally agree, but it's interesting. I see Falls Church sort of as a walled city in the midst of a bunch of communes. There are positive and negatives to living within the walls and on the other side of the "moat". As an other side of the moat dweller who cannot afford at the moment to live in a single family detached dwelling in Falls Church or Arlington, I sure would be nice to see some affordable housing in both places. However, I expect that the Falls Church and Arlington Residents would like to keep it that way (i.e. maintaining almost unaffordably high property values).
Nonetheless, I think the schools in each of these areas are only part of the equation to a child's success. Doesn't have to do with parents who care about educating their children OUTSIDE the classroom. Thankfully, in the DC Metro, there's plenty of culture to help in this.
Nonetheless, I think the schools in each of these areas are only part of the equation to a child's success. Doesn't have to do with parents who care about educating their children OUTSIDE the classroom. Thankfully, in the DC Metro, there's plenty of culture to help in this.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
No Metro Stop, Deal With It
I have been reading about the Potomac Yard development and the community discussion about having Alexandria come up with the money ($32 Million) to build a Potomac Yard Metro Train stop. Given the current economic situation Alexandria City faces, I'm not sure that trying to find or fund a $32 million project is a sound decision by the city or a worthy community concern for those really pushing the development. I think making the businesses pay for the rest of the money gap is a great idea, just like the stops for Tyson's Corner. I'd also suggest if the Arlandria community desires the train stop, they go to the Arlington and Alexandria City councils and offer to raise their property taxes to fund the endeavor.
I think the obvious reason for the development is economic focused around mainly improving property values for those around the station. Also, I'm not sure that the station would help many more people than those on the east side of Route 1. Del Ray is a bit too far from the station, as it stands currently. On a different note, I think the 64 affordable housing units is a nice gesture (no doubt to comply with the city's request or to get some tax breaks), but the number should be more like 200 units. Think about how positive it would be if the developers committed to a true mixed development of high value homes with affordable ones.
I do believe that a Metro stop will eventually be built, but the sound decision is to wait until more businesses commit to building in the empty zones/areas. Until it's built, the community associations should be working with WMATA or ART or DASH to develop a circulator Bus line similar to the famous DC Circulator that works to serve Metro-trainless areas of DC. Arlandria is a perfect location to build a line that could be served by both Braddock Road and Crystal city by a circulator system. With such a system Arlandria can meet their demand for more transit through the area.
There are very successful communities without metro access in Northern Virginia. Shirlington, Fairlington, Parkfairfax, and North Arlington. Most of the wealthiest areas of NW Washington are also not served by the Metro, but by bus service. Maybe Arlandria should follow these models...until they get their wish of an almighty Metro Stop
I think the obvious reason for the development is economic focused around mainly improving property values for those around the station. Also, I'm not sure that the station would help many more people than those on the east side of Route 1. Del Ray is a bit too far from the station, as it stands currently. On a different note, I think the 64 affordable housing units is a nice gesture (no doubt to comply with the city's request or to get some tax breaks), but the number should be more like 200 units. Think about how positive it would be if the developers committed to a true mixed development of high value homes with affordable ones.
I do believe that a Metro stop will eventually be built, but the sound decision is to wait until more businesses commit to building in the empty zones/areas. Until it's built, the community associations should be working with WMATA or ART or DASH to develop a circulator Bus line similar to the famous DC Circulator that works to serve Metro-trainless areas of DC. Arlandria is a perfect location to build a line that could be served by both Braddock Road and Crystal city by a circulator system. With such a system Arlandria can meet their demand for more transit through the area.
There are very successful communities without metro access in Northern Virginia. Shirlington, Fairlington, Parkfairfax, and North Arlington. Most of the wealthiest areas of NW Washington are also not served by the Metro, but by bus service. Maybe Arlandria should follow these models...until they get their wish of an almighty Metro Stop
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It looks like everything is getting back online. Here are a couple of more shots from the snow storm.
Since the snowplows and the PAID folks who were supposed to shovel didn't come at Parkfairfax, someone built a shovel-man. In honor of those neighbors who actually did the work for them.
I think anyone who shoveled snow over the past week would agree that it took a long time. Why is this person so special? Didn't most of us shovel a space or two? This neighbor had no respect for the law. Reserving spaces is a no-no. Naughty neighbor. I could post 50 or 60 chairs, buckets, and paint cans reserving spaces, but this one captures the sentiment.
A couple of night shots.
Tell us how your neighborhood fared.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Shirlington Celebrity Sighting
The snow sure does bring out DC-area celebs.
Spotted: House Minority Leader John Boehner (casually dressed)
Where: Guapo's
When: Monday, February 8th around 8:30 pm
According to Wikipedia, Boehner rents a 2 bedroom apartment on Capitol Hill for $1600/month.
Spotted: House Minority Leader John Boehner (casually dressed)
Where: Guapo's
When: Monday, February 8th around 8:30 pm
According to Wikipedia, Boehner rents a 2 bedroom apartment on Capitol Hill for $1600/month.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Snaux Pas #2
When it comes to bad weather, here at Shirlington Circle, we like to highlight (with a fair bit of sarcasm) some fun. No one likes it when people leave a mess for others to clean up. I don't know these people, but I took a few pictures while walking around the block. So here are some pictures, both good and bad.
Different folks getting more elaborate, with a full chair.
If you move, it's not your spot any longer...right?
This person gets 1st Prize. At least they parked a Vehicle in the space.
A+ for innovation.
It looks like the person had enough energy to clear their spot.
Really, I don't think there's any trash pick-up today.
Leaving it outside will invite every rodent in the village to eat at Joe's porch.
PEOPLE WITH PETS: Your neighbors don't want to step in your dog's excrement.
Clean it up, especially when the sidewalks are barely passable.
This pile looks like it's from a little ankle biter.
Leaving it outside will invite every rodent in the village to eat at Joe's porch.
These photos are meant to be light-hearted (with some truth). We're not singling out people, just portraying what two feet of snow does to a neighborhood.
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Snaux Pas - Snow Etiquette
After the last snowstorm and with the current onslaught of another 20+ inches, neighbors in the ShirlingtonCircle region have a hard time with keeping their wits about them. You'd think in the DC area where so many people make a living defending our country and in one of the most educated cities in the US, we'd all be able to dig out a car and drive in the street correctly. Here are some tips to deal with the snow:
1. Clean off all the snow on your car, including the top. I don't know how many time's I've seen cars with 12+ inches of snow on the roof. It's a safety hazard to all those around you. I saw it on a WMATA jeep that drove by and almost lost it. If it falls off on a highway, people may die...I'm not kidding.
2. If you dig out your car, and then drive somewhere, it's not your spot any longer. I'm possessive of my "professional" dig out work too, but I accept the consequences if I have to leave my spot all alone. Placing chairs, signs, or some kitty litter bucket in the space makes you look like a real lazy person.
3.When you go to the store at the last minute to get food, be patient. Last night at Giant I saw some of the most inconsiderate people getting pissed off at the cashiers (who were kindly working overtime) because it took 30 minutes to check out (even though there were 25 people in line). I think the least we can do is be considerate, after all, especially if there is a snowpocalypse a comin'. I don't want to be caught up in a store riot because some woman went after a store employee.
4. Clear you sidewalk. No brainer right? We'll for 25% of our neighbors they choose to stay inside while others slip and slide on their portion of the sidewalk. Granted elderly, disabled, and pregnant folks are exempt. Wouldn't it be neighborly to get out of your house/condo for 15 minutes to clear your walk? I know some of us condo dwellers pay fees to have snow removal/clearing, but I've also realized that sometimes the people who are hired to clear the walks shovel them like they've never shoveled before (i.e. they leave only 1/2 the walkway shoveled). So, when you get A LOT of snow you should still clear your walk, even if you have to use your hands. Don't be lazy or act out against the snow removal crew who didn't clear anything, do the safe thing.
5. Build snow sculptures. DC sees so few inches per year...so try attempting a piece of architecture or a family-friendly snowperson. It also shows a neighborhood that plays together stays together.
Thanks for reading!
1. Clean off all the snow on your car, including the top. I don't know how many time's I've seen cars with 12+ inches of snow on the roof. It's a safety hazard to all those around you. I saw it on a WMATA jeep that drove by and almost lost it. If it falls off on a highway, people may die...I'm not kidding.
2. If you dig out your car, and then drive somewhere, it's not your spot any longer. I'm possessive of my "professional" dig out work too, but I accept the consequences if I have to leave my spot all alone. Placing chairs, signs, or some kitty litter bucket in the space makes you look like a real lazy person.
3.When you go to the store at the last minute to get food, be patient. Last night at Giant I saw some of the most inconsiderate people getting pissed off at the cashiers (who were kindly working overtime) because it took 30 minutes to check out (even though there were 25 people in line). I think the least we can do is be considerate, after all, especially if there is a snowpocalypse a comin'. I don't want to be caught up in a store riot because some woman went after a store employee.
4. Clear you sidewalk. No brainer right? We'll for 25% of our neighbors they choose to stay inside while others slip and slide on their portion of the sidewalk. Granted elderly, disabled, and pregnant folks are exempt. Wouldn't it be neighborly to get out of your house/condo for 15 minutes to clear your walk? I know some of us condo dwellers pay fees to have snow removal/clearing, but I've also realized that sometimes the people who are hired to clear the walks shovel them like they've never shoveled before (i.e. they leave only 1/2 the walkway shoveled). So, when you get A LOT of snow you should still clear your walk, even if you have to use your hands. Don't be lazy or act out against the snow removal crew who didn't clear anything, do the safe thing.
5. Build snow sculptures. DC sees so few inches per year...so try attempting a piece of architecture or a family-friendly snowperson. It also shows a neighborhood that plays together stays together.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Restaurants in Crystal City
Shirlington Village was asked to review a restaurant in Crystal City, and while we were at it, here's a list of a few others:
1. Cafe Italia - This place was voted best neighborhood restaurant for a reason, metal name plates mark tables and pictures of famous people are everywhere. The food is reasonably priced, consistent, the servers are congenial, and I think it's the best every day Italian restaurant I've been to in Northern VA or DC. It's not "fancy" like Kora, but expect red and white checkered tablecloths a la Disney's Lady and the Tramp. We've already raved about it in a previous post on Italian Restaurants Rating: 4.5 of 5 "Circles"
2. Kora - Chef Morou's new restaurant. The menu is Italian, somewhat seasonal, and very good. Bebo Trattoria, the restaurant before Kora, suffered from overpriced food and uppity servers. Kora is more reasonably priced and family oriented. It just recently began a $15 per person family dinner. It's also great for a power lunch. ShirlingtonCircle Rating: 4 of 5 Circles
3. Jaleo- It's a tapas bar from a Beard Award winner, there are multiple locations in the DC area. The small plate style menu is extensive, but be warned it will take 3-4 plates to fill a person up. The ingredients are high quality and drinks are a specialty. The service is also good. I consider this a place to catch up with friends or for meeting people after work, but not a place for lunch or dinner. Rating 3.5 of 5 Circles
4. McCormick and Schmicks - This national restaurant has a nice Crystal City location. The fish is fresh and the meat is nicely paired. The service is above average. It's reliable, but there's nothing special. Rating: 3 of 5 Circles
5. Ted's Montana Grill - This is also another national restaurant chain know for its Buffalo steaks and burgers. It's also another family-oriented restaurant serving heartier fare. Every time we go there, its usually crowded. There's nothing special about this place either, but its worth a visit if you feel like a rustic meal, burger or bison-steak. Rating 3 of 5 Circles
We'll review other neighborhood restaurants in upcoming weeks. Thanks for reading.
1. Cafe Italia - This place was voted best neighborhood restaurant for a reason, metal name plates mark tables and pictures of famous people are everywhere. The food is reasonably priced, consistent, the servers are congenial, and I think it's the best every day Italian restaurant I've been to in Northern VA or DC. It's not "fancy" like Kora, but expect red and white checkered tablecloths a la Disney's Lady and the Tramp. We've already raved about it in a previous post on Italian Restaurants Rating: 4.5 of 5 "Circles"
2. Kora - Chef Morou's new restaurant. The menu is Italian, somewhat seasonal, and very good. Bebo Trattoria, the restaurant before Kora, suffered from overpriced food and uppity servers. Kora is more reasonably priced and family oriented. It just recently began a $15 per person family dinner. It's also great for a power lunch. ShirlingtonCircle Rating: 4 of 5 Circles
3. Jaleo- It's a tapas bar from a Beard Award winner, there are multiple locations in the DC area. The small plate style menu is extensive, but be warned it will take 3-4 plates to fill a person up. The ingredients are high quality and drinks are a specialty. The service is also good. I consider this a place to catch up with friends or for meeting people after work, but not a place for lunch or dinner. Rating 3.5 of 5 Circles
4. McCormick and Schmicks - This national restaurant has a nice Crystal City location. The fish is fresh and the meat is nicely paired. The service is above average. It's reliable, but there's nothing special. Rating: 3 of 5 Circles
5. Ted's Montana Grill - This is also another national restaurant chain know for its Buffalo steaks and burgers. It's also another family-oriented restaurant serving heartier fare. Every time we go there, its usually crowded. There's nothing special about this place either, but its worth a visit if you feel like a rustic meal, burger or bison-steak. Rating 3 of 5 Circles
We'll review other neighborhood restaurants in upcoming weeks. Thanks for reading.
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