September 2007 Archives
September 28, 2007
Vienna Businesses Lose Sales Comments (8)
From Fairfaxtimes.com:
Vienna businesses lose sales
By Monty Tayloe"It's just a mess. We're barely surviving," said a disgusted Cenan Pulak, sitting in the back of his Vienna bakery. Cenan's Bakery is in the Danor Plaza shopping center, just off Branch Road. Since the spring, Branch Road has been a wall of jersey barriers, temporary fencing and orange construction signs, as the Virginia Department of Transportation works to improve the roadway.
September 27, 2007
The Town Council's Resident Intellectual Comments (13)
George E. Lovelace has put pen to paper and come up with an instant classic in the Town newsletter:
Vienna is more than a collection of people and buildings. Rather it is a mosaic of neighborhoods. Essentially, our neighborhoods represent the building blocks and glue that define the town. Our neighborhoods comprise residents who have lived here over 50 years as well as those who have moved here recently. As I talk to residents around town, both newcomers and long-time residents, all clearly indicate that they chose Vienna as a place to live and raise their children because of its small-town character. The health of the town depends on the vitality of the neighborhoods. Neighborhood pride is demonstrated by well-maintained properties, changing home styles, families in the parks, street improvements, and a sense of safety. Maintaining this atmosphere is critical to the continued vitality of neighborhoods and ultimately the town as a whole. Citizens have assumed the responsibility to make sure it stays that way. The neighborhood watch programs, block parties, volunteers in the youth sports programs, arts and craft opportunities, support of the library, churches, schools, and service organizations demonstrate their resolve. Neighborhoods look to the town government for support in the way of events, communications, planning, infrastructure, recreation, and public safety. Citizens expect to be heard on issues that affect the neighborhoods. The tenacity of residents committed to ensuring that Vienna re- mains primarily residential is constantly demonstrated. Recently, a group of residents spoke clearly and in numbers, offering their opinions about a proposed development to be inserted into their neighborhood. The residents’ voices were heard, and the development was unanimously rejected by the Council. There are challenges. The primary challenge has been the arrival of McMansions, which provided impetus to overall change in the neighborhoods. This was the second change that I experienced, the first coming in the late 1960s to the mid-1970s when small cottages were replaced by larger two-story single-family homes; McMansions added another story. The significant factor in each change is that the residential zoning code has not changed in a meaningful way. This code is the foundation for the policy to maintain Vienna as a single-family residential community in all of our neighborhoods. The inflow of McMansions into the neighborhoods pumped up property values. For many, it proved to be a good thing. For others, particularly long-time residents who intend to remain in their homes, rising property values proved to be a burden. Some have left. Overall, the community has accepted this change as good. Our neighborhoods, although changed, have brought new families who believe in the small-town character of Vienna. They have become participating and valued citizens. As the housing stock changes, the town government faces the challenge to ensure that new houses meet the building code, particularly building height, setbacks, and lot coverage. I recently accompanied members the Town’s Planning and Zoning and Public Works staffs to observe how we ensure the Town’s building code is met. On site, physical measurements were made to verify setback, lot coverage and adherence to the lot grading plan approved by Public Works. Building height measurements are taken from engineering drawings provided by the developer. In order to assure our citizens of building height compliance, we will have to adjust our methods for verifying the height measurements. Stormwater runoff from newly constructed McMansions has had in some cases a deleterious effect on the Town’s infrastructure. We are challenged to address stormwater runoff at the construction stage. One way to approach this issue is to assess the first floor height of the property adjacent to the planned new construction as well as other houses along the street. The approved grading plan for the new house would adhere to the grade in the area. In upcoming work sessions the Town staff and the Council will determine how these issues will be best accomplished. Another challenge is improved communications with town citizens. The widespread use of the Internet might make the delivery of news, events and other areas of citizen interest more efficient over this medium. Also, infrastructure maintenance, particularly street and water and sewer maintenance, must continue to be a high priority. The future of our neighborhoods is dependent upon our ability to resist relaxing restrictions as outlined in the residential zoning code. Current residential development is now at the limit of the code. We must resist proposed changes that purport to take us to the “next level.” Pressure on residential zoning can come from several directions, for example, blighted properties. There are several areas in Vienna where properties are old but they have not fallen to the condition of being blighted. Usually, properties such as these are purchased by developers and become candidates for infill development. Another scenario might be applications from developers for townhouse/condo units in residential zones requiring a rezoning. The historic district must be protected from the pressure to change zoning categories. My goal in writing this article was to point out how valuable neighborhoods are to our town. Keeping Vienna a residential community is the vision of founding citizens and elected officials. I believe that strong, vibrant neighborhoods are the backbone of this community. I look forward to hearing from you on any matter, especially matters that will aid in the improvement of Vienna.
Got that everyone? The logic of a politician: promise everyone something while simultaneously saying absolutely nothing of substance all the while ignoring the real world. Good job George.
September 26, 2007
Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis and Chap Peterson: Which Is Better for Vienna? Comments (37)
Chap Peterson or Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, which is better for Vienna?
Jammin Java Safety? Comments (6)
An article submitted by a reader:
Picture it... a standing room only late night crowd; loud music; low lighting; one entrance cluttered with tables, chairs, railings, flower pots, bar-b-que grills, and assorted other hardware store debris; maybe an exit in back if you can find it; and a hardware store next door stuffed to the ceiling with combustible merchandise... is Jammin Java a fire trap?
Answers?
Lot Coverage? Let the Exceptions Begin...As Usual Starting with Vienna Comments (7)
From the papers:
Vienna Council OK's Record-Storage Facility by BRIAN TROMPETER, Staff Writer (Created: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:38 AM EDT)The Vienna Town Council on Sept. 24 approved numerous waivers to allow a records-storage building to be constructed at the Nutley Street Property Yard.
The new building triggered provisions of several ordinances enacted after the town took possession of the 1.9-acre property in 1949, said Vienna Planning and Zoning Director Greg Hembree.
“The whole site is weird,” he said.
The council approved a setback of just 15 feet from the side property line - half of what would be allowed with a residential dwelling. The new building will be 70 feet from the nearest residence and is amply screened by an 8-foot fence and a series of pine trees, which may be located on an adjacent property, Hembree said.
Council members approved an overall lot coverage of 80 percent, which more than three times the 25 percent permitted in residential areas. Hembree said the property was about 90 percent paved when the town took ownership of it, and efforts have been made since to add greenery.
A 0.58-acre section of the property is being used for the new Sarah Walker Mercer Park, which, if included in the calculations, brings total lot coverage down to 55.84 percent, Hembree said.
The council also approved a tree-canopy waiver for the site, which has no trees. The town normally requires 20-percent tree coverage after a 20- year growth period in residential areas.
The 1.31-acre section of the site used by the property yard also is home to an existing brick building, a greenhouse, water storage tank and several smaller storage buildings. The site served as the town's primary property yard before the new Northside facility opened in 2002.
The proposed 14-foot-tall, 1,800-square-foot storage building would be just 6 feet from the site's brick building - 4 feet shorter than the normally required offset if the building were residential.
The storage building's close proximity to the other building was necessitated for vehicular access, and is allowable because it does not serve as a residence, Hembree said.
“It's a low-volume building that will be sitting there, quietly holding plans,” he said.
Because of cost factors, the new building will not have an environmentally friendly “green” design, said Vienna Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Salgado.
Submissions Comments (2)
We welcome article submission for main posts from anyone. Well written, provocative, interesting...is the way to go.
September 21, 2007
Safe Routes to School Seminars Comments (15)
From the Town:
The Louise Archer Elementary School PTA will conduct four Safe Routes To School safety seminars in the school library September 10, 18, 20 and 26 beginning at 7 p.m. The school is located at 324 Nutley St., N.W. Free of charge and open to the public. For more information, call 703-937-6200.
Just do not try walking to the meeting. You may get KILLED since we do not actually have sidewalks around Louise Archer. Good luck this year walking to school, kiddies. May the force be with you. Wear a helmet. Dive into that ditch.
September 15, 2007
On the Ground at Berry and East Street Comments (58)
You can read about the Berry/East Street condo plans, but when you go there its a whole different ball game. Two critical points:
1. At least (20) 1-story houses on Berry and East street combined are tear downs. Many are run down. Dennis Adams house? It will be torn down the day he moves. Do these people not realize that their houses are tear downs to be replaced with new single family houses? If they don't realize such simple truths, if they actually believe they are living in Taj Mahals, especially given what Vienna has seen in the last ten years, what good is their judgment? Everyone of these older folks on these two streets are going to cash out and leave us their mess.
2. The corner of Berry and Pine Street is a transitional office building right now. Directly across the street, a line anyone can see, is the Bukont owned house on Berry Street. That means Berry Street already has a transitional office building extending down the street farther than the Bukont owned house. An office building will eventually be approved for Bukont's property.
This whole episode is yet another example of treating people differently for political reasons. And it should be clear the Vienna wide ramifications of this boondoggle.
Dennis Adams: The Usual "Half the Story" Comments (6)
From the Sun Gazette comes a brief bit from Dennis Adams. He is the leading advocate against the Berry Street condos:
"...Dennis Adams, who lives at 210 East St., S.E., said the parking lots behind commercial buildings occupied by SunTrust Bank, Anita's “New Mexico-Style” Mexican Food and Karin's Florist have served as a transitional area since 1963."
What Adams failed to mention is that the current owner of by SunTrust Bank, Anita's “New Mexico-Style” Mexican Food and Karin's Florist can build a new and expanded commercial building incorporating the so called "transitional area" (which Dennis failed to mention is zoned commercial). So where does his argument go then? Forget the specifics of this case, like in the historic district, it's not uncommon for older, politically active Vienna residents to show up and say anything to get their way. As long as disingenuous arguments are laid out, Berry Street or wherever, this site will exist to expose hypocrites like Dennis Adams.
September 12, 2007
Berry Street Condo Rezoning Hearing Comments (50)
The Berry Street condo rezoning hearing was Monday night at Vienna Town Hall before the Vienna Town Council. The Council voted against it.
September 10, 2007
George Lovelace Targets Vienna Block Parties Comments (13)
Town Council member George Lovelace tonight wanted to make sure that the block party problem in Vienna was under control. You did not know there was a block party problem? No one else on Town Council knew it was a problem either. Good to see that Lovelace is at the top of his game working for Vienna citizens.
September 09, 2007
Gerrymandering the Historic District: A Primer Comments (32)
Most people who read here understand the Vienna historic district is corrupt as written and enforced. Others don't care about that, they just care that they can keep their little club. Some of those people you will see comment on this site with lines like:
"And what is up with the lawsuit, anyway?"
There is yet a third group in Vienna, who hear about the controversy, but don't know the details. And for those people, we ask a question: would it surprise you that there exists a single property in the Town of Vienna NOT in the historic district, but surrounded on all sides (5 sides to be exact) by properties ALL in the historic district? We call it Mad Maud's donut hole. Think about how crazy it is that one property is in the middle of the historic district, but not in the historic district. It's the donut hole. That fact alone, even if you know nothing else about historic districts in Vienna, tells you that Jane and Maud are far from sweet little old ladies. They are just a pair of conniving and power hungry politicians who could care less about fairness or ethics. They use their political power to settle personal scores. Next time you see Jane or Maud, ask them if they can explain why this property is not in the historic district, but the others surrounding it are. Ask them the question and you will see old ladies stutter and lie.
Note: All properties in blue are in the historic district. Only the properties with a red dot are as is since the district was created in 1979. All other properties, green dots, have either seen the home razed or substantially rebuilt. The donut hole is in yellow: Helluva preservation effort Maudasaurus!
September 05, 2007
Potential Stroke Inducing News for Vienna Dinosaurs Comments (4)
Oh No! Egads! Say it isn't true! Help!
Maud ain't going to like the new owners (PDF) of the Wolf Trap Motel and Tequila Grande. She of course would be happier if they built an empty parking lot like the one she forced Magruders to build next to her home.
September 04, 2007
Wolf Trap Motel and Tequila Grande Sold for $17 Million Comments (22)
The Vienna Wolf Trap Motel and Tequila Grande restaurant were sold in July 2007 for $17 million total. Check out the two websites for those businesses. Do you think New Jersey based developers (the buyers) paid $17 MILLION for the cash flow that spins out from THOSE two businesses? Think again. Strap it on Maud, looks like someone is planning to bring the wrecking ball in.
Sadly, the reason the Maple Avenue Vision Committee was created was to get ahead of out of town developers, but Maud deep sixed the committee. We guarantee the buyers of these properties are not stupid. They will build something new. What will it look like? We have NO control over that because Town Council dimwits Maud and Jane think their corrupted and patch worked zoning code will protect them. Guess what? Builders paying $17 million ain't going to be too scared of Steve Briglia's legal skills.
September 02, 2007
Old Ladies Run "Posh" Out Comments (41)
Let's be blunt. No need to sugar coat it. No need to keep pretending. Maud Robinson and Jane Seeman are ignorant old ladies hell bent on destroying Vienna.
Case in point: Posh.
Posh is going. You know, the long time gift shop on Church Street in the old bank - gone. Run out of Town by Maud, Jane and their idiotic zoning code. The Mayor refuses to meet with the owners because she is too busy hanging out at the Red Hunter blog. What property will these two dimwits condemn next?
To those people in Vienna with a pulse who vote, the time to pay attention is now. Do we really have to let two stubborn, angry and ignorant old ladies ruin Vienna? And please, will the sycophant children of Town management come online (yet again) and make some posts about how wonderful their parents are?
Sharon Baum on Mulch Paranoia Comments (3)
In order to understand the Vienna machine you have to analyze how they operate. Here is an email sent around by Sharon Baum a few years ago during the debate on mulch in Vienna:
The mayor and several council members informed me today that members of the Northeast Vienna Citizens Association (NEVCA) are orchestrating a write-in campaign for this Tuesday's Town election. They are trying to install a mayor and council members who will support their goal of having the town cease operations at the Beulah mulch facililty, which may result in ceasing curbside leaf pick-up. NEVCA has candidates for mayor and all three open council seats. Incumbent mayor Jane Seeman had been running un-opposed until NEVCA began this write-in campaign. For the three open council seats, Laurie Cole and Edythe Kelleher are running as incumbents, and Michael Polychrones (a past council member) also is running. These three also had been running as un-opposed until the write-in campaign. REMEMBER -- Past elections have generated very small turn-outs and NEVCA could have a successful write-in campaign. So please make the effort to vote this Tuesday! The elections will be held 4 May at the Vienna Community Center from 6:00am to 7:00pm. Please pass this information on to other Vienna residents so that they understand the importance of this Tuesday's election -- unless you want to bag your leaves!
That's how you rile up the over 80 Magruders set - scare them that they will bag their leaves. Baum sits on the Vienna Transportation Safety Committee today receiving daily political milk from Maud.
My name is Sharon. I love Maud. I have to say that.
