May 2009 Archives
May 29, 2009
Beware: Decks Could Soon Count as Lot Coverage Comments (38)
June 2009 Newsletter:
"Conducted a public hearing on a proposal to amend the definition of "structure" in the zoning code to include patios and decks"
May 28, 2009
Gag. Comments (21)
June 2009 Newsletter: Comment from the Council Table
In Appreciation
By M. Jane Seeman, Mayor of ViennaOn June 30, 2009, an era will end in Vienna. Councilwoman Maud F. Robinson will step down from her seat on the TownCouncil.
Maud and her late husband, Charles A. Robinson, Jr., began their association with the Town in 1951 when they moved into their home on Courthouse Road, S.W. The couple quickly began their active participation by attending many Town Council and Town board and commission meetings. It wasn’t long before Charlie was appointed to the Planning Commission, then the Board of Zoning Appeals, and finally elected to the Town Council. Those years of service add up to 22 years. Then in 1976 Charlie was elected to the office of Mayor, which he held for 21 years. Those were very important years in Vienna’s development. Mayor Robinson was instrumental in drafting the Town’s Architectural Review Board ordinance and the Town Charter.
Mayor Robinson’s influence and stature did not stop in the town. Even today, respect for his leadership and contributions are acknowledged at every level of government.
But for us in Vienna, we have Mayor and Mrs. Robinson to thank for their vision of what we all strive for and work toward: a Vienna that has retained its small-town residential character. Their vision was for a Vienna that valued its trees, friendly businesses, and safe neighborhoods.
Now, was Maud Robinson sitting idly by when all this was going on? No indeed. Maud was busy in her own right. She was a member of the Board of Architectural Review and worked hard to maintain high standards in our business district. She served on the Town/Business Liaison Committee so that businesses and residents could meet and talk over ideas. She was involved in historic preservation projects and is a long-time board member of Historic Vienna, Inc. She was out and about town, always listening and engaging residents to find out their issues.
Maud attended all Town Council meetings and in 2000 was appointed to Council. Maud was elected to four more productive terms and then decided it was time to step down.
Maud and Charlie always had Vienna’s best interests at the forefront. Together they had a clear vision and a respectful way of carrying that vision forward. Without their commitment to that vision, Vienna would be a very different place. We all have them to thank for the excellent quality of life we enjoy in this unique and wonderful town.
There is a way to thank Councilwoman Robinson. An open house is planned for Saturday, June 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Flame Room of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Everyone is invited to stop by and thank Maud for her years of service to the town that she and Charlie loved from the minute they moved here 58 years ago.
At Your Service, Lord Springsteen. Comments (2)
June 2009 Newsletter:
Vienna Names in the NewsTown residents Howard Springsteen and Joan Dempsey have been named Lord and Lady Fairfax for the Hunter Mill District. Each year the County Board of Supervisors honors two people from each district for their exceptional community service. Both have been affiliated with the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Dempsey is President of the VVFD Auxiliary as well as the County Firefighters Association Auxiliary and the Virginia State Firefighters Association Auxiliary. She is also VVFD’s Canteen Coordinator, directing the delivery of food and water to first responders at the scene of an emergency. Springsteen has been VVFD President since 2001 and is active in other community service organizations. He is a member of the Town’s Transportation Safety Commission and was elected to the Town Council last month.
When was the Last Time the Word "Rumble" was Used Since the '50s? Comments (2)
From the Sun Gazette:
Insult Leads to Rumble at High School Leads to Rumble
May 27, 2009An insult to a James Madison High School student’s sister apparently led to an altercation involving dozens of people on May 14, Vienna police said.
Officers responded at about 2:35 p.m. for a fight in progress at the Peterson Lane Park, located in the 500 block of Malcolm Road, N.W. Upon arrival, police found 30-40 juveniles fleeing the park, authorities said.
According to police, there had been a fight between two juvenile males over a previous slur toward the sister of one of the combatants. The youths planned the fight while at Madison High, police said.
Authorities have not arrested anyone in this case.
May 26, 2009
Virginia Main Street Program Comments (23)
A regular reader sent this to HV:
Virginia Main Street
Since 1985, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program has been helping localities revitalize the economic vitality of downtown commercial districts using the National Main Street Center’s successful Main Street Approach™. Main Street is a comprehensive, incremental approach to revitalization built around a community’s unique heritage and attributes. Using local resources and initiatives, Main Street helps communities develop their own strategies to stimulate long term economic growth and pride in the traditional community center -- downtown.
Virginia Main Street communities, like thousands of communities across the country, have used the Main Street Approach™ effectively to address the complex and changing issues facing the downtown business environment. The Main Street Approach™ provides a flexible framework that puts the traditional assets of downtown, such as unique architecture and locally-owned businesses, to work as a catalyst for economic growth and community pride.
The program was designed to address the need for revitalization and ongoing management of smaller downtowns, but aspects of the Main Street Approach™ may be applied successfully in other commercial settings. Communities beginning their downtown revitalization, and those with more experience, are creating lasting economic impact with the Main Street Approach™.
More information on the Virginia Main Street Program:
mainstreet@dhcd.virginia.gov or call (804) 371-7030.
Harrisonburg, VA has an upcoming Workshop:
Virginia Downtown Development Association and Virginia Main Street Announce Combined Training Opportunity: http://www.shenandoah.com/stories/?headlineID=17896
May 21, 2009
Hmmmm .... Comments (22)
Vienna Honored for Financial Reporting
Yet ...
Vienna Officials Re-Do Hearings, For Legality's Sake
Thank You, Maud. What Will We Ever Do Without You? Comments (4)
Reception Set to Honor Maud RobinsonAn open-house reception to say “thank you” to retiring Vienna Town Council member Maud Robinson will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Flame Room of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
The public is invited to visit and sign the “memory book.” Cards are welcome; light refreshments will be served.
Those who are unable to attend the event can send a card in care of Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center St., S., Vienna, Va. 22180. For information, call the mayor’s office at (703) 255-6311.
May 15, 2009
Class Warfare in Vienna ... Comments (84)
A post from a regular reader ....
Of course, it is foolish to pretend that it doesn't exist. The original "Town of Vienna," despite it's earlier history, really grew as a post war suburban town in the 1950s. Yeonas and others built myiad "tract homes," which were affordable to veterans, first time home builders and government workers.
We have substantially changed in the past 50 years, and now there is a disconnect between those living in the older smaller homes and those able to afford homes that now sell for a million plus.
Naturally, as people who have been here for decades see the home of their beloved neighbor torn down before their eyes, they feel disconnected and sad.
Thoughts?
May 12, 2009
Dellinger Decides Not to Fight Comments (2)
HV has not heard of any voting improprieties this year but suppose even just one or two "older" folks were swayed, that would make a difference in this year's election.
Incumbent Opts Against Recount in Razor-Close Vienna Race
by Brian Trompeter
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Vienna Town Council candidates Mike Gadell, George Lovelace, Howard Springsteen, Laurie DiRocco and Dan Dellinger pose with their signs outside the Vienna Community Center during the May 5 town election. (Photo by Brian Trompeter)The Vienna Town Council will have two new members this July, thanks to the upcoming retirement of one member and a challenger’s two-vote victory on May 5 that ousted an incumbent.
Five candidates - two incumbents and three challengers - faced off for three available seats in the election. Council member Maud Robinson did not seek re-election this year.
In proving the old adage that every vote indeed does count, challenger Howard Springsteen narrowly beat Council incumbent Dan Dellinger by a score of 794 to 792 votes.
The margin had been just one vote until Fairfax County election officials awarded Springsteen a provisional ballot that had been in question.
The provisional voter had requested and received an absentee ballot, but threw it away and went to the polls in person, said Fairfax County General Registrar Rokey Suleman.
A recount would have occurred automatically if there had been a tie. Dellinger, who was entitled to ask for a recount because of the razor-thin margin, said on Monday he did not plan to do so.
The winning Town Council members will begin their terms on July 1.
Springsteen, a Fairfax County employee who also serves as president of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, said the election results underscore the importance of voter participation.
“I grew up in northern New Jersey, where I saw elections decided by one vote on numerous occasions,” Springsteen said. “It really shows you that your vote does count.”
Candidates conducted a civil, issues-oriented campaign, he said.
“Everybody got along,” Springsteen said. “We all felt really strongly about Vienna.”
Dellinger, a construction project manager who first was elected to the council in 2006, took some flak during the race after saying in a debate that connecting Fairfax County trails through the town would “bring the other undesirables into our neighborhoods.”
Dellinger said that comment probably had less of an impact on the polling results than the damp, cool weather on election day. But he took final responsibility for the outcome.
“I should have worked harder to achieve victory,” he said. “That’s a lesson for people who wish to run for public office.”
There were 1,519 votes cast out of an eligible 11,131 voters in the election, a turnout rate of 13.6 percent. Only 53 of the votes were cast by absentee ballot.
While all eyes remained on the Springsteen-Dellinger race after the election, two other Town Council seats were up for grabs in the election, and these were won by decisive margins.
Laurie DiRocco, chairman of the Vienna Planning Commission, ran away with the contest as she amassed 969 votes. DiRocco said she did much door-to-door campaigning and received positive responses.
“I talked about a plan for Maple Avenue, preserving green space and making Vienna walkable and bike-able,” she said. “I don’t think it was one thing in particular” that made the difference in the election.
Longtime Council member George Lovelace won re-election with 881 votes. He thanked constituents for their continuing support.
“People said, ‘We can’t see Vienna without you. We want you there and we’ll put you in there,’” Lovelace said. “It makes me want to work harder.”
Lovelace said DiRocco will make a fine addition to the council.
“She came across as a pretty level-headed individual, one who thinks things through before saying something or reacting,” Lovelace said. “Her experience on the Planning Commission will serve her well.”
Challenger Mike Gadell, an account executive with Marriott International, received 511 votes. Gadell said he enjoyed his experience as a first-time candidate.
“There were five great candidates, four gentlemen and a lady,” Gadell said. “We had the town’s best interests at heart and the town is better for it. The process works.”
The Vienna Town Council consists of six members and the mayor. All council seats are at-large positions with two-year terms. Vienna voters choose three Town Council members every year and elect the mayor on even-numbered years.
May 08, 2009
Public Hearing on Budget: Monday, May 11th Comments (25)
Copies of the proposed Town budget for fiscal year 2009-10 are available for public review in the Administrative Services Office at Town Hall and at Patrick Henry Library. A "Budget in Brief" summary may be obtained free of charge, and the entire budget document may be purchased or viewed online. For more information, call 703-255-6350.
A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held at the May 11 Town Council meeting.
View Budget Online: http://www.viennava.gov/Town_Departments/budget/Budget%2009-10/Budget%2009-10.htm
May 06, 2009
Obviously, No Celebrations Will Be In Order Comments (54)
The only *victory* (and, we use this term loosely) would be DiRocco, Gadell and Dellinger on Council.
Challenger Holds Slim Lead for Final Seat on Vienna Council
By Brian Trompeter
May 6, 2009
Two Vienna Town Council candidates will have to wait about a week before a recount determines the final outcome of the May 5 election, while two more - an incumbent and a challenger - nabbed the top spots in the five-candidate field.
In proving the old adage that every vote indeed does count, challenger Howard Springsteen held a narrow two-vote lead over Town Council incumbent Dan Dellinger, after Fairfax County election officials awarded him a provisional ballot that had been in question. Springsteen now has 794 votes and Dellinger 792, leaving Springsteen with a narrow hold on the third council seat that was up for grabs in the town election.
The provisional voter had requested and received an absentee ballot, but threw it away and went to the polls in person, said Fairfax County General Registrar Rokey Suleman.
Election officials had to declare a winner before authorizing a recount, which is automatic when the victory margin is less than one-half of 1 percent.
The recount likely will take place within the next 10 days, Suleman said. The winning Town Council members will begin their two-year terms on July 1.
Springsteen, a Fairfax County employee who also serves as president of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, said the election results underscore the importance of voter participation.
“I grew up in northern New Jersey, where I saw elections decided by one vote on numerous occasions,” Springsteen said. “It really shows you that your vote does count.”
Candidates conducted a civil, issues-oriented campaign, he said.
“Everybody got along,” Springsteen said. “We all felt really strongly about Vienna.”
Dellinger, a construction project manager, was out of town and could not be reached for comment.
There were 1,519 votes cast out of an eligible 11,131 voters in the election, a turnout rate of 13.6 percent. Only 53 of the votes were cast by absentee ballot.
While all eyes are now on the Springsteen-Dellinger battle, two other Town Council seats were up for grabs in the election, and these were won by decisive margins.
Laurie DiRocco, chairman of the Vienna Planning Commission, ran away with the contest as she amassed 969 votes. DiRocco said she did much door-to-door campaigning and received positive responses.
“I talked about a plan for Maple Avenue, preserving green space and making Vienna walkable and bike-able,” she said. “I don’t think it was one thing in particular” that made the difference in the election.
Longtime Council member George Lovelace won re-election with 881 votes. He thanked constituents for their continuing support.
“People said, ‘We can’t see Vienna without you. We want you there and we’ll put you in there,’” Lovelace said. “It makes me want to work harder.”
Lovelace said DiRocco will make a fine addition to the council.
“She came across as a pretty level-headed individual, one who thinks things through before saying something or reacting,” Lovelace said. “Her experience on the Planning Commission will serve her well.”
Challenger Mike Gadell, an account executive with Marriott International, received 511 votes. Gadell said he enjoyed his experience as a first-time candidate.
“There were five great candidates, four gentlemen and a lady,” Gadell said. “We had the town’s best interests at heart and the town is better for it. The process works.”
All six council seats are at-large positions with two-year terms. Vienna voters choose three Town Council members every year.
May 04, 2009
Vienna Elections: Tuesday, May 5th Comments (20)
Remember: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VOTE FOR THREE CANDIDATES! You can bullet vote for just one candidate if you wish (and we strongly encourage).
