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November 20, 2008
Safeway Closing in Paper Comments (6)
Safeway to Shutter Vienna Operation; Walgreens Expected to Replace It
by BRIAN TROMPETER, Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Vienna’s Safeway grocery store will close on Dec. 6 and be replaced by a Walgreens, town officials said.
The 25,000-square-foot Safeway store, located at 225 Maple Ave., E., has been in operation since 1973. Company officials decided to close the store after weighing its performance versus the benefit of selling it, said Greg Ten Eyck, public-affairs director for Safeway’s eastern division.
“The Vienna store was losing money for the past several years,” Ten Eyck said. “It was a very competitive environment. The store was small and did not have everything that shoppers were looking for today in a modern supermarket.”
The store’s 25 employees all have been offered jobs at other local Safeway stores, he said.
Safeway has about 1,700 stores nationwide, 110 in the Washington metropolitan area and 28 in Fairfax County, Ten Eyck said.
Vienna long has had a competitive grocery-store market. Within a mile-long stretch of Maple Avenue, shoppers could choose from Magruder’s, Whole Foods Market, Safeway and Giant.
Whole Foods was the most recent entry, opening in the fall of 1996 in the renovated former Lowe’s hardware store building.
The Safeway store in the Vienna area’s Pan Am Shopping Center is financially successful and has company-owned gasoline station in front, Ten Eyck said. Space constraints prevented the company from locating a fuel station in front of the Vienna store, he said.
Safeway’s gasoline business has proven successful, with club members earning discounts based on their grocery-store purchases. The accumulated points may be redeemed at gasoline stations owned by Safeway or BP, the grocery chain’s partner in the venture, Ten Eyck said.
Vienna officials and Safeway’s Ten Eyck said a Walgreens store would fill the vacancy left by the grocery store. Walgreens officials would not comment on the matter, saying no leases have been signed for the possible Vienna location.
Vienna Planning and Zoning Director Greg Hembree said he did not know when the Walgreens store would open, but estimated it would be sometime in mid-2009.
The company probably will renovate the building’s facade, which will necessitate a hearing before the Vienna Architectural Review Board, he said.
by BRIAN TROMPETER, Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Vienna’s Safeway grocery store will close on Dec. 6 and be replaced by a Walgreens, town officials said.
The 25,000-square-foot Safeway store, located at 225 Maple Ave., E., has been in operation since 1973. Company officials decided to close the store after weighing its performance versus the benefit of selling it, said Greg Ten Eyck, public-affairs director for Safeway’s eastern division.
“The Vienna store was losing money for the past several years,” Ten Eyck said. “It was a very competitive environment. The store was small and did not have everything that shoppers were looking for today in a modern supermarket.”
The store’s 25 employees all have been offered jobs at other local Safeway stores, he said.
Safeway has about 1,700 stores nationwide, 110 in the Washington metropolitan area and 28 in Fairfax County, Ten Eyck said.
Vienna long has had a competitive grocery-store market. Within a mile-long stretch of Maple Avenue, shoppers could choose from Magruder’s, Whole Foods Market, Safeway and Giant.
Whole Foods was the most recent entry, opening in the fall of 1996 in the renovated former Lowe’s hardware store building.
The Safeway store in the Vienna area’s Pan Am Shopping Center is financially successful and has company-owned gasoline station in front, Ten Eyck said. Space constraints prevented the company from locating a fuel station in front of the Vienna store, he said.
Safeway’s gasoline business has proven successful, with club members earning discounts based on their grocery-store purchases. The accumulated points may be redeemed at gasoline stations owned by Safeway or BP, the grocery chain’s partner in the venture, Ten Eyck said.
Vienna officials and Safeway’s Ten Eyck said a Walgreens store would fill the vacancy left by the grocery store. Walgreens officials would not comment on the matter, saying no leases have been signed for the possible Vienna location.
Vienna Planning and Zoning Director Greg Hembree said he did not know when the Walgreens store would open, but estimated it would be sometime in mid-2009.
The company probably will renovate the building’s facade, which will necessitate a hearing before the Vienna Architectural Review Board, he said.
November 09, 2008
Miscellaneous Vienna Rumors ... Comments (50)
A little bird has told HistoricVienna.com that Safeway in Vienna is closing. We have also heard the Mayor is going around town telling people when the restaurant leases next door to Safeway (Noodles & Co, Chipotle) come up for renewal, they will be denied (due to the parking problems). We know how much everyone loves the two places (Noodles & Co, Chipotle) - hope everyone is paying attention to what is going on in Town.
Note: we are still miffed that when Trader Joe's "approached" the Town, our politicians could not seal the deal.
October 18, 2008
Dead Down Town Comments (40)
Down Town Vienna is dead.
It is not on life support, it is dead. The traffic on Maple Avenue is worse than the Capital Beltway. The selection of stores seems to be a constant stream of fly by night mattress stores, massage joints and nail salons. Those are all surrounded by our core businesses of fast food, gas stations and banks. Beyond the selection of stores, the appearance of commercial buildings on Maple Avenue is by and large disgusting. And now with an economic downturn many of Vienna's commercial buildings stand empty. Unfortunately, the blue hairs who vote in Vienna, the ones here for 50 years loyal to Mother Maud and The Seeman, don't know whether they are coming or going. So perhaps it is no surprise that a down town removed from life support is supported and promoted by voters and politicians who are likewise on life support (or ready to be removed too).
Turn the oxygen off, it ain't working any more.
October 01, 2008
Rumor Mill Alert: New Gym Coming to Town? Comments (3)
HistoricVienna.com has been alerted to a rumor circulating that a gym is going in where the old C.L. Barnes was located.
Anyone?
September 29, 2008
"Everyone wants to live in a nice-looking town, you know what I'm saying?" Comments (0)
Old McLean Wonders If It Wants to Be New
By Michael Laris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 29, 2008; B01
The tired strip mall at the heart of McLean, for decades a convenient place to stop for hardware, dry cleaning and pizza, is facing a major overhaul.
This, in itself, might not seem to merit a place in the annals of American redevelopment. After all, which Washington suburb, even in down economic times, doesn't have planners or property owners conjuring up ambitious ways to turn aging swaths of asphalt into walkable hubs filled with shops and housing that can be marketed as, in today's development parlance, a new downtown or town center?
But the bid to remake the center of one of Northern Virginia's most prestigious addresses has raised questions that go beyond the typical tussles that come with change.
Among them: What's better for the community -- a new "Main Street" developed by a McLean resident who heads a multibillion-dollar construction company that built the Reston Town Center and Nationals Park, or the creaky, weathered stores that have built loyal followings over decades? Is McLean, where the Little League field remains a prime gathering spot, ready to become more like Bethesda? And how do you please everyone in a place where so many people are used to getting what they want? Adding to the unease, the developer has not made his plans public or offered shop owners any assurances that they will have a home in the new McLean.
By Michael Laris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 29, 2008; B01
The tired strip mall at the heart of McLean, for decades a convenient place to stop for hardware, dry cleaning and pizza, is facing a major overhaul.
This, in itself, might not seem to merit a place in the annals of American redevelopment. After all, which Washington suburb, even in down economic times, doesn't have planners or property owners conjuring up ambitious ways to turn aging swaths of asphalt into walkable hubs filled with shops and housing that can be marketed as, in today's development parlance, a new downtown or town center?
But the bid to remake the center of one of Northern Virginia's most prestigious addresses has raised questions that go beyond the typical tussles that come with change.
Among them: What's better for the community -- a new "Main Street" developed by a McLean resident who heads a multibillion-dollar construction company that built the Reston Town Center and Nationals Park, or the creaky, weathered stores that have built loyal followings over decades? Is McLean, where the Little League field remains a prime gathering spot, ready to become more like Bethesda? And how do you please everyone in a place where so many people are used to getting what they want? Adding to the unease, the developer has not made his plans public or offered shop owners any assurances that they will have a home in the new McLean.
Continue reading ""Everyone wants to live in a nice-looking town, you know what I'm saying?"" »
September 10, 2008
Mayor Boob: "We believe in a free market, and we welcome businesses that fit into the Vienna environment." Comments (13)
What does Vienna environment mean exactly? Banks and mattress stores?
Empty Stores Reflect Economy
Vacancies rise with market slowdown.
By Donna Manz, The Connection
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Around Vienna, "For Lease" signs have been popping up in established shopping centers along and around Maple Avenue.
The former "That’s Amore" and Hancock’s Fabrics have been vacant for months. So, too, has the building that once housed Furniture Direct and C.L. Barnes. Apple Federal Credit Union has taken over part of the property, but the far end of the commercial center remains unoccupied.
What’s going on?
"Our retail vacancies are a function of the economy," said Gregory Hembree, director of Planning and Zoning for the Town of Vienna. "Office space is rented. It’s retail that is risky now."
"We get lots and lots of calls every day," said Hembree, "We look at the type of business and whether parking requirements fit the area."
Hembree said businesses do their research before contacting him.
"When we get inquiries, I tell businesses, ‘send me a proposal.’ We’ll help them to locate here. It makes sense to do business in our town."
Hembree says Trader Joe’s grocery stores have approached the Town, as had a major national drug store chain. "We’re always looking for good quality businesses to make a home in Vienna."
Unoccupied stores cast a shadow over the life of the Town. Shoppers are aware, as are other retail workers. And Hembree says that everyone has an idea of what should "go in" there, regardless of where "there" is. People know what they would like to see go into a vacant property, he says.
"Empty spaces always impact on the vitality of a town to some extent," said Mayor M. Jane Seeman. "We believe in a free market, and we welcome businesses that fit into the Vienna environment.
"We don’t have a budget for economic development," said the mayor. "We cannot afford fee-based intermediaries. We encourage prospective businesses to come to us with their interest."
SEEMAN, TOO, notes that the Town is approached daily by businesses aiming to locate or relocate to Vienna, and she agrees with Hembree that these businesses do their own market research on the viability of doing business in Vienna. "But Vienna is a prime location for businesses to locate here. They see the traffic going down Rt. 123, they see the housing growth. Businesses recognize the opportunity to do well here.
"Rents are going up in Vienna," said Seeman, "and businesses operate on a narrow profit/loss line. When the economy picks up, we’ll see more businesses coming into the town."
Many residents ask the mayor or the Town Council members why there are so many banks in town. Banks are among the few new businesses who can afford the high rents, the mayor says. "Business trends come and go … we used to have quite a few bagel shops several years ago," Seeman said.
"Things will bounce back here when the economy turns around."
Beyond vacant storefronts is the issue of shopping centers that are in need of updating or enhancement. The Town cannot demand improvements from businesses or commercial centers grandfathered in, but it does enforce zoning regulations.
"This is a big property rights state," said the mayor. "So we have little leverage to force owners to make improvements. If an existing property wants to expand or a new building wants to come in, it goes before the architectural board.
"In those cases, we can rule on signage and landscaping and design."
Hembree and Seeman are optimistic. Church Street is drawing new businesses, and many of the businesses located along Maple Avenue have been thriving there for dozens of years.
"Quite frankly, as long as the foreclosures continue, business people are sitting on their hands," Hembree said.
September 01, 2008
Mad Maud Part 2: Laurie Cole Waxing Poetic About Strip Malls Comments (11)
From the September Newsletter:
Asking the Right Question
By Laurie Genevro Cole
Vienna Town Councilwoman
It may seem obvious that how we frame a question can influence the answer we get. But recently I saw an article that brought this point home for me in a very important context for Vienna's future - how we go about planning development.
A Portland, Oregon, magazine posed the question: "With about a million more people arriving in the Portland metro area by 2030, what is the most important thing for the city to preserve?" This simple question turns upside down the approach to planning we've been dealing with in our area, where the object of planning typically is to identify what changes we want new development to bring.
Putting the emphasis on what we have now that we consider worth preserving seems a natural for our Town. It's perhaps just another way of saying that we want to keep Vienna's "small town feel." I'd like to see us make it an explicit planning principle as we move forward on planning Vienna's, and the region's, future.
For Maple Avenue, what would we like to preserve? I would like to preserve the opportunity for small, independent businesses and shops to locate there. These businesses serve the community not just by the items they sell or the services they provide, but also by providing places where we meet each other and share a "hello." This is a vital part of our community life that I value.
As a Town government, we can set policies to make our commercial districts attractive and desirable, to encourage businesses to locate here. We recognize that we can't compete with Tysons Corner and the retail stores that will choose to locate there. But we can provide an attractive alternative for business that serve our residents and support our economic base.
For the greater Tysons area, and the planning discussions that continue about its future, is there anything we can say we would like to preserve? I would like to preserve the boundaries separating Tysons development from the surrounding communities of Vienna, McLean and Falls Church, to protect our neighborhoods from encroachments of traffic and visual blight. I would also like to preserve our ability to move to and through Tysons, so we can share in the benefits of a more functional Tysons and so that we can maintain contact with our County neighbors in McLean, Falls Church and the rest of the area.
What would you like to preserve about Vienna? And because it is still a valid question, just not the only question what would you like to see changed? I hope all our citizens will join in these discussions as we plan our community's future.
August 06, 2008
I See Dead Buildings. Comments (7)
"Where are all the boarded up buildings and flop houses?"
- SW mom
HistoricVienna.com took this comment on as the challenge of the week. We found our inner-George Lovelace and took a tour of Vienna.
A few from HistoricVienna.com reader:
Next week's challenge is for you: how many "For Lease" signs do you spy in Vienna?
OMIGOD, VIENNA HAS A NEW BANK!!!! Comments (14)
Sorry for the yelling but what could we have possibly done to bestowed with such a wonderful new addition to our town?! The Gods must have been listening to our anguished pleas for just one more bank.
HistoricVienna.com is now going to the Inn for a celebratory beer.
August 05, 2008
Are You Afraid? Comments (33)
Below is a quote from the Washington Post regarding the need for the Tysons Corner redevelopment. You could have just as easily inserted Vienna where it says Tysons. Vienna is at a crossroads: are we going to die or go forward? I think the crime, flophouses and boarded up buildings say it all. Do we head towards the future with 86 year old Maud or someone half her age?
Folks, let's all make the right choices together.
"For 45 years I've watched things develop in the worst possible way. I can't imagine people wanting that, or more of that," said Clark Tyler, who heads the Tysons Land Use Task Force, which has led the effort and plans to offer county officials detailed proposals in September.
"At some point you say, 'Enough already!' " Tyler said. "Those are the only choices: Do it the way it's always been done -- suburban sprawl, piecemeal approvals -- or you can agree to an overall plan that is going to transform the place into something more livable and enjoyable."
July 24, 2008
Vienna Development 101. Comments (13)
The Maple Avenue Vision project was killed by Maud Robinson, Jane Seeman, George Lovelace and the rest of the lot.
If anyone out there wants to know what is in the report, you must read it. There are no Cliffs Notes. HistoricVienna.com is growing weary of posters who refuse to read the report and just want the quick sound bites spoon-fed to them.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE MAPLE AVENUE VISION REPORT (Can we make this any easier?).
July 20, 2008
The Development of the Wolf Trap No Tell Motel Comments (41)
The Wolf Trap Motel was purchased in July 2007 by Hekemian. On their website, they describe their intentions for the land. Let us encourage and work with Hekemian to create a beautiful shopping and living area. How can we go wrong doing the exact opposite of what has always been done in Vienna?
As they describe below, the opportunities are boundless. We are only limited by the visions of Maud Robinson and Jane Seeman. Do you think they are actively working with Hekemian? Do you think they have even met with them? I am sure they are just hiding their heads in the sand because they really do not have a vision or even understand how to create one.
Vienna Virginia Redevelopment
Spanning 2.8 acres, the Vienna Virginia Redevelopment is a thoughtfully crafted village-style mixed-use project that will embrace the charm, history and vitality of Vienna, Virginia. Boundless opportunities exist for this high-traffic location in an affluent Northern Virginia neighborhood.
"What Power Lines? Where? All We See is Blue Sky" - direct quote from Vienna Town Council and Mayor Comments (5)
A recent post said Vienna needs to bury power lines but HistoricVienna.com wants know how you even see them?! The Maud-controlled party line is that you do not notice power lines because of two reasons: the telephone poles are green and are located on only one side of the street.
The Town, using as little common sense as possible, made a very, very, very, very, very, very STUPID decision when they they decided against burying the power lines with their lame Church Street/Maple Avenue beautification projects in the 1990s. They put us through traffic hell for years, killed a few businesses along the way and we still get to look at those ugly, aging power lines.
If a vote was put up to the people, who would have chosen the town green over burying power lines? If you want to visit a city who gets it right, just drive down Route 7 in the City of Falls Church on any day: bike trail bridge, buried power lines, and beautiful new mixed-use buildings.
July 18, 2008
10K Down the Drain? Comments (2)
Does anyone know whatever ever happened to this study? The town boobs can add this to the wasted 22K from the lame laser shows. How much of our money each year do these dimwits just throw away?
July 10, 2008
Vienna Cannot Be Bothered With Such Silly Trendiness Comments (12)
According to the Washington Post's Food Section, tangy frozen yogurt is all the rage. Here are a list of locations where you can find it:
Building a Yogurt Capital
Wednesday, July 9, 2008; D01Now serving:
Iceberry: Reston, Springfield, Chantilly, South Riding
Mr. Yogato: Dupont Circle
Sweetgreen: Georgetown
Tangysweet: Dupont Circle
Planning to open:
Iceberry: Georgetown
Sweetgreen: Dupont Circle
Red Mango: Scouting locations in Tysons Corner, Reston, Bethesda and Georgetown
HV notices Vienna doesn't make the list and, as a matter of fact, we never do. But, who cares if tangy frozen yogurt is the new best thing since sliced bread?! The Town of Vienna must stick to their guns and NOT EVER OPENLY COURT any business that the good residents of Vienna may actually like. Forget Panera Bread where Hollywood Video used to be. Forget Trader Joe's in the old That's Amore location. It's all just faddish nonsense. We all really should just continue to shop at Magruder's and get our nails done. Mother Maud knows what is best for us and we should thank her.
April 19, 2008
Next to the Vienna Inn Comments (1)
An email came in that said:
"Not sure how to post but does anyone know what's going to happen to the stores where the antique shops were between town green and the Vienna Inn?"
Does anyone know?
March 25, 2008
What Buildings Have Been Built Since 1980? Comments (11)
Another way to look the problem of run down and empty commercial space in Vienna: What buildings on Maple were built after 1980? Go down Maple Avenue from Nutley to East Street. Here is the initial list:
1. Whole Foods (retrofit of an old Lowes).
2. Starbucks, etc. (retrofit of an old Southern States).
3. Taco Bell.
4. Chevy Chase Bank
5. Wachovia Bank
6. Rite Aid
7. Anitas (new one).
What else? Is that it over the last 28 years?
March 16, 2008
Mclean Beating Vienna Too Comments (3)
From the Sun Gazette:
Two “Main Street of McLean” forums to discuss the future of the revitalization of downtown McLean will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. and on Friday, April 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the McLean Community Center. The sessions will be hosted by the McLean Planning Committee. A summary session will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. The “Main Street” area is bordered by Old Dominion Drive, Chain Bridge Road, Beverly Road and Ingleside Avenue. For information, call Mary Baker, president of the McLean Planning Committee, at (703) 356-5214.
What does Vienna have? An empty Town Green.
October 24, 2007
Vienna Halloween Parade Tonight! Comments (7)
Vienna Halloween Parade Tonight!
October 10, 2007
Maud Enlists Fantasy Island Stars to Solve Vienna Business Woes Comments (14)
Recently it was reported that the Danor Plaza Shopping Center in Vienna, the one with That's Amore, Baskin Robbins, etc. along Branch Road, was having a tough time due to road work on Branch Road. So how did Maud put the finger in the dike of businesses taking it on the chin? The Town has placed a blinking road work sign along Maple Avenue near Wu's Garden reminding people that Danor Plaza Shopping Center is open for business. Only on Fantasy Island does this ding dong attempt at a solution make sense. Maybe Maud will give businesses that go under, due to her and the Town Council's poor planning, a free pizza coupon when they close down?
"Welcome back Maudasaurus!"
October 01, 2007
Town Green on Life Support; Maud Calls Sun Gazette for Spin Comments (55)
From the Sun Gazette comes news of new user fees for groups who want to use the Town Green:
Council members expressed support for a set of fees suggested by Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Salgado. Only Vienna-based groups - no businesses, for-profit organizations or private groups - would be allowed to rent the Town Green for $25 per hour and for a maximum of two rentals per month for the first year. Applications would be made between 90 and 180 days before the event and accompanied by a nonrefundable $25 fee. Groups would have to provide a map showing locations of tents, stages, food vendors and electrical equipment and carry at least a $1 million insurance policy that names the town as beneficiary. Groups using the park would pay a $500 refundable security deposit, plus $50 per officer per hour if police support is required. Organizations also would pay $25 per hour for support from town staff. The Town Green would have to remain open to the public during the events, and no admission fees could be charged at the park. No alcohol, inflatable rides or tents larger than 12-by-12-feet would be allowed.
Considering no one goes to the Town Green, what is this all about? Apparently, the man hours that generated the above proposal came from "surveys":
In surveys town officials took of Town Green users, some people complained about the presence of political organizations there, and that a band member was smoking a cigarette behind the amphitheater.
Surveys from who complained about what political organizations at the Town Green? A guy was smoking a cigarette and we now shape policy around that? We can't solve traffic, we can't solve a decaying Maple Avenue business corridor, we can't solve sidewalks, but we can make sure one guy in a band never smokes at the Town Green again? Are you serious Maudasaurus? Yes, kids, she is serious.
Brian Trompeter (Joseph Goebbels's brother in spirit) ends with:
The town recently finished its 21-show summer concert series at the Town Green, and will host 12 concerts or events there this fall, Salgado said. The town now is processing about 70 applications for events at the Town Green next year. Town Green events have drawn between 50 and 300 people each this year, and have not caused traffic or parking problems, she said.
This is all sounds great, but to anyone with a pulse they know this park has been empty since inception. Give Maud credit she can make Brian Trompeter write anything she wants.
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.
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.
August 06, 2007
Town of Vienna Assistant Arborist Sounds Off Comments (12)
This post generated this response from Rebecca Greenberg, former Assistant Arborist, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation:
Here's the thing...I'm wondering if any of the commentors [sic] have had the distinct pleasure of trying to work through, not only, bureaucratic red tape, but also the immense joy of trying to coordinate the people needed to pull off an ambitious effort, such as the Town Green. I have.
The people who participate here in this forum are not bureaucrats. Who wants to be that?
People, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. If you want to create such a vision of green space than you need to pony up the resources (read: money) to do so. The Town employs 2 of the finest arborists/horticulturists I ever had the pleasure of working with, but it also keeps their hands tied because of financial resources. (It also often fails to involve them in the planning process, and eventually just hands over inadequately planned projects to them for management.)
Rebecca we here already know that this Town's management is a joke. From top to bottom, the entire leadership of Vienna is more interested in silly headlines in the Sun Gazette than actually doing the right thing. Thank you for backing our view.
If you all want change so damn bad, run for office.
People have run for office in the last few years, but from election corruption to an over eighty set not interested in much beyond Tuesday milk discounts at Magruders, it's tough to beat 85 year-old Maud's machine. The woman has spent 50 years consolidating power in Vienna and has no qualms about doing anything to hold onto that power.
Otherwise, try to find the positive...you know...like the fact you live in one of the wealthiest places in the country. Virtually no where else are towns tearing down building for use as green space. Remember, it's usually the other way around.
We expected that you would eventually throw out at least one Chewbacca defense! The fact that Vienna sits in the middle of Fairfax County with a very wealthy population does not mean we should stop slamming these clowns over their corruption and incompetence. If you really wanted to help Vienna you would contact us directly and tell us more about the behind the scenes nonsense that you have witnessed. You would be thanked by every Vienna citizen.
June 10, 2007
In Vienna? No Way! Comments (7)
From the Fairfax Times comes an article that surely makes Mother Maud sweat hard. Notice in McLean the community is involved, whereas in Vienna...well everyone knows what happens here.
06/05/2007
Shaking up downtown McLean
By: Monty TayloeFour months ago, the Old Dominion Shopping Center, home to McLean hardware and other businesses, was sold to longtime McLean resident Dan Montgomery. Last month, the governing board of the McLean Community Center voted to work toward expanding the Old Firehouse Teen Center into a two-story, multi-use community space.
May 10, 2007
Old Vienna Movie Theater: Why Not Rekindle It? Comments (27)
How many people realize that Spokes, Etc. on Maple Avenue used to be a movie theater? No need to go into who was in charge when Vienna lost the theater, but it is an easy guess (the usual suspects). Bigger question: how is it that we have no one looking to come into Vienna and use that cavernous old building as a concert hall or movie theater again? Clearly, Spokes, Etc. does NOT come close to using the space in any maximized manner.
So why no movement for creative ideas like this? The current Town Council occupy "seats". They don't aggressively do anything outside of the box. They simply sit back and allow our precious Maple Avenue real estate to be gobbled up by more and more banks, while ignoring any use of incentives that might make that old theater shine again. Or should we just let the over 80 set say "no" to everything?
Note: Maudites please post comments about how this idea is all out of the Town Council's control or that we are trying to put Spokes, Etc. out of business. That will allow the Maud camp to sleep at night knowing nothing could be done.
May 09, 2007
Budget Research Comments (2)
The budget in Vienna needs a can opener applied to it. We all need to be able to see a line by line dollar amount comparison for key items year to year for the last 10 years. With all of the residential assessment increases since 1997, where are the tax proceeds going? An astute six-grader can see that Vienna has crumbling roads and sidewalks and no plan to fix any of it in place. Where does the money go?
The election was no mandate. The election simply showed that if ALL you do in life is Vienna politics (i.e. Maud), after 50 years you will have a 1000 friends (and a little corruption too as evidenced by the Washington Post article). Vienna is more than 1000 people.
May 07, 2007
Anne Smith Breaks It Down for Vienna's Downtown Comments (32)
Reader Anne Smith writes:
"Rather than focus on mixed-use or form-based codes, let's talk about what people who want change in Vienna are really looking for. I think what most of us want is a more pedestrian-friendly downtown where people can walk to shops & services, kids can walk to school, and the retail district meets more of our needs."
Continue reading "Anne Smith Breaks It Down for Vienna's Downtown" »
May 04, 2007
Zoning Education for All of Us Comments (10)
A Vienna resident thought some zoning education about form based zoning would be useful for all of us. We agree. His email:
As promised, here are some links to information about form-based zoning. My idea in passing this along is that in order to sell the idea, advocates of the idea need to be more conversant with the concepts. When a candidate announces that they are "in favor of modifying the building height allowances on Maple avenue" - the luddites run away screaming. If put into context of an overall plan for rational development, it becomes less scary. Part of the appeal of form-based zoning is that the best form-based codes are largely devoid of technospeak. So without further ado, here are the links...A Non-profit with the mission of advancing the use and acceptance of form-based codes...
http://www.formbasedcodes.org/
The Congress of New-Urbanism - more relevant to larger municipalities...
For general background on the importance of form in urban planning check out the two volume series "Getting to Smart Growth: 100 Policies for Implementation" produced by the Smart Growth Network and the International City Managers Association at...
For the really ambitious, Virginia Tech offers degrees in Urban Affairs and Planning at their Alexandria Center. One of the Professors, Peter Katz, is one of the originators of new-urbanism. They also have an occasional lecture series.
April 25, 2007
"Would You Like Heroin or Crack with Your Continental Breakfast?" Comments (25)
A Safe Family Fun Get Away Sponsored by Mother Maud!
From the papers:
During a traffic stop, David Andre Byrd, 36, no fixed address, was charged with unauthorized use of the SUV he was driving and driving without a license. The owner of the vehicle, Rafeal Dermundo Graves, 47, 9302 Brandon St., Manassas Park, was located at the Wolf Trap Motel, 430 Maple Ave., W. Graves and another occupant of the room, Kenyetta Lakeisha Basil, 22, 1320 Madison St., N.W., Washington, DC, were charged with possession of heroin and possession of cocaine. Basil was also charged with possession of marijuana.
So while Maud is getting rich, who is minding the store? Why have we let Maud cut the Police budget? Is there a reason Vienna has an Alexandria like Route 1 motel that the average person would be scared to step foot in? Does anyone know if this place has the beds you can put a quarter in?
April 14, 2007
Maud & Jane Equal Power Lines Everywhere Comments (5)
Many people don't even notice them, but take a look at the power lines in Vienna. They are everywhere. EVERYWHERE. They make our community look second rate. When you see Maud or Jane next ask them how they could have supported all above ground power lines for the last 50 years. Did they have NO vision?
April 09, 2007
Berry Street Legal Justification Comments (19)
Here (PDF) is the legal justification for the Berry Street project.
April 08, 2007
Zoning Administrator Report on Bukont Projects Comments (1)
Here is Greg Hembree's Staff Report (PDF) on Bukont's two new projects. Hembree is Vienna's Zoning Administrator.
Condo Debate Off Track Comments (3)
The condo debate on this web site seems to have gotten into some weird sidetracks. Some thoughts:
1. There should be no condos in the middle of residentially zoned areas.
2. Condos should be considered or not considered only in commercial and transitional areas.
If we all keep the debate in these confines there will be more productive conversations about the topic.
March 04, 2007
Sagres Construction Connection to Vienna? Comments (1)
At a post recently a resident of Vienna passed along some hieroglyphics:
Stop defending the historic district and start defending our tax dollars! Get Sagres Construction to replace all of the concrete they have installed that is cracking up all over the place... quit hiring those clowns... just who's cousin runs that company, anyway?
Can someone fill us in about the "cousin" mentioned above? We do not know who this is.
March 01, 2007
Sewage Wins! Comments (3)
From the Vienna Town Council 06/19/2006 Agenda:
12. Authorization for the emergency purchase of two (2) sewer ejector pumps from gunnell & sons, inc. In an estimated amount of $20,475.00 For the police station, and authorization to expend approved fiscal year 2005-2006 budgeted funds.
We spend $20,000 to push the poop up from the basement of the current Police Station, but we spend only $10,000 to study the entire corridor of Maple Avenue for a makeover? We are sure there was a plumbing emergency that required the the pumps in the Police Station, no problem there.
However, for the expenditure of pumps to dwarf the entire planning/expenditure process for all of our commercial district on Maple Avenue, is asinine. It shows 100% incompetence on the part of Jane Seeman and Maud Robinson.
Maud and Jane Are What Need the Ejection
February 24, 2007
Wikipedia Propaganda: Who Was the Maud Crony? Comments (0)
Someone recently updated Vienna's Wikipedia.com entry with some Maud propaganda. Fairfax County doesn't seem to be able to figure out "who" it is: their response (PDF). For reference, her last paragraph is 100% false.
February 20, 2007
Tysons Land Use Task Force. What About Vienna? Comments (1)
The Tysons Land Use Task Force is a good example of proper "planning." At least, regardless of how they go, there will be intelligent debate and discussion. Vienna's planning? Maud just says the center of Town is the Town Green and that's it. No study of anything. Just an 85-year old woman making multi-million dollar monuments to herself and then calling it "planning". Watch Maud with amusement. For once she is no longer on Council, Vienna will never operate this way again. She is the end of an era.
January 25, 2007
Catalyst for Change Comments (6)
Some good news. Apparently, that letter has served as a catalyst for the Vienna Town Council to begin anew. They will now take up the letter and its ideals at their next work session. Then the Planning Commission will take it up. One letter = ship turns in possible new direction.
December 11, 2006
The Vienna Inn Stirs the Passions Comments (2)
This post on the Vienna Inn brought forward this feedback:
"I find it hard to believe the Town would demolish that area. Do you have some substantial proof that the Town has actually discussed that possibility, and how would they acquire the land?"
And this:
"This seems to be a big smoke screen - no way the Inn is going anywhere. It would be political suicide. No matter what you think of it the place is a landmark in this community and has just too deep of a following."
Some facts for those skeptical of Jane Seeman and Maud Robinson's true development intentions:
1. The Town organized a committee that studied all of Maple Avenue for redevelopment for 3 years.
2. The Town received that committee's report and promptly disbanded it. Report here.
3. The Town ignored their own committee and hired a consultant to study from only Lawyers Road to Beulah Road.
4. The Town received that study and promptly reduced the scope of redevelopment even further to between Lawyers Road and Park Street where there are almost no tear down structures.
5. The intent of all of these studies is to redevelop Maple Avenue from the current average height of 3 stories to 4-6 stories and to fix assorted zoning anomalies.
See where this is going?
All Town Council members want to concentrate new Vienna redevelopment at or around the new Town Green. Whether or not there are any decent pieces of land there for anything substantive is not something they apparently consider. The Council has clearly ruled out redevelopment on larger lots ready for redevelopment such as the Marco Polo lot, Wolf Trap motel lot or the Tara Thai building lot as those parcels are not within the randomly decided boundary between Lawyers and Park.
The Vienna Inn is a target for redevelopment - their political suicide or not. Vienna Town Council members know that the Vienna Inn business owner does not own the land on which the Inn sits. The Abraham family (prior owner of the Vienna Inn) owns the land still. The Council seems to have had discussions with the Abraham family. If you were the Abraham family what would you do? If the Vienna Town Council offers the Abraham family a much higher density for their property do you really think they will keep a lease with the Vienna Inn?
November 26, 2006
Town Newsletter Outlines The Incompetence Comments (3)
Every month the Vienna Town Newsletter has a feature called "This Month in History". Consider these two entries from the December 2006 issue outlining Vienna's past achievements:
DECEMBER 1976 - With the opening of the new Post Office came traffic prob- lems at Lawyers Road and Church Street. An inadequate number of parking spaces and narrow entrances have complicated the flow of traffic for frustrated postal patrons. The current customer parking lot has only 15 spaces for a facility that serves an area of 22.44 square miles with an estimated population of approximately 58,000 people. The Town has suggested several solutions to ease the situation, including providing an additional exit route to the rear of the Post Office.
DECEMBER 1966 - As many regular listeners of WEEL radio already know, a twice-weekly news program covering Town government activities has in recent weeks been broadcast from various points in the Vienna business area. It is an informal interview with members of the Town staff each Tuesday and Thursday, and questions from Vienna residents about their Town government are invited.
In 1976 we knew there were problems with the Post Office. What did Vienna do in the next 30 years? Nothing. In 1966 we had some form of open government with broadcasts. Today after 40 years of "progress" what do we have? Secret and closed government that aims to ban video. Long live Boss Maud Robinson!
October 30, 2006
"Honey, Get the Kids. Let's Go On A Walking Tour of Maud's New Banks. Bring the Puke Bucket!" Comments (2)
Even Pumpkins Puke at Maud's Leadership
Go to the corner of Glyndon and Maple Avenue and look at the new Commerce Bank under construction. It's only two places down from the now finished Chevy Chase Greek Revival masterpiece (heavy sarcasm).
When you finishing puking, you can start reading again.
These two new banks are a sad day for Vienna. Their construction sets Vienna back years and maybe decades. Some points to consider:
1. The construction of banks, while great for storing Maud's millions, are terrible for the tax base of Vienna. It puts more of a burden on residential taxes.
2. This type of construction perpetuates Vienna as a community with nothing to walk to. The choice to populate our limited commercial land with new banks is beyond words.
3. The appearance of both banks is atrocious by any measure regardless of taste. They both make Vienna look terrible. These banks give the term hodge podge a bad name.
Now of course the Maud defenders will pathetically say she has nothing to do with this, she can't stop construction. They will argue that people have the right to do with their property how they see fit.
Here's the problem with that logic. Government leaders control the zoning. Through good law and incentives, Vienna could get whatever they want built. It's done across this country. Unfortunately, an incompetent crew of leaders currently leads Vienna. It is very sad. There is only so much commercial land left and we are simply destroying Vienna with idiotic and inept construction.
October 27, 2006
Political Morons Force Vienna Citizens to Lose...AGAIN! Comments (8)
We reported earlier about a 'dog and pony' study Vienna contracted out for Maple Avenue. The study (PDF) was released today. Since the Town refused to provide an electronic format, we provide it for all residents.
There is one big problem with this study: it only covers from Beulah to Lawyers. It leaves out Maple Avenue from Lawyers to Nutley and leaves out Beulah to East. Why is this relevant? Name the properties on Maple Avenue between Beulah and Lawyers that are capable of being redeveloped? Beyond Giant and Safeway, there is no land.
The Town knows that the Tara Thai building, Marco Polo, the Wolf Trap Motel, The Tower Building and the SunTrust Bank building are all ready to explore new ideas, but they were all left out of the study.
In effect, this study was political cover for those (read: Maud) who want to pretend they are progressive, but in actuality have no intent on anything ever changing. Of course, this will fool some sheep into believing something is about to happen. Don't be fooled, it's all mental masturbation by the Garden Club gals. So if you want a nice day of walking, nice shops, and attractive buildings, at least Fairfax City's new development is close by.
October 13, 2006
More From Fairfax City Comments (9)
Fairfax City is moving ahead like gangbusters. Take a look at these pictures. Would it not be nice to have some form of that in Vienna? Would it not be nice to get past the image pervasive in Fairfax County that Vienna's government is backwater?
Look at Fairfax City's Post Office being leveled here. The time has come for Vienna's Post Office to be replaced. Why is this not done? Jane Seeman doesn't have the backbone to stand up to the real Mayor of Vienna - Maud.
Seeman knows, and most everyone in Town politics agrees, that it is time to replace the Post Office. The money and energy is there ready to go. But Vienna has an obstinate 84-year-old Maud Robinson sitting there like a bag of bricks refusing to budge.
October 05, 2006
Fairfax City Has Leaders; Why None in Vienna? Comments (1)
Why can't we have what they have in Fairfax City? Why is economic development a dirty word in Vienna? People wake up. Maple Avenue is by and large an eyesore. From banks galore to fast food joints to dying buildings to power lines hanging everywhere - it's a mish mash past its prime by any measurement. Fairfax City gets a shot in the arm. We get Maud and Jane hanging out at the Amphora on Friday nights talking about name plates for park benches at the Town Green..
If you can make it happen at 80 years old - great. There are MANY in society at 80 still kicking ass. However, the 80+ year old leaders in Vienna are not doing anything except "resting". Vienna's leadership and government has become old physically and mentally. That's not good for Vienna in the short run or the long run. We are falling behind and Fairfax City is proving that.
September 17, 2006
Something Fishy in Piney Branch Comments (4)
Tap water spill yields fish kill in mid-August.
By Mike DiCicco September 13, 2006
It turns out the hazardous material that left about 100 dead fish floating in Piney Branch near Center Street North was ordinary tap water. On Aug. 16, Greg Brown, regional biologist for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) went out to Piney Branch to investigate calls from the hazardous materials team at the Fairfax County Fire Marshal's office, as well as from four local residents, describing the localized marine carnage.
September 04, 2006
Vienna's One Night Stand: $69 a Night! Comments (10)
Vienna is filled with million dollar homes these days. No single family home or lot in Vienna can be purchased for less than $500,000. But our one and only motel is a dive priced at $69 a night. Yes, you heard that right, $69 a night!
Vienna has some how or another relegated itself to a permanent "Back to the Future" way of being. While every other community in Fairfax County would have long ago fixed this eyesore, Vienna sits there and rots. Wouldn't it be nice to have a smaller Hilton or Marriott as opposed to a motel that the Vienna Police will tell you in no uncertain terms is a big problem?
FYI, here is a review from 4 years ago at TripAdvisor.com:
"I have been a frequent guest over the years at the Vienna Wolftrap Motel. I only stay there now if no other accomodation is available in the area. The motel had a reputation for being inexpensive, clean and comfortable, the sort of place a family or a business traveller would normally stay at. I'm sad to say the hotel has seen its heyday, today it is frequented by more sleazy types than I care to mix with. It has become a bottom of the line place of accomodation for short time stays, assorted manual workers, and people looking for the absolutely lowest room price in northern Virginia. There has been frequent rowdyism during my last few stays enough to bring police to the hotel. All in all a shame it was such a fine place to stay, now it should only be considered if nothing else is available in the hotels that charge about $20 a night more."
August 27, 2006
Town Green Ground Breaking Comments (2)
The Town Green ground breaking was announced in the most recent Vienna Newsletter with this blurb:
"The Town Green, located on Maple Avenue between Mill Street, N.E., and the W&OD Regional Trail, will provide a green space along Vienna's busy commercial corridor where people can relax, eat lunch, and enjoy outdoor activities with a view of historic Church Street, the Freeman House, and the old railroad station and caboose. The Town Green will feature a plaza with fountain, trees and benches; an amphitheater with sloped lawn for concerts and special events; restroom facilities; and an abundance of landscaped areas for visual enjoyment. Completion of the Town Green is scheduled for May 2007."
What exactly on Church Street is historic? Is anything on Church Street listed with any state or national historic register? We challenge the President of Historic Vienna Inc., Laine Hyde, and Maud to lay their historic documentation on the table.
We do give Hyde and Robinson political credit. They both understand full well that "people will believe a big lie sooner than a little one; and if you repeat it frequently enough people will sooner or later believe it."
July 17, 2006
Church Street Closed: The Barricade Comments (1)
We are sure you have noticed that Church Street behind the Marco Polo is closed to one-way traffic.
Know why?
Laura Anderson was instrumental in making sure this silly barricade (see 'yellow' square on picture is barricade) is the only one of its kind in Vienna. For those not recognizing the location, the 'red' square is the Post Office, the 'green' square is the Marco Polo restaurant and the 'blue' square is Chuck and Laura Anderson's house.
How many times have you ever wondered why that barricade is there? Blame Laura and Charles Anderson of Capital Trade for creating her own private road.
This is the kind of small Town machine politics all fair and honest people deplore. The businesses all want it opened, most of Vienna does, but Maud and her cronies say no.
July 02, 2006
Romper Room Review Board Comments (3)
Laine Hyde should immediately be removed from all Vienna governmental capacities for her participation in this example of the Commercial Board of Architectural Review from April 2006:
ITEM NO. 2: Request for approval of signage for The Art House & Co located at 141 Church St, NW, (Docket No. BAR-19-06), in the C-1B Pedestrian zoning district; filed by Jasmine Choi, of The Art House & Co. Ms. Jasmine Choi, owner of The Art House & Co. came forward to speak. She stated that she is opening a new business and is in need of a sign. A color sample was passed out for Board members to review. Ms. Hyde stated that she did not have any issue with the proposed design of the sign. The color is a bit bright although not as yellow as the rendering indicates. She asked if the applicant would consider one of the other greens shown in the color sample book. Ms. Choi answered that she had a second choice in mind, which is Sherwood Green. Ms. Hyde noted that the other signs on the building are off-white with brown lettering...Ms. Hyde stated that the proposal is for an illuminated sign so that the green will be brighter. If the applicant is partial to green then she would prefer one that is much darker. She stated that Sherwood Green is a better alternative but was concerned as to how the sign will look on that building...It was the feeling of the Board that the sign should remain harmonious with the building and existing signage, especially if the sign is to be illuminated. Board members agreed that they would be willing to consider more color options so long as the sign is not an illuminated box sign. If the applicant would prefer a box sign then they should limit color options to brown and cream.
After all of this idiotic banter...what does the finished sign look like?
Why actually turn on the lights to Vienna Town Hall (and waste electricity and Town staff time) so these Board 'groupies' can debate the nuances of a sign that ends up looking like something pre-school kids designed with crayons? These Board members are morons and their actions make Vienna look backwater. Some argue this can all be solved by changing the Dillon Rule. State law changes will not cure Maud Robinson's and Laine Hyde's lack of taste (or their quest for power).
June 17, 2006
Vienna Never Intended to Revitalize Maple Avenue Comments (4)
At the April 3, 2006 Council meeting this agenda item was seen:
AWARD OF RFP 06-02, THE MAPLE AVENUE FEASIBILITY STUDY, TO DUNCAN ASSOCIATES IN ASSOCIATION WITH FERRELL MADDEN, FOR THE AMOUNT OF $10,000.00. Council consideration to award this contract to analyze four different possible approaches to Zoning control on the commercial corridor of Maple Avenue.
Now at the June 19, 2006 Council meeting this agenda item will be heard:
REQUEST APPROVAL TO AWARD RFP 06-01 TO MOSELEY ARCHITECTS P.C. IN AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $119,704.00, FOR ARCHITECTURAL /ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AN ASSESSMENT OF WORK SPACE NEEDS AND ASSOCIATED DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BUILDING. Council consideration to contract Moseley Architects of Richmond, Virginia to examine the feasibility of possible renovation or expansion of the Police Department.
Does anyone see the problem here?
$10k to study Vienna's commercial corridor worth in the hundreds of millions and $120k to study a new Police station expansion - seem logical to you? Maud and her cronies never had any intention of revitalizing Maple Avenue. They should have donated the $10k to a worthy charity instead of wasting it with a dog and pony show.
June 12, 2006
High School Kids Design Communities Comments (2)
While Vienna treads water, avoiding any semblance of smart redevelopment on Maple Avenue, local high school kids are learning what it takes to get the job done (PDF). Can you imagine Maud Robinson actually working with (and respecting) a young person toward a productive goal?
Could you see Jane Seeman or Maud ever understanding a phrase like smart-growth? Vienna, in many ways obvious to even high school kids, is about 'dumb-growth'.
June 03, 2006
Nostalgia v. Reality Comments (3)
Why Are Vienna Power Lines Above Ground on Maple Avenue?
The #4 Vienna Money Magazine ranking applied to a population of 60,000. That means the ranking far exceeded the borders of Vienna Town limits. This feedback was recently posted on the site from a non-Vienna Town resident. We reproduce it here to give it more visibility:
"The Vienna area has been my home for over 40 years and my beloved late wife and I sang in the OLGC church choir for over 25 years. So, I am not a Johnny come lately. Anyone who spends any time in Vienna soon realizes the ennui, lethargy and stasis, which characterize this community. Maple Avenue is frankly dreary--and seems destined to become even drearier as the years roll by. While filling stations, fast foods and parking lots are necessary it is daunting to face the fact that these have become the high spots of "Downtown Vienna." The one "jewel" is the Vienna Inn and its nostalgic "chili dogs with everything" and the reminiscences of us old timers who found it a convenient meeting place when our time with the "Company" permitted. As I accumulate the years, thinking progressively and imaginatively about the future is a mounting challenge--especially if one is preoccupied with small town charms and the appeal of yesteryear, but they are not real anymore in a metropolitan community like Washington DC and its suburbs. It is NOT leadership to resist inevitable change and refuse to adapt to the realities of accelerating change. While Alvin Toffler wrote "Future Shock" over 25 years ago, its central thesis is even more immediate and commanding than it was in 1980. The recognition and acceptance of revolutionary change in our society can only be resisted, avoided or obstructed at great expense, growing annoyance, and an increasing detriment to the common good and the ultimate welfare of our communities and society. We can see the results of such resistance to change in those backward areas of the world where the frustrations and accumulating disappointments of the masses induces the promotion of terrorism... It is the actual reality that the increasing velocity of change must be accommodated and even embraced by those who lead or aspire to lead in our world today. The alternative to accommodating such change, and indeed planning for it and using it for the promotion of the common good is grotesqueries such as the dismal panorama of Maple Avenue-especially during rush hours. It is not leadership to obstruct and play small town "Let's Pretend" (a delightful radio serial of fairy-tales of my youth). Those who will not lead should get out of the way and if they cannot find it in their hearts to help those who are willing to accept the challenges of the real world, they should at least move on without obstruction."
June 01, 2006
Fairfax City Leaves Vienna in the Dust Comments (14)
Fairfax City Leveling Old Post Office for New Revitalization Effort
While we are forced here in Vienna into a complete stalemate on Maple Avenue, thanks to Maud Robinson's anti-everything attitude, Fairfax City is marching to a very attractive down town. We found this description of the Fairfax City vision from 5 years ago:
"The Fairfax City Council wants you to picture this: Shop at your leisure at a number of boutiques or small chain stores in the heart of its historic district. Dine at an upscale restaurant, or grab a bite at a more casual eatery. Attend cultural events or a movie, or hop aboard a CUE bus or trolley to catch a performance at the Concert Hall or Patriot Center. Finally, if you're from out of town, spend the night at a fine hotel in the city. And do it all without the hassle of driving a car and finding a parking space."
Consider the reality happening today:
Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3, Picture 4, Picture 5
Here is a link to their main site.
Nice job Fairfax City!
By comparison, here are links outlining Vienna's "moronic efforts":
Speaking of Post Offices, did you know that a new design for the Vienna Post Office was killed by Jane Seeman and Maud Robinson? So while Fairfax City gets a new City center, Vienna is stuck in the proverbial mud. And guess what? There is funding help out there. Tom Davis got money for Fairfax City. We are sure Davis could help move forward the redevelopment of Vienna's antiquated and dysfunctional Post Office! Why are we listening to Maud?
May 31, 2006
A Picture Says... Comments (3)
View high resolution aerial shot of Vienna.
Hint: once it loads in your browser, click on image again. This image is very high res. You should be able to see all of Vienna's Maple Avenue and Tysons skyline with ease.
May 28, 2006
Stuck on Stupid: Part Deuce Comments (0)
Ethics Don't Exist in Maud Robinson or Shirley Damon's World
Our post on the Vienna Architectural Review Board has generated interest. We were sent this email written by a small business owner who could not understand the 'rules':
"Dear [Vienna Board Member], Thanks for your email. It said very well what I felt going through the process. Without the concrete and objective guidelines, it seems just like pure luck to get your application approved without any bumps. Looking at the signs of my neighbors, I still fail to grasp what are the rules for appropriate signs. Since there are deadlines and scheduled meetings, you can easily get lost and frustrated in the process. Believe it or not, [Name], one of the sign companies that I contacted for my sign application declined to work on it simply because the regulatory district is Town of Vienna. Unfortunately, I don't see the staff at the Town office very helpful and informative to guide through with applications, either. A newcomer to the Town like me is pretty much on her own navigating through the right path. I believed that I was doing what I was told to do, and quite frankly had no doubt that my application would be approved at the last meeting. Since my [business] has been open 3 weeks now without a permanent sign and I was given an impression at the last meeting that my revised plan would get a fairly immediate attention, I frantically ran around to deliver it to the Town on Monday. I haven't heard anything until now. What I am trying to tell you is, [Name], that I seem to be the only one who suffers from the unpredictable outcome and feels desperate. I was very excited and happy to open a business in Vienna, hoping the love would be both ways..I am sorry that I may have seen only my side of the coin, but that was not my intention to have dropped you a line. I simply wanted to say thank you for your earnest work. I needed to tell you that businesses in Vienna need a person like you on the Board who realizes the problems with the process and is not afraid of the challenge. I'll look forward to your visit to my [Business] soon, Sincerely, [Name}."
Nearly identical problems are seen in the Windover Heights Historic District. Systemic problems ladies and gentlemen. Systemic problems.
May 27, 2006
Stuck On Stupid: Vienna Commercial Review Board Comments (0)
'Umpa Lumpas' Can Be Garish and Bizarre Too!
The June 2006 Town of Vienna newsletter offers a questionnaire for those citizens looking to sit on various Town boards and commissions. We were struck by the description of the Town Board of Architectural Review:
"Examines and approves plans for commercial buildings, signs and landscaping to ensure that new construction is not bizarre or garish and is harmonious and compatible with existing buildings."
Keep that piece of legal prose in mind the next time you look at commercial buildings in Vienna. Try not to laugh when you consider that there actually is an aesthetic review board approving those lovely brown and yellow signs throughout Vienna! To the larger point...
How many of you are attorneys out there? Anyone see a problem with that piece of code? Ladies and gentleman, the words garish and bizarre can mean ANYTHING to ANYONE. This is the exact same type of nonsensical legal language the Town is defending in lawsuits over the historic district.
Imagine going before the Town's commercial review board and being told, "Sorry, no, your plans are garish." Now, most thinking people would then ask, "What does that mean exactly?" And the Board Chairman would look at you and say sit down, come back when your plans are not garish. This happens regularly, but since this Board bullies mostly small business owners, what choices do they have except to try and appease the dingys on the Board? In many ways, the Vienna Town Code and the Players administering it could have starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory:
"There is no life I know
To compare with pure imagination
Living there, you'll be free
If you truly wish to be."
That song lyric says about as much as Vienna's review board codes - nothing.
May 26, 2006
Toto, I've a Feeling We're Not in Kansas Anymore Comments (0)
The "Look" That You Develop from Watching Town Council in Action
At a recent meeting to discuss the revitalization of Maple Avenue, questions were raised why the Town Council is only examining between Beulah and Lawyers while excluding Lawyers to Nutley. "Clarification" was added by the Town Zoning Administrator:
"Director of Planning and Zoning Greg Hembree, however, said the mayor and Town Council had decided to focus on the area of town zoned for the highest commercial density."
This is false. There is no such area of Town zoned to a higher commercial density.
Later in discussing building height, these comments were seen:
"Deborah Brehony said she thought four to six stories would be an appropriate height for buildings along Maple Avenue. The first story, she said, could be occupied by shops and restaurants, the second and third by professional offices, and the top stories by condominiums, which could provide housing for seniors who want to sell their houses but stay in town. She also said she wanted buildings in the area to have architectural styles that compliment each other...According to [Greg] Hembree, residential space is allowed above retailers on Maple Avenue under the current zoning, but heavy traffic makes the area valuable to businesses and less desirable as a place to live."
Hembree has no idea what he is talking about. Either that, or Maud Robinson told him to make an inane comment about where people will not live in Vienna.
May 23, 2006
Banks, Banks and More Banks Comments (1)
When a community sticks its head in the sand, odd economic forces may unexpectedly fill the vacuum. In Vienna's case (and also along other parts of Route 123) we are now seeing this with the "bank boom".
Vienna is now facing a situation where we have no control. Major Fortune 500 companies are buying land and building new banks with no regard to the best interests of Vienna. By not having any type of incentive zoning, we end up with major 'corners' in Town populated by 1-story banks. Does this seem like bright long-range planning?
And to all the naysayers, smart communities do indeed INFLUENCE these types of projects to their preferred desire. Sitting back and just taking it is a complete lack of vision.
Comment seen on the subject from a Town Board member:
Yes, I would agree that there are "Banks Aplenty" in our Town! Problem that I see is that they encourage folk coming up and down 123 to "drive in and stop by..." - So these types of institutions are not beneficial to our personal community, but serve to accomodate our "Drive-Thru Traffic"....Back to my Earlier Point - Instead of allowing a bank to take over an entire VALUABLE corner of 123, and build (what I think is a pretty UN attractive building that will stay there for 50+ years). Let's get SMART - Allow the bank to be on the GROUND FLOOR of such a structure -Put (if possible?) 2 levels of parking underneath - The bank can SHARE first floor space with a small restaurant? piano bar? boutique? dry cleaner?...Next Two Levels - PROFESSIONAL - dentists, attorneys, civel enginners, whatever....Then Two Levels - CONDOS - older citizens, young couples, won't add to the traffic if services/stores are nearby...What's the Big Deal here? Not looking for a HUGE BUILDING - Just a moderate one, done well, that has parking, encourages walking, is affordable, varied, architechturally compatible, attractive and convenient. I can't see the harm in that, and I do see the advantage. For the Record, I voted "NAY" for the Commerce Bank building elevation. I am not opposed to a bank. I am opposed to a single story, single useage sturcture encompassing 100% of a vital Vienna Commercial Corner.
May 14, 2006
Stupid Is, Stupid Does Comments (5)
Are Some People in Vienna Really
That Dumb?
Most people probably saw the humor here. Perhaps even some thought it was an exaggeration. It was NO exaggeration as this recent forum post from a supporter of the Maud machine reveals:
"Since [Susan] Stich and [Blair] Jenkins were such ardent advocates of form based zoning, we can only surmise that it is something that will be BAD for the town and a tool for permitting the detrimental development that [various Vienna residents] want to carry out throughout all of the neighborhoods where their vast land holding [sic] lie."
As we thought about this post, two choices came to mind: Either this person is pretending to be an idiot to SCARE less than learned acolytes or the author of this post is plain stupid himself. For those not familiar with the term form-based zoning, read:
Tax records reveal that no current Council members or their challengers from this past election were owners of commercial land in Vienna. Form-based zoning would apply to commercial only.
April 11, 2006
Vienna's Head in the Sand Comments (0)
There is all kinds of talk in Vienna these days about how to fix our business district. The Maple Avenue Vision Committee. 'Form-based zoning' as a solution. However, this all sounds academic and very governmental. To confuse matters, we have long-time Council Member and Mayoral candidate George Lovelace constantly saying that our Maple Avenue business corridor is "vibrant" and that our current zoning needs no change. Lovelace maintains our current zoning is sufficient for the future. Well, if you want Maple Avenue to look as it does now forever, then George is right.
A synopsis:
1. By any definition Maple Avenue in Vienna is not vibrant. Except for 1 or 2 buildings, the downtown has not changed in 25 years. Many buildings are going downhill and many tenants are less than optimal (how many more fast food restaurants, gas stations and nail salons do we need?).
2. Why does Maple Avenue not change? Why do we not have a nice low-rise Hilton Hotel that we can be proud to have family and friends stay at? Why do we not have a Barnes and Noble or movie theater? Almost 80% of all buildings on Maple Avenue are non-conforming. What does this mean? It means the buildings, if rebuilt today, would not fit into our current zoning code. The end result? Property owners on Maple Avenue are actually incentivized by Vienna's current laws to keep everything the same!
3. Form-based zoning is an idea that would help Vienna. This means Vienna could control how the Maple Avenue business corridor will look in the future, but more importantly we could actually incentivize our business owners to redevelop and move toward new pedestrian friendly buildings and stores. But if we don't make the change to our laws, we are stuck with Maple Avenue as is for perpetuity.
4. If we allow our business district to catch up to our residential district, business owners would begin to produce more revenue and hence more taxes. This can help lower our residential taxes.
Other communities know this type of change is mandatory. Consider this report from nearby Montgomery County (PDF). They are moving forward facing today's realities head on. Here are some excerpts:
As Montgomery County makes the transition from auto-oriented suburbs to pedestrian-oriented, transit-friendly, more-urbanized areas, the challenge will be to balance car use, which typically accounts for about 90% of daily trips, with alternative modes of travel such as walking, biking, and the use of transit. Within centers, this could mean:
1. Encouraging mixed-use, mid-density development so that everyday destinations within centers are located closer together and intense enough to stimulate transit use so that improvements in service are justified.
2. Creating more street connections from surrounding neighborhoods, so that people don't use the major arterials and highways for local trips, and more trips are made by bicycle and on foot.
3. Providing pedestrian and bicycle amenities such as bike racks and lockers, special pavement and lighting so that non-motorized people know they are welcome.
4. Ensuring that new buildings are interesting at a pedestrian scale, with facades near the sidewalk and interesting enough to be attractive at walking speed.
5. Encouraging shared parking.
Between centers, this could mean:
1. Redesigning some roads into attractive multi-modal boulevards, with bus lanes, bicycle paths, landscaping, medians and wider sidewalks.
2. Adding transit and road capacity between centers to divert through-traffic off secondary roads and streets and expanding interconnectivity between transit and road networks.
3. Investing in more comfortable and informative bus stops.
4. Connecting the street grid to give local traffic alternatives to the major highway.
5. Implementing traffic calming measures to slow down traffic at critical points, especially at pedestrian crossings.
6. Returning segments of major roads to their traditional design with wide landscaped sidewalks, and local/parking/bicycle/transit lanes separated from through lanes by landscaped medians.
April 07, 2006
Carbon Monoxide Park Comments (1)
"Jack Herrity told the Town of Vienna its plan for a 'town green' on Maple Avenue would more likely resemble 'carbon monoxide park' on the town's main thoroughfare."
Vienna Times
The recent post about the mulch pile "lawyering up" brought in feedback tied to the Town's new park to be located on Maple Avenue across from Whole Foods:
Town Owned Commercial Building to be Demolished for New Park
Feedback from Mother #1:
"This site on Maple Avenue may be better used for a parking garage for the myriad of 1960s strip malls in our "walking" Town! The answer is simple - don't listen to the citizens and don't engage in productive communication with what the people want. Let's not mention that mothers will be bringing their babies in strollers to inhale exhaust fumes. How will they get across Route 123 safely? This is all nutso."
Feedback from Mother #2:
"What mother would bring young children to a park on Maple Avenue near that traffic & danger - especially DIRECTLY across Mill Street from the site of a tragic bicyclist death last year? And, there is nothing planned at the park for young kids. What is the risk that a young child is hit on Maple Avenue?"
The "moms" make one point. We, however, worry more about the idea of using scarce commercial space in Town for pet projects. Would this location have not made an even better spot for Vienna's first public parking garage? Building VERY expensive monuments (don't forget this land is worth millions) to satisfy big egos should not be the role of Council members. Vienna needs a comprehensive plan for its commercial corridor. It does not need piece meal projects stuck together devoid of any long-range vision.
April 06, 2006
Pedestrian Friendly Town Wanted Comments (0)
Vienna is not pedestrian friendly. Town leaders have simply dropped the ball. What is a really good example of a pedestrian friendly development? Sugar Land, Texas recently completed a new project, which is best described in their words:
"The Main Street Concept: A place where you walk everywhere and find anything. An inviting mix of Main Street activity that attracts people early in the morning until late at night. Where working, shopping, living, and playing combine to make each more rewarding. A city center that blends the lives of businesses, families, neighbors and guests in a way that makes life simply better."
Does this mean we should put the exact same thing in Vienna? No. Does it mean we should expect our leaders to move beyond pedestrian unfriendly 1960s strip malls? Yes. Who on Vienna Town Council doesn't want anything like this? Maud Robinson, George Lovelace and Laurie Cole are in clear opposition to any Maple Avenue revitalization. Read more here.
Pictures from Sugar Land, Texas:
March 19, 2006
Vienna Faces A Choice: Maud or the Real World Comments (2)
Maud Robinson Prefers 1960s Style Strip Malls. Why?
Monday night at a Vienna Town Council work session, the Vienna Town Council discussed the Maple Avenue Vision with an engineering firm proposing a feasibility study for the revitalization of Maple Avenue. During the meeting Vienna's abundance of one-story strip malls was broached and the comparison was made to Clarendon's new low-rise Market Common development. Watch carefully (video) what Maud Robinson has to say about this jewel of Clarendon:
Robinson states on the video:
"...it was very hard to find anyone there on a beautiful sunny day, there were a lot of glitzy shops that didn't seem to have any customers."
This can only be characterized as propaganda. Why would she say something so patently false? It would not be over the top to characterize Robinson's statements as lies. Not only is this development packed with people, restaurants and shops, it has won substantial awards. Does this mean we accept it all for Vienna blindly? No. But why does Robinson have the need to make things up to defend her position? Is her only political skill "fear mongering"?
For example, in defending Vienna's older strip malls, Robinson says they are good for "mom and pop" shops. Last we checked Vienna strip malls housed the likes of Giant, Safeway, Popeyes, Radio Shack, 7-Eleven, Subway and the list goes on and on. Strip malls are ugly, pedestrian unfriendly, parking lot choked eyesores. However, Vienna does not have to be stuck. There are options.
For those not familiar with Market Commons, here are some pictures:
Market Commons in Clarendon, VA
Market Commons in Clarendon, VA
Market Commons in Clarendon, VA
We are assuming Robinson, who is now on the record as favoring 1960s strip malls, would much rather keep this Vienna eyesore of a landmark:
Vie