The neighborhood is buzzing with the news of the Foxchase and Landmark Mall redevelopments. You should all be proud to know that so many West Enders have chosen to take an active role determining the scope and tenor of upcoming renovations. Over 150 people attended the town meeting at Landmark Mall late last month.
Geoff Goodale and Kathy Burns, of the Civic Association, attended the Planning Commission hearing on the Foxchase renovations, the plans for which were approved on Feb. 1. Both Goodale and Burns were pleased that the Commission adopted the Civic Association’s concerns about parking and concurred with recommendations about issues raised in the Staff Report, including that relating to WRIT’s mandatory contribution to the city’s Housing Trust Fund. WRIT has stated that it will welcome the community’s participation in developing a viable parking plan. Well done, BSCVA! Remember, folks, if you can’t attend future Commission meetings, you can watch them on Comcast public access channels.
Also, if traffic calming in the Valley is an issue near and dear to your heart, plan to attend a meeting with Paul DeMaio, Alexandria’s traffic calming coordinator, on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road.
The St. Martin de Porres Senior Center on Taney Avenue is always hopping. In February, the Center will host three parties: with Mr. Pink on the 4th, Tee McLane on the 14th and on the 24th, a Mardi Gras party. The Center is also taking seniors on field trips, one to Springfield Mall for a movie, on the 3rd and another to the Museum of African Art on the 22nd. There are Tai Chi classes, ESL classes, Bingo and tax advice also set for the month. The Center will be closed on the 21st and the 22nd. To pick up a schedule, stop by the Center or call 703-751-2766.
James K. Polk Elementary School boasts four first-place winners of the citywide Reflections contest, sponsored by the PTA. They include: 2nd grader Zoe Worrel, Visual Arts, Primary Division; 4th grader Morgan Lataillade, Visual Arts, Intermediate Division; 2nd grader Kevin Abrokway, Music, Primary Division; and 5th grader Rachel Johnson, Literature, Intermediate Division. Congratulations to all.
Don’t forget to put April 9 on your calendar, so you can attend the Alexandria Scholarship Fund’s Annual Silent Auction and Gala. The Fund gave over $360,000 in merit and needs-based scholarships to T.C. Williams High School seniors in 2004. To request an invitation or to donate an item or service to the Auction, call Susan Yowell at 703-824-6730.
The latest snows brought out the creativity in some of our neighbors, in the form of snowmen of all shapes and sizes. My favorite has to be the snow family on Taney Avenue, brought to us by the Miller family.