Huntington Community Association Minutes

May 1, 2008
Huntington Community Association Meeting
May 1, 2008, 7:30PM

1. Mack Rhoades (MR) called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. There were 40 neighbors in attendance.
2. MR introduced Mr. Stu Mendelson who is a representative from A&R Companies (www.ar-companies.com). Mr. Mendelson presented A&R Companies proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments that were prompted by the BRAC APR process. The plot of land under consideration is bordered by Huntington Ave, Biscayne Ave, Glendale Terrace and Blaine Drive. Mr. Mendelson explained A&R is considering building a 180 foot high rise tower consisting of 588 rental units. He explained they control the property to complete phase 1 only and it will take 3 years to complete, since it is only in the initial planning stages at this time. The plot of land for phase 1 is from the 7-11 to Biscayne Ave and from Huntington Ave to Glendale Terrace. This land is closest to the Metro station. Mr. Mendelson explained he would be attending our meetings to update the community on the progress of the project as it moves through the planning stages. Several neighbors asked questions regarding the type of building being considered and available parking. Mr. Mendelson replied that the building is only a concept at this point, but it would contain small rental units targeting younger couples and it would have retail shops and underground parking. Some neighbors expressed concern about the remaining phases not being developed. Mr. Tony Rodgers explained that currently they do not control the rest of the block, but he or other developers will mostly likely attempt to buy the remaining land and develop it.
3. Alan Rouf asked for volunteers to help create a levee coalition to raise money through ear marks at the County and State levels. Several neighbors said they would be willing to help.
4. Ray Novitske announced the Plant Swap will be held May 3rd at the Community Center from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
5. MR announced there are three big projects about to start in our area. They are the interchange at Telegraph Road, the Riverside project and the A&R development. [Note: The A&R project will not be starting for at least 2-3 years if ever approved.]
6. MR said Fairfax County police will be setting up radar on Huntington Ave to ticket speeding cars.
7. MR said Huntington is now a Community Parking District and ticketing for vehicles in violation should have already started.
8. MR reminded everyone to be sure to buy County sponsored flood insurance now before premiums go up.
9. MR said the Huntington Community fee is $10 and if you havenšt been receiving a newsletter that he will email a PDF copy on request.
10. MR adjourned the meeting at 9:00 PM. The next meeting is Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

1. Laverle Berry said there was no report from the public safety inspections. Laverle stated the standard reporting forms were outdated and a County point-of-contact phone or email address was needed on the form for owners to contact the County to discuss the violation. He stated the phone number on the form was out of service.
2. Ray Novitske stated the Community Center representative was in not in attendance to provide a report.
3. Ruth Poole stated she did not attend the environmental meeting. Alan Ruof stated a topic of discussion was in-fill building. Ruth said there was interest in affordable housing, but a minimum amount for land is around $400,000.
4. Ray Novitske said the Planning and Zoning meeting is next week. He stated there was one item on the agenda. The Riverside apartment complex changed their in plan density and applied for commercial use. He said the application was not favorable, but would provide a full report next meeting.
5. Ray Novitske reported the crime watch on the website has been updated.
6. Alan Ruof gave his flood report. He stated Jerry Hyland and Brett Kenny and Congressman Moran attended the Bellehaven/New Alexandria meeting. He stated that our levee ratio number of .60 does not compete well with the rest of the USCE project throughout the United States. He said USCE is funding projects with ratios in the 4.5 range. Alan stated he would like to get Huntington to the 1.0 range and feels there is not much more we can do to improve the ratio at this point. He said Congressman Moran and Jerry Hyland are committed to assisting us due to growth in other areas of the County that are negatively impacting us now. He said Fairfax County may put us in the bond referendum, but if a bond could be avoided, that is preferred. He stated Bellehaven/New Alexandria has been working on their flood issues since hurricane Isabel in 2003.<.li>
7. Alan Ruof suggested we contact all interest groups and neighboring communities to form a coalition. He suggested to send legislators summaries and for individuals to send letters. Alan said if a flood occurs again there is potential that our neighborhood could be labeled a blighted community which would impact all homeowners and businesses. A list of all communities and businesses needs to be developed in order to contact these interested parties to form the coalition. Alan provided an answer to whether or not dredging is cost effective. He stated that the levee is a permanent fix and the most cost effective option.
8. A quick list of communities was generated: Hunt Club, Huntington Station, Berkshires, Hunting Creek Club, Bellehaven on the Green, Burgundy Village, Riverside and KB Homes. Alan said he would put a written case together to distribute to community leaders. Laverle Berry asked that a note be added to the newsletter asking for attendance at our meetings from the homeowners most affected by the flooding. Georgie Evans said she would contact Maggie Britvec for potential contact information for the community leaders.
9. Ray Novitske said the traffic light at Fenwick and Huntington is currently being installed.
10. Ray Novitske said the developer for Kings Crossing (land where Chuckie Cheese is located) has pulled out of the project.
11. Ray Novitske said the Plant Swap would be held May 3, 2008 at the Huntington Community Center from 12:00-1:00PM. He asked that participants bring a dish to share. He suggested we invite neighbors from the surrounding communities to attend as well.
12. Ray Novitske stated a developer is trying to get the comprehensive plan changed for the plot of land where 7-11 and Pilaršs is located. He said the developer wants it changed to a high-density area with apartments and retail shops, which would encompass the entire block. He said this developer would attend our next meeting.
13. RhoadesRay Novitske adjourned the meeting at 9:00PM. The next meeting is Thursday, April May 1, 20083, 2008. Mack will be on travel and the meeting will be chaired by Ray Novitske.

1. Mack Rhoades introduced Ronald Campbell from Fairfax County's Environmental Health Department. Mr. Campbell and gave a presentation on the services provided to the citizens of Fairfax County by the Environmental Health Department. He highlighted the seven sectors of the Department in his presentation. The presenters also answered questions from the audience.
2. Mack Rhoades introduced Joe Heines, Project Manager and Contractors working on the Huntington Metro garage. Mr. Heines reported that the garage should be operational by May 31, 2008. He stated the south end development has started and the traffic signal at Fenwick Drive should be operational by May 31, 2008. He confirmed the primary entrance to the garage would be the Huntington Ave entrance, which is the north side of the garage. The Architect of Record presented the landscaping plan for the new roadway and its effect on the homes along the roadway.
3. Mack Rhoades introduced Alan Rouf to discuss the ongoing flood issues. Mack Rhoades stated the best alternative to get funding for a levee is to lobby for earmark dollars through Congressman Moran's office. Mack said financially the County is not looking too good budget wise at this point, so they may not be able to contribute funds. Alan stated he would prepare a draft of a letter to Cong. Moran for the next meeting to be used by Huntington residents. Alan Rouf said he would contact Jerry Hyland to get a read on his standing. Laverle Berry stated flood affected homes should appoint block captains to push for levee funds.
4. Mack Rhoades said the second span of the Wilson Bridge should be open by the first week in June, although road construction will continue before the entire bridge is opened late Fall.
5. Mack Rhoades stated the second span of the Route 1 Bridge would be completed by June 2008.
6. Mack Rhoades stated the Telegraph Road interchange and pedestrian bridge briefing would be held on March 12, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00PM. He said the project would be complete by the spring of 2013.
7. Mack Rhoades stated the in-fill meeting would now be March 13, 2008.
8. Mack Rhoades stated our Supervisor has requested that the Board of Supervisors approve changing the entire Mount Vernon District community to a Community Parking District, which will prevent the parking of commercial vehicles and boats.
9. Mack Rhoades adjourned the meeting at 9:00PM. The next meeting is Thursday, April 3, 2008. Mack will be on travel and the meeting will be chaired by Ray Novitske.