Archive for the 'Going Green' Category
Is This What It’s Come To?
June 13th, 2008 Categories: Going Green, The Road Less Taken
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Arlington’s Water Treatment Plant: What Is All That Pounding?!?
December 11th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Crystal City, Going Green
If you’ve been past the edge of Crystal City by Route 1 and Glebe Road in Arlington, VA during any weekday, you may have noticed or heard all the construction at the water treatment plant. Here is Arlington County’s youtube video explaining the details of this expansion. Construction is never fun to be around. But this plant was late updated in the 1970s. I’m glad that it’s being expanded. I’m not glad that the people in the surrounding neighborhoods have to live through the pounding.
We don’t often realize what happens to the water we flush down the toilet or flush down the garbage disposal. Around here it ultimately ends up in the Chesapeake Bay. And we are all trying to “Save the Bay.” It’s hard to believe that our own Four Mile Run is a Chesapeake watershed when we are miles from the bay.
Maybe we don’t volunteer in a Save the Bay project, but how we live our daily lives has an impact.
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Arlington Transportation Plan for the Next 30 Years- Short on Detail.
November 15th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Commuting, Going Green
Arlington issued this press release this week on adopting the 2030 transportation master plan.
While I commend the county for even having a plan, I don’t see how it can plan out until 2030 when the local area can’t even agree on how to extend the metro to Tyson’s corner.
I guess it’s good to have a plan. Whether you can meet it or not. And I guess that’s why the plan is short on details and long on objectives. That’s ok– they got 27 years to think about it.
The county’s overarching goals are:
- Provide high quality transportation services for all users & modes
- Move more people without more traffic
- Promote safety (why is this a goal & not an assumption?)
- Establish equity
- Manage effectively & efficiently (I should hope so!)
- Advance environmental sustainability (What does that even mean?)
With emphasis on:
- Expanding system of high-frequency transit routes
- Upgrading walkways
- Expanding the bikeway network
- Expanding the traveler information program
For once I want more from the county on transportation issues than goals. Traffic is the one issue in Northern Virginia that will make or break any elected official. Maybe second only to raising taxes. (Even that is debatable!) I’d like to see some solutions and I don’t want to wait 27 years. I’ve already waited 20.
Upon further research– it’s good to know that Arlington has also supported the Regional Transportation Plan. That plan has more details:
Double the number of Metrorail stations in Northern Virginia as a result of Metrorail extensions in the I-66, I-95 and Dulles corridors.- Add light rail transit and/or bus rapid transit to the Route 7, Route 28, Crystal City-Potomac Yards and Columbia Pike corridors.
- Add 600 miles of on- and off-road trails.
- Increase highway capacity by 8 percent above what is already planned in the region’s Constrained Long-Range Plan.
We should be hearing more about this TransAction 2030 Transportation Plan in the near future. Because, well you know, it has it’s own web site. Let’s hope they do something more than issue press releases.
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Ride Your Bike To Work? Let Arlington Light the Way
November 3rd, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Blue Plate Specials, Columbia Pike, Commuting, Going Green, Life in the District
Most people don’t realize that one of the Arlington County Board members rides his bike to work. This contributes to Arlington’s dedication to it’s bike paths and general bike safety.
In an effort to promote safe bike riding commuting after the end of daylight-saving time & darker evening commutes, Arlington County through it’s BikeArlington program and the Arlington County Police will give out and install free front and rear bicycle lights for local bikers riding without lights on their bicycles. This event will take place for one day only on Monday, November 5, 2007– don’t let it slip by.
Here is the important information:
WHAT: Arlington County’s award-winning BikeArlington program and the Arlington County Police Department will give out and install free bicycle lights for the first 75 local cyclists, instead of ticketing those without lights– which, by the way is required by Virginia law.
WHO: Local bicycle commuters, BikeArlington Staff, Arlington County Police
WHEN: Monday, November 5, 2007, 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
WHERE: Washington & Old Dominion Trail at Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia
Read the full press release here.
The event is accessible via bicycle from the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Columbia Pike. The event can also be reached by motor vehicle via Columbia Pike.
Arlington County Commuter Services created the BikeArlington program to promote more cycling, more often throughout the County. Visit www.BikeArlington.com for bicycling information including, maps, commuting tips, and safety tips.
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Cakelove Opens to Some Shirlington Lovin’
September 26th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Urban Villages, Around Arlington County, Going Green, Shirlington, The Native Tourist
The Shirlington expansion is almost complete with the opening of Cakelove today. What a great addition to the neighborhood!
Cakes from scratch. That’s their slogan. I’m glad. When you’re going to invest in a good sugar rush– its nice to know that you are getting the real thing.
A friend and I stopped in after lunch today. They are still working on the customer area- no tables or chairs yet, simply buy and go- but it looks like the kitchen is up and running at full force. There were cupcakes, some cakes & tarts. Not the full menu yet- but it was only their first day. Still no sign up, only a notice in the window telling the neighborhood that it’s open. In addition to what the offer everyday, they take special orders for wedding cakes and other important events in our lives. Everything looks yummy.
It’s perfectly located next to the Shirlington Library and Signature theater. And– something you can say only in Arlington– it’s at the corner of Campbell & Campbell. If they don’t put table and chairs in the shop, there is the pomenode outside the library where you can sit and enjoy your treat.
I will visit again- if only to see if they deliver on their promise of eclairs and scones and cheesecakes and all those other goodies that will need some lovin’.
Cakelove is own and operated by Warren Brown– lawyer turned baker. He also hosts Sugar Rush on the Food Network. He’s a busy guy. This is his third Cakelove– the first in Virginia. The DC location is completely wind-powered. So not only are they sweet- they’re green! I hope they follow that trend in Shirlington.
To Warren and all the rest of the Cakelove team, welcome to the neighborhood. You’re going to be a big hit!
Cakelove
4150 Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703.933.0099
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Broker’s Open: Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Living in The City of Alexandria, VA
September 9th, 2007 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, Going Green, Home Improvements, Listings, Neighborhoods
Join me at my Broker’s Open on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 5928 Lomack Court, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Edwin Schnedl, AIA a well-known architect in Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia, completely redesigned and rebuilt this home to make it more livable and energy efficient. Schnedl studied under Frank Lloyd Wright & was greatly influenced by his use of light, color & natural materials by setting of the house in its natural environment. The architect opened this home with large windows to permit serene and tranquil views of the rear yard; the interior is integrated with the exterior and thus making nature part of everyday life.
Mr. Schnedl’s Design Features:
- A front walkway with no steps leading to the front door, making it easy for a stroller or a wheel chair
- Brick entry floor has a sand base to reduce wet tracks into the rest of the house
- Energy-efficient fluorescent lighting in the kitchen, breakfast area, dining and family rooms
- A raised ceiling in the living-dining-kitchen area maximizes daylight
- Insulated casement windows throughout the house allow for easy cleaning of both sides from the inside
- No gutters because the rain falls from the roof on gravel surfaces with buried drain tiles to drain any water
- Low maintenance cedar shakes cover the exterior of the house. The exterior finish blends into natural surroundings.
- Passive solar power: Wide overhangs on the south side of the house maximizes sunlight in the winter and provide shade in the summer. Windows on the north side allow for maximum light year around.
- The clerestory window in the kitchen provides indirect light in the kitchen area
- Throughout the house natural, unpainted wood is used for window trim, railings, much more.
- Stained glass panels in the entry hallway.
Even More Home Features:
- Wood-burning fireplace in the living room.
- The kitchen opening to the dining room and breakfast area, has slide out shutters to the dining room, a large double pantry, a new refrigerator and microwave, and top-of-the-line dishwasher.
- Main level hall bathroom has been completely redone in 2007.
- Main level master bedroom has a master bathroom, also designed by Schnedl; a large cedar walk-in closet; a built-in display cabinet and shelves; a double sliding glass door to a private deck with a hot tub.
- The lower level family room is above ground and has two offices area with large windows permitting plenty of light into these rooms
- Another complete renovated bathroom is found on the lower level with double sink and granite counter.
- Garage with automatic door opener.
- Carport with door to the front, but open to the backyard, ideal for outdoor entertaining.
- Two decks
- Tool shed
- 1/2 acre corner lot on a cul-de-sac.
The Outdoor Space
A discussion of this home is not complete without exploring the outdoor space. As with any Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, the surrounding environment is part of the enjoyment of living in this home.
Walk-out onto your deck from the master bedroom to the hot tub or step down to the seating area to listen to the waterfall. There are two pools of water, stone terracing, shade gardens, stone walkways, 2 Zen gardens and privacy screening. All of it treed with tall oaks, beech poplar & several maple trees. In the springtime you will enjoy the blooms of hundreds of daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, over 2 dozen azaleas, & several dogwoods & three Japanese maples. These features were designed and built by landscape designed David Van Scoyoc.
The Location
5928 Lomack Court is conveniently located on a corner 1/2 acre lot inside the beltway. It sits next to Holmes Run Park and bike trial- yet it is walkable to two shopping areas. There is easy access to I395. Centrally located to the Pentagon, Skyline, Shirlington, Landmark, Alexandria Hospital & National Airport.
If you can’t make it to my Broker’s Open on Tuesday or my Open House next Sunday, September 16, 2007 from 1–4pm, call or contact me for an appointment to see this very unique home.
This home is being offered at $750,000.
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Bike Arlington- 2007 Bike Maps Available from Arlington County- FREE
July 7th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Commuting, Going Green, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
Arlington County issued its new 2007 edition of the county’s bike map. Order yours today from Arlington’s Commuterpage.com They’re FREE. Learn more about Bike Arlington.
Arlington’s continues to be committed to its Going Green efforts with its master plan to maintain, improve & expand the county’s bike path and biking events- such as Bike-to-Work. The Arlington County Board’s goal is to make Arlington a “bikable community.”
Arlington County has 46 miles of shared-use off street trails, 24 miles of bike lanes and 43 miles of on-street connecting bicycle routes. That’s pretty good for a county that is just 26 square acres. The network is extensive. You can get to anywhere in the county by bike. The big bike plan is all part of Arlington’s continued support of Urban Villages where you can live and work close to all the things you need like shops and restaurants and other services. The bike network in Arlington have been voted one of the top five in the country and the best on the east coast.
This new map is a must-have for any bike rider. One side of the map shows all the local Arlington paths:
- W&OD Trail
- Mt Vernon Trail
- Custis Trail
- Bluemont Junction Trail
As well as connecting on-street routes and on-street bicycle lanes the map also highligh 
ts difficult crossings, steep hills and other amenities such as Bicycle Repair Shops, drinking fountains & public restrooms. An added bonus is connecting paths to bikes paths in DC along the National Mall, the C&O Canal & Capital Crescent Trail. And that’s just one side of the map!
When you view the other side of the map, there’s a special treat for the weekend cyclist: Arlington County Bicycle Tours:
- East Falls Church/Westover Tour
- Potomac Overlook Tour
- Heart of Arlington Tour
- Lubber Run/Barcroft Tour
- Arlington Ridge/Aurora Highlands Tour
- Grand Tour of Arlington
- Arlington Visual Art Tour
Not only do you get a map of each tour, you also get a brief description of eac
h tour, the level of difficulty and sites along the way. As well as tips about bike safety, the rules of the trails & local laws.
If you own a bicycle– this map is a must. If you haven’t ventured out on one of Arlington’s bike paths– I highly recommend the Mt. Vernon trail starting at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Go for a ride along the Potomac to Gravelly Point and watch the planes land at National airport. If you’re really adventurous, head to Old Town Alexandria for lunch. But where ever you go, enjoy the ride.
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