Tonite Arlington is holding a hearing on the future development of East Falls Church - a far western corner of Arlington - and amazing for Arlington's size - it is also one of Arlington's 11 subways stops (did I count that right?). At most other subway stations, the station has resulted in economic development. This corner of Arlington, however, was the home of a farm stand for many years - and was only recently developed into townhouses.
Well now Arlington has a plan for this little corner, and its quite impressive. I have looked over this plan and two things jump out at me.
First, Arlington is filled with wonderful local parks where the community congregates and mingles. This is where community is built and celebrated. There are soccer fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, a mega cool skate park - and of course there are the wonderful dog parks! Next to East Falls Church Metro is one of our favorites, Benjamin Banneker Park. We have conducted a extensive survey of dogs entering their park, and their unanimous opinion is "Howwwwwlllllllll!" They love this park. And not only do the canines get to frolic in a fenced in environment safe for others in the park - but it also builds community. Citizens come with coffee and gab. Better than any franchise coffee house, this is the place to be on a Saturday morning. In reviewing the plan, I am glad to see that the Benjamin Banneker Dog Park remains unchanged and continues as part of our community.
Second, a gem of Arlington is the bike paths, with three major paths cutting through the county: W&OD, George Washington Parkway, and Custis. These are wonderful and well used by commuters and recreaters. A favorite weekend adventure is to bike from Bluemont Park to Falls Church on the W&OD stopping at Lazy Sundae Ice Cream just off the path. The only place the bike path clear degrades is East Falls Church. And in the bike plan is the articulated goal of improving bike transportation around East Falls Church, and linking what is currently broken parks of the trail.
Arlington has worked hard at promoting alternatives to car commuting, and is currently engaged in the Car Free Diet Challenge. We have buses and subways. And we have excellent highly used bike paths. Currently the Custis Trail going across in to town is experiencing traffic jams during rush hour due to its high use. It's wonderful! Fixing this part of the W&OD will help commuters moving from Arlington and Falls Church. Bike Paths also meet the counties goals of encouraging exercise and healthy lifestyles.
Two thumbs up for these two excellent aspects of the East Falls Church Plan!
Well now Arlington has a plan for this little corner, and its quite impressive. I have looked over this plan and two things jump out at me.
First, Arlington is filled with wonderful local parks where the community congregates and mingles. This is where community is built and celebrated. There are soccer fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, a mega cool skate park - and of course there are the wonderful dog parks! Next to East Falls Church Metro is one of our favorites, Benjamin Banneker Park. We have conducted a extensive survey of dogs entering their park, and their unanimous opinion is "Howwwwwlllllllll!" They love this park. And not only do the canines get to frolic in a fenced in environment safe for others in the park - but it also builds community. Citizens come with coffee and gab. Better than any franchise coffee house, this is the place to be on a Saturday morning. In reviewing the plan, I am glad to see that the Benjamin Banneker Dog Park remains unchanged and continues as part of our community. Second, a gem of Arlington is the bike paths, with three major paths cutting through the county: W&OD, George Washington Parkway, and Custis. These are wonderful and well used by commuters and recreaters. A favorite weekend adventure is to bike from Bluemont Park to Falls Church on the W&OD stopping at Lazy Sundae Ice Cream just off the path. The only place the bike path clear degrades is East Falls Church. And in the bike plan is the articulated goal of improving bike transportation around East Falls Church, and linking what is currently broken parks of the trail.
Arlington has worked hard at promoting alternatives to car commuting, and is currently engaged in the Car Free Diet Challenge. We have buses and subways. And we have excellent highly used bike paths. Currently the Custis Trail going across in to town is experiencing traffic jams during rush hour due to its high use. It's wonderful! Fixing this part of the W&OD will help commuters moving from Arlington and Falls Church. Bike Paths also meet the counties goals of encouraging exercise and healthy lifestyles.
Two thumbs up for these two excellent aspects of the East Falls Church Plan!
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