Monthly Archives: April 2025

The Changing Community Landscape: Green Valley Edition

Posted on by

By Anne Bodine, VP of Development

In the mid-1970’s Arlington was one of the first places in the U.S. to adopt “Transit-Oriented Development;” increasing zoning and land use to allow major additions of housing, withing the two new rapid transit corridors for Metrorail. It worked out. Arlington grew, but in ways that kept the county semi-urban with low residential areas, while expanding along the corridors. A balance of commercial and residential space kept a pretty even keel to balance budgets. Since then, the county has added two new transit corridors, Columbia Pike and Langston Blvd., significantly increasing the carrying capacity for development. Budgets haven’t been as rosy, as commercial tenancy has declined in years since COVID-19. 

Inside the transit corridors, developers regularly “bargain” with the county, usually via staff, and neighborhoods, usually through civic associations, pursuant to the site planning process. Recently, however, areas that had never seen site planning are encountering them, including ours, via the Courthouse Clarendon amended sector plan, and special GLUPs (one-off changes to the land use on a site) that bring higher density in small areas, such as the Days Inn at Pershing and Rt. 50 in Lyon Park.

Now, however, the county is expanding site planning and higher density—and with some projects a departure from transit-corridor incentives—beyond these defined areas. The April 9 approval by the County Board of a 531-unit housing complex at S. Glebe Rd. and I-395, in Green Valley sets a precedent I find troubling. The vote defied wishes of African-American leaders, the Civic Association, neighbors, churches, the Arlington Civic Federation, among others, seemingly in a push to elevate housing production over other county goals. 

For example, the vote defied County goals on equity and housing affordability (most 2-bedroom units will not be affordable to the 42% of Green Valley residents who are Black or Hispanic). Fewer than 2% of the new units will be committed affordable units provided by the developer. I believe that number did not correspond to what was truly possible under current zoning and land use law and policy. The site plan process governing community benefits was also extremely warped as the county granted so many exemptions as to boosting the future yield on the property perhaps six to eight-fold. 

These critically important land use and zoning issues were not fully fleshed out—or done so only in a way they could not be challenged as the county attorney took the Board into a backroom during one of the Board meetings. That meant we may have left more affordable units on the table. The Board also failed to require a full VDOT analysis of the S. Glebe Rd. impacts (a road VDOT manages), allowing the developer to preempt traffic design here to maximize profit. While that is expected from for-profit entities, I believe in this case the County was not deeply committed to forging the best deal for a historic Black church next to the site, for Green Valley, or for the people who live here NOW. 

The development offers 91% 2-bedroom units or smaller, thus failing to deliver family-sized units Arlington needs. It adds to the surplus of small, expensive housing and will also be 100% rentals, meaning no opportunities for tenants to build generational wealth. And 98% of units will be at market rates where the County admits it has a surplus of supply.

The project will add 23% of existing housing stock in the census tract, but the only infrastructure and “community facility” improvements designed will mainly benefit the new tenants (a new access road, new green space) and not current residents or the church; some of the benefits may never be realized (a cut through to allow a second egress point for all the new traffic depends on owners of an adjacent site!). Minimal benefits were secured by AME Lomax Zion Church and Green Valley Civic Association, although one benefit, LEED design specifications, is significant and contributes to broad county goals. Several board members behaved as if they had no other choice. This sets awful precedents for site planning across Arlington; it guarantees further gentrification of one of Arlington’s most diverse neighborhoods. I hope this project will encourage you to get involved in long-term growth policy of our county and consider how we can also be better informed about these kinds of projects within our own Lyon Park. 

Categories

Lyon Park’s History on Display

Posted on by

By Thora Colot, former President—and Lifetime Member—of the LPCA

Three exhibit cases have been installed in the hallway that separates the kitchen from the main meeting room. These three cases will be filled with historic materials, photographs, facsimiles, and artifacts to tell the story of the community and the pride generations have demonstrated in its upkeep and preservation over the years.

But—why now? Elizabeth Sheehy spearheaded a grant application to Arlington County’s Historic Preservation Fund last year. She has long been aware of the historic records from 1919 on that have never been adequately archived nor stored. Before anything further could happen to them, she applied for and got this grant to digitize the records, and through this process, as well as outdoor signs and exhibit cases, make the history of Lyon Park more available to everyone. Thank you, Elizabeth! The goal of the exhibits in the cases will be to share the unique history of Lyon Park with everyone that uses the building. Even renters will understand what an incredible space they’re able to use through the information in the exhibits—the displays will add one more reason why the Community House is so unique to Arlington. 

Our goal is that the themes in the three cases will focus on:

Recognizing the supreme contributions of the many people throughout the years that have built, renovated and kept the Community House an important and extremely usable and useful historic part of the story of Arlington

Displaying artifacts and examples of past activities that demonstrate the true meaning of community, through events such as performances, lectures, girl scout meetings, as well as minutes of the first Women’s Club.

Highlighting photographs and other evidence that testify the community spirit is still alive through the ongoing efforts of everyone to make sure a cupcake sale, a food truck music evening, the spring fair and the Egg Hunt (among others!) continue to bring the neighborhood together. 

Every resident of Lyon Park actually owns Lyon Park and the Community House! This makes us unique among neighborhoods in Arlington. Under our stewardship, they will not only be vital to the future of the community, but also continue to bond us, nurture our children and provide a place with activities for everyone! We are so grateful for community members that have tirelessly contributed time and energy that helps to keep this mission alive. 

Categories

Celebrating 250 Years—How Will Lyon Park Make it Special?

Posted on by

By Elizabeth Sheehy

April 19, 2025 marked the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. In 1775, British troops aimed to seize military supplies stored by colonial militiamen in Concord, in the hopes of suppressing further rebellion. The colonists were warned of the impending arrival of the redcoats by Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride through the Massachusetts countryside, memorialized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem. 

The skirmish that resulted in a Patriot victory is known as the “shot heard round the world,” and is regarded as the official start of the successful American War of Independence. In Massachusetts (and six other states) April 19th is a legal holiday known as Patriots Day, and traditionally is the day of the Boston Marathon, as well as a morning Red Sox game at Fenway Park. This year, Patriot Day celebrations also marked the start of America250, the nationwide commemoration of our nation’s founding with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. 

Localities across the country will participate by highlighting historical events, cultural diversity, freedom, and community. Information about the celebrations, which will span more than a year, culminating in a nationwide birthday party of July 4, 2026, can be found at:

Home – English (July 2024)
Home
Front Page

In 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial (200th birthday), Lyon Park created several special community projects. That year marks the start of the Lyon Park Citizen newsletter, published for the first time in September 1976. If anyone has editions from the first two years, the history committee would love copies! Another wonderful project was the planting of red, white, and blue flowers in the gardens throughout Lyon Park. For those who lived in Lyon park at the time, what else was done to commemorate the Bicentennial?

Lyon Park is a very special community and an official Historic District. We need to start planning for next year’s celebration. Come to the LPCA meeting on May 8 to share your ideas, or drop a note to lyonparkpresident@gmail.com. This is the chance not only to look back, but to look forward and create wonderful NEW memories and future opportunities.

And mark your calendars for Lyon Park’s own launch of the Semiquincentennial (quarter millennial or 250 years) Celebration at the Lyon Park Picnic in two months on Saturday, July 26 starting at 4 p.m. There will be games, music, ice cream and more! Sign up today to help or donate at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A48ACA92FA4FB6-55905801-lyon#/  

Categories

Let’s Renovate Our Playground Together!

Posted on by

The Lyon Park Playground Committee is excited to be working with the community to develop a plan for renovating the playground at Lyon Park. We are a group of volunteers spearheaded by resident Mark Ilich and began meeting in February to discuss the project and how we can “Play It Forward!”

The basic intent is to: replace the equipment, address the current drainage problems, respect the park’s natural tree canopy, and install new surfacing. However, other details and what it will look like exactly is still an open question. Throughout the spring we will be at several community events to help raise awareness of the project and hear from the community. Last month we launched a survey to better understand the community’s preferences and priorities. If you have not already shared your feedback, please follow the link below to provide your input and make sure your voice is heard! Your input is very valuable in guiding the renovation and design process, and we want to hear from as many residents as possible. Please share with your neighbors and help spread the word!

We also invite you to come to our tent at the Lyon Park Spring Fair (5/17) where we will have an activity table for kids to build their dream playground and volunteers will be available to speak with you more about the project. 

In June, based on all the input collected in our Survey, we will launch the next phase of conceptual design and begin fundraising in earnest. A generous donation has allowed us to engage a local design firm to help us shepherd the project through these initial engagement and conceptual design phases; however ongoing volunteer efforts and fundraising will be critical to turning this vital need into a reality. Please be on the lookout for ways that you can participate in and donate to the efforts and help us PLAY IT FORWARD!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LP-Playground-Renovation 

Categories

Restaurant Vibes: Zazzy

Posted on by

By Philippa Kirby and Philip Conklin

On a recent sunny Sunday evening, we ambled through Lyon Park to Zazzy on N. Fillmore St for our third meal at this family-owned Lebanese fast fresh food restaurant.  At the end of our meal, we had the same two takeaways as on our prior visits: “Wow! This food is delicious.” And, “Why aren’t there more people in here?” To us, the lack of a full house it is truly a mystery. The food is consistently delicious featuring bright, fresh flavored dishes that breakaway from the standard Middle Eastern menu. Offerings like: 

Ousheh: fresh baked flatbreads including zaatar spice, cheese, chicken & cheese, spinach pomegranate, and lahme biajine (ground beef with tomato, peppers and onions), and baked falafel. (We are particularly fond of the zataar ousheh!).

Dips: mharmara walnut, eggplant tahini, hummus, labne and fava bean served with housemade pita chips. (We always get the sampler. So. Very. Delicious.)

Salata: a compelling variety including: freekeh date salad, chicken quinoa, chicken berries, halloumi fattoush, and “not your typical” tabouli. 

Fatayer: a selection of vegetarian or meat spring rolls with a Lebanese twist.

Sandwisheh (yes, that’s spelled right!): among the tender and flavorful sandwich options are rosemary steak, chicken pita, “perfect” batata featuring baked potatoes, roasted eggplant with raisins, and beef shawarma.

Pans and Hot Bowls: comfort main dishes that include beef shawarma with vermicelli rice, spiced eggs and beef, chicken batas (potatoes), lentil mjdara, fava and chickpea with lemon and olive oil, and chicken fatteh garnished with yogurt, butter pine nuts and aleppo pepper.

Helou: desserts! including a Nutella or sweet cheese pocket, chocolate chip tahini cookies, spiced turmeric delight and a chocolate pistachio “lazy day” cake.

Over the course of three visits to Zazzy, members of our dining party managed to order from each menu category at least once and found the food delicious and highly satisfying each time.  The guiding principle of “if it sounds good, it will be good” worked for us. The one dish ordered every time we visited was the lentil mjdara where humble ingredients are brought together to create a deeply satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Serving sizes are perfect for a filling solo meal or sharing as many of the portions for salads, dips, pans and hot bowls are quite generous. It would be a great place to eat “family style”. The food arrives promptly and the service is kind and attentive. Ordering is available online for pick-up/delivery and Zazzy offers catering service as well.

Zazzy is positioned as an urban cafe featuring an all-day food menu, coffees and teas, house-made lemonade, soft drinks and a wine bar. The vibe is calm and bright with huge west facing windows and a design that is industrial yet homey and welcoming with a variety of comfortable seating options for individuals, couples, and small and large groups. The dining room is spacious, easily accommodating strollers (there are three high chairs available) as well as wheelchairs and the tables are well spaced. Overall, Zazzy has the feel of an oasis. And should you want to dine al fresco, there are a few outside tables on Fillmore. 

Zazzy founder and CEO, Zeina Chouman El Eid, established this Arlington cafe after 12 years in Beirut where she founded and ran an all-day urban cafe that inspires the menu and vibe of the restaurant. As she states on the Zazzy website, they offer “the best of Lebanese street food with the warmth of homestyle cooking…Zazzy is a destination, a retreat for those seeking authenticity and flavor.” The spirit of her excellent establishment is captured on a large mirror on the dining room’s south wall: “Laughter is Brightest Where the Food Is.”

Zazzy (1025 N. Fillmore St., Ste. J): Hours of operation are Monday—Friday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Phone number is 703–512–0002. Visit the website: https://letszazzy.com for more information and to order online. 

Categories

Lyon Park (and Ashton Heights) Tree Canopy Update

Posted on by

By Anne Bodine

The County’s Urban Forester Vincent Verweij reported in our March meeting that Lyon Park’s tree canopy had grown—per the County’s newest survey of comparing tree canopy countywide from 2014 to 2023—from 29% to 33%.  LPCA members expressed some skepticism about the data and the county’s overall stewardship; many felt Arlington wasn’t doing enough to save mature trees.  Brooke Alexander, tree canopy coordinator for Ashton Heights, presented maps showing trends for mature trees (those 40’ or taller, compared to the County’s survey which measures canopy at the 12’ level).  

Lyon Park’s tall trees (40’ or taller) grew only 1% and Ashton Heights’ grew only 4%, these numbers would be much higher but for the impact of development (disease/invasives/age/owner convenience) also causing tree loss). One block of N. Edgewood (just north of LPCA) illustrates the problem.  Google Earth shows the teardowns in real time; the survey shows loss (orange), new growth (lime green) and dark green (no change).  

Alexander pressed Verweij to help us set goals—and I pressed for county support to achieve them—so Lyon Park and Ashton Heights could help us make the overall county goal of 40% canopy (NOTE:  Rosslyn is only 19%).  He followed up after our meeting to suggest a standard for low-density residential areas set by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) of 55%.  LPCA and AHCA will continue to work with the Forestry office—please pitch in to water, care for, and plant trees (especially oaks as a keystone species) so we get from 33% to 55%!    

Categories

Restaurant Vibes: Texas Jacks

Posted on by

By Philippa Kirby and Philip Conklin

If you have family and friends coming to town, with ages spanning across three generations, and if they have a lot of dietary restrictions—vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten intolerant…how on earth do you feed them all? And be pretty sure they’ll all be happy? Well, there’s a restaurant in the Lyon Park neighborhood that can do a great job of satisfying everyone: Texas Jack’s on Washington Boulevard.

On a recent Sunday evening, a group of 15 diners, which included a few gluten intolerant, a number of carnivores, some pescatarians, and a couple of vegetarians all ate very happily together at Texas Jack’s.  The menu, the food quality, and the service were all excellent.

Menu: For our crowd, there was not just something for everyone, but there was a solid array of choices (most limited for the vegan options).  Obviously, the carnivores were delighted.  But, so too were the vegetarians.  As written, the menu offers a decent selection of veggie options among the appetizers and sides that can be combined to make for a satisfying meal.  When we told our server we had vegetarians in the group, she pointed out additional appetizers (nachos!) and entrees (tacos and burritos!) that could also be served vegetarian style.  This expanded the range of veggie options to above average in restaurants where meat is the star of the show.  Our pescatarians enjoyed grilled salmon on a salad or as an entree with sides, and also enjoyed the full range of the vegetarian options.  And the gluten free diners had extensive choices across the menu (no gluten free desserts, however).  Also, for palates still maturing, there were chicken fingers and fries—truly, there was something for everyone.

Food Quality: It is rare to go out and have everyone in the party find their meal tasty and satisfying, but for our party of 15, this was the case.  The nachos delighted a 13-year and a 62-year-old.  The meat platters all received two thumbs up.  And the salmon and salad crowd noted “it is always good here.”  There were a few quibbles over whether or not pulled pork should be offered in a burrito (our other 13-year-old says “no” unequivocally).  And a twenty something noted the brussels sprouts had great flavor but veered up to and over the line of “over-dressed” with oil and aioli.  

Service: Our server, Reina, was kind, efficient and attentive. Taking and delivering orders for 15 diners is a challenge.  And Reina (and the kitchen and a team of food servers) flawlessly delivered everyone’s hot meal at the same time and with 100% accuracy–no small feat!  This, while the dining room was full and included a tour bus of middle school students who arrived at the same time we did.  Texas Jack’s handled the rush with aplomb.  Such solid service really allowed us to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed, festive environment.

The restaurant has two sections: the Whiskey Bar and the main restaurant. The Whiskey Bar offers the full Texas Jack’s menu and TVs for sports and special events.  The main dining room is a spacious, airy room adjoining the open kitchen. There is an outdoor dining patio.  And there is a separate dining room with a bar for private parties.

Texas Jacks (2761 Washington Blvd.): Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday; 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Tuesday—Thursday; 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Phone number is 703–875–0477. Visit the website: https://www.txjacks.com for their menu as well as their happy hour specials and brunch.

Categories