As the incoming administration prepares a new economic stimulus package, local jurisdictions and regional planners are submitting lists of infrastructure projects that could begin within 18 months should they receive federal funding. And, the Columbia Pike Streetcar Project is appearing on a number of those priority lists. For example, Arlington County and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority have requested that the project receive $50 million from the public-works initiative. “I am very encouraged that federal funds may be devoted to this and many other transit projects,” said Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County Board member and Chair of Metro’s Board. With federal help Zimmerman believes construction of the system will be expedited, and said the groundbreaking could occur by 2011. For more information about the Pike Transit Initiative click here. Also included in area wish lists are funds to support re-construction of the Washington Blvd. Bridge and interchange at Columbia Pike, and design funding for street and streetscape improvements along the Pike.

CPRO’s annual membership drive is now underway. Each year CPRO receives a grant from Arlington County that makes up almost one-third of our budget. For the remainder we rely on the support of our members, as well as organizations and companies who sponsor our events. Today, 20 civic organizations are members, as are 65 businesses and more than 180 local residents. Won’t you please join them in becoming a CPRO member today? To access a residential/civic or business membership form, please click on this link: www.columbiapike.org/membership/index_E.html. If you’ve joined previously and have a question about whether your membership is current, please call the office at 703-892-2776. Thank You!

 

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Dozens of paintings and prints inspired by the incoming President are highlighting the Grand Opening and Inaugural Open House of JAZI ROCK studios. The exhibit by local artist Kevin T. Irvin, AKA “JAZI ROCK,” previewed on January 10 at his colorful studio located on the second floor at 3213 Columbia Pike (703-622-9862).  The Grand Opening continues this Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, January 16-19 from 4:00 pm-9:00 pm. You won’t want to miss it! Obama portraits are for sale for as little as $25 for a signed and numbered print, and original paintings are $100-200. In addition, some of the artist’s work can be seen and/or purchased at CPRO’s office at 2611 Columbia Pike. Call 703-892-2776 to let us know when you plan to come by. Irvin’s style was honed on the streets of west Baltimore where he grew up. His vibrant work reflects graffiti, political, and other urban influences. Please visit his website at www.jazirock.com.

 

Continuing a long-time Arlington tradition, new County Board Chair Barbara Favola discussed upcoming challenges, opportunities, and her priorities for 2009 in a January 1 speech. And, the Pike was on her mind as she noted, “the next generation of development in this County will take place along Columbia Pike.” She cited her goal of maintaining the Pike’s “character and diversity,” and expressed concern about a continued loss of affordable housing if new measures are not taken soon. Consequently, she said, “we must accelerate the Columbia Pike Land Use and Housing Study.” County planning staff expect to convene a plenary group of citizens and kick-off the study by the end of this quarter. They also hope to retain the services of a consultant to assist the group with economic analyses.

 

Significant renovations and upgrades are being made to Columbia Grove, a mixed-income property located at 1010 S. Frederick St. The $6.5 million renovation project includes adding approximately50 more parking spaces, substantial improvements to the leasing office and a new Community Center for resident activities, new roofs, brand new kitchens, updated bathrooms, and new floors. “On behalf of our residents and our Board we are so pleased that the Columbia Grove Apartments renovation is now underway,” said Nina Janopaul, President and CEO of the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH). “We are pleased to be able to preserve and improve our 208 unit property plus expand the available parking on the site. This expansion was important to our residents and to our neighbors and friends in Columbia Forest.” The project is slated for completion in August 2009 and will yield an increased proportion of affordable units, from 50 percent currently to 62 percent. 

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->After months of shoring and construction of underground parking decks, Siena Park has risen above grade! Now, it’s full-steam ahead for Woodfield Investments’ 6-story mixed-use project at 2301 Columbia Pike at S. Wayne St. The building is scheduled to be delivered in the fall of this year. The 14,000 sq. ft. of 2^nd floor office space is now being marketed by CBRE Richard Ellis. Contact Kate Ahearn at (202) 585-5595 for leasing information. Meanwhile, down the Pike to the west, 55Hundred by Fairfield Residential (5500 Columbia Pike at S. Greenbrier St.) has been topped off, and the façade is being applied. The 10-story mixed use building is planned for delivery this summer.

 

The 128 public parking spaces on the first underground level of the Halstead’s parking garage are now open from 6:00 am to 2:00 am every day. The garage is using Pay-by-Space meter stations that give you the choice to pay by cash, credit or debit card. Public parking is allowed for up to 4 hours and the cost is $1 per hour.  The garage entrance is on S. Walter Reed Dr. just south of the intersection at Columbia Pike.

 

On Saturday, April 11 more than 50 exhibitors will be on hand to offer valuable information, products and services to local homeowners who will benefit from the convenience of one-stop shopping for a wide variety of home improvement solutions. Admission is FREE to the 3rd annual Arlington Home Show & Expo which is being presented by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) in partnership with Arlington County’s Housing Division, and will take place at the Walter Reed Community Center. The Arlington Home Show is a convenient way to learn about remodeling kitchens and baths, finishing or waterproofing basements, energy efficient replacement windows and doors, and will include professionals to assist homeowners with electrical, heating and cooling, home security systems, and more. The show will also include a variety of classes/seminars on subjects of interest to residents and landlords. Exhibitors from Arlington County and area non-profits will also be available to offer valuable advice and assistance. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend!  Click here for information about exhibition space and sponsorship opportunities.

Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) is organizing a volunteer trash cleanup effort on Saturday, January 17, Noon to 2:00 p.m.   Meet at the Arlington Mill Community Center parking lot (4975 Columbia Pike) to pick up trash along Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run. Please register at volunteer@arlingtonenvironment.org or by calling 703-228-6406. 

 

Seems like area food reviewers have discovered another reason to love the Pike…Salteñas, and other great Bolivian food.   Of course, we already knew that, but its good to know that others are discovering what City Paper’s Tim Carma describes as “the area’s best ethnic food (that you’re not eating).”   He found out the hard way that the delicious salteñas at El Pike/Pike Pizza (4111 Columbia Pike) sell out early on weekdays but then went on to rave about the restaurant’s Silpancho. He was also impressed with Bolivian selections at The Salsa Room/Cecilia’s Restaurant and Bar, (2619 Columbia Pike, www.thesalsaroom.net), and raved particularly about the Charque. Click here to read his review. Pan American Bakery (www.panamerican-bakery.com), located right next to El Pike at 4113 Columbia Pike, another Bolivian favorite, is far more than just a bakery. Recently written up in the Washington Post (click here for review), there are also delicious soups, salteñas, sandwiches, and other authentic Bolivian fare. Enjoy!

 

A free “Speed Greening Event” will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th St S.). This is a great opportunity to quickly learn about green lighting, insulation, green roofs, and home energy saving devices, with opportunities to examine green product samples and materials first hand. Attend one session or several.   For more information, call 703-228-4792.

As always, the CPRO staff welcomes your input. Email your suggestions, questions, comments, and offers of assistance to Jim Whittaker at jwhittaker@columbiapike.org; Pam Holcomb at pholcomb@columbiapike.org; or Amy McWilliams at amcwilliams@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776. Know someone who would like to receive the CPRO e-Newsletter? Please send us email addresses and we will add them to our distribution list.   As always, for more information about what’s happening on the Pike go to www.columbiapike.org.