Mary Hynes

Hynes, Tejada Sworn In for New County Board Terms

By ARLnow.com

In an announcement that surprised no one — given the predictable rhythm of such decisions — newly reelected Arlington County Board member Mary Hynes has been named the future County Board chairman for 2012.

Hynes and Board member Walter Tejada were sworn in for new four-year terms yesterday, after both winning reelection in November. The swearing-in ceremony was held in between County Board sessions last night.

Hynes will outline her priorities as chairman for 2012 at the Board’s annual organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 2. Hynes has served as a County Board member since 2008. She was previously an Arlington School Board member from 1995 to 2006.

Separately, Barbara Favola took what may be her last vote as a County Board member last night. Favola, who was elected to the Virginia Senate in November, submitted her resignation — effective Dec. 31 — last Thursday. The resignation will allow election officials to choose a firm date for the special election that will be held to find Favola’s replacement.

The special election date is expected to be revealed by the end of the week, according to Arlington County Registrar Linda Lindberg.

County Says Finances Strong, Despite Negative Outlook

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County says its finances are strong, despite a decision by Moody’s Investors Service to continue assigning a “negative” outlook to the county’s debt.

Arlington maintained its prime Aaa investment rating from Moody’s, but the firm argued that the county’s close connection with the federal government makes the future of its finances a bit uncertain.

“Today’s actions are based on an expanded evaluation of the exposure each municipality has to the U.S. government, including economic sensitivity to federal spending reductions, dependence on federal transfers and exposure to capital markets disruptions,” Moody’s Managing Director Naomi Richman said in a press release. “Issuers with outlooks that remain negative are viewed as having greater exposure to potential cuts in federal employment and federal spending.”

Arlington isn’t the only Northern Virginia locale to receive a negative outlook. Alexandria, as well as Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties, have all been given negative outlooks due to the area’s “linkage with the U.S. government.”

“Arlington remains in a strong financial and economic position,” County Board Vice Chair Mary Hynes said in a statement, in response to the Moody’s decision. “During the bottom of the economic downturn, the County demonstrated its resilience and diversity. Our key economic indicators outperformed most in the region and the nation. Most recently, despite the threat of federal government budget reductions, private sector investment in the County has increased and housing values have remained stable.”

Hynes noted that the county maintains a sizable reserve fund as part of its budget.

“Even in the most difficult times, Arlington has remained committed to funding our reserves, including action this month to increase the County’s operating reserve to 5 percent of our budget,” she said.

The county is expected to brush up against one of its self-imposed debt limits in financial year 2013. Still, officials say they’re following the bond market closely.

“The County is not currently in the market with any bond issues and has no plans to go to market until mid-2012,” Arlington said in a press release. “The County last sold bonds in June 2011, with very favorable interest rates and market reception.  Any downgrade of the County’s credit rating could result in higher interest rates on future bond issues. The County and its financial advisors are monitoring the situation and market reaction closely.”

Trader Joe’s Opens in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 9:40 a.m.) At long last, Trader Joe’s has opened in Clarendon.

A crowd formed outside the store entrance at 1109 N. Highland Street this morning, awaiting the scheduled 8:00 opening. Following a brief “lei cutting” ceremony with County Board Vice-Chair Mary Hynes — which was held a bit early so as to not keep people waiting in the cold — shoppers flooded through the double doors and began christening the store with commerce.

‘Crew members,’ decked out in leis, the company’s signature Hawaiian shirts and — in one case — a turkey costume, enthusiastically greeted the first shoppers and began talking up the store’s wares.

“It’s never too early for cheesecake,” said one employee, who was handing out free samples. Hot cider samples, free leis and a reusable gift bag filled with treats were also handed out.

Hynes, meanwhile, used the opportunity to catch up on some shopping.

“I think it’s awesome… it’s great to have another grocery store choice,” she said. “People have been asking for a Trader Joe’s in our community for as long as I can remember.”

Trader Joe’s ‘captain’ (store manager) Perry Zettersten said employees will work hard to try to avoid the long check-out lines that plague the Trader Joe’s location in Foggy Bottom. The store has handheld “line buster” barcode scanners that crew members will be able to use to scan items while customers wait in line. Those customers will receive a receipt that they will then pay at the register. Still, Zettersten said the store’s popularity will make it hard to keep lines from forming.

“We don’t know if we can avoid it,” he said.

The Clarendon Trader Joe’s store is about 12,300 square feet and will carry approximately 2,500 items at any given time. In the U.S., the typical grocery store carries 15,000 to 60,000 items and has a median store size of 46,000 square feet, according to the Food Marketing Institute.

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Candidate Essay: Mary Hynes

By ARLnow.com

Last week we asked the three candidates for Arlington County Board to write a sub-750 word essay on why the county’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Two County Board seats are up for election this year.

Here is the unedited response from incumbent Mary Hynes (D):

I love Arlington. It’s been my family’s home for more than 30 years; my five kids grew up here. I love that people from all around the world call Arlington home, that our small business community is very diverse and that our corporate citizens include some of America’s best companies. Our school system is admired; we’re fortunate to have great parks and libraries and many recreational choices. I love that Arlingtonians are not shy about sharing opinions and quick to offer help – whether it’s professional experience that’s needed, neighbor-to-neighbor outreach like Citizen Corps or Neighborhood Conservation, or effective advocacy and creativity on significant challenges like ensuring sufficient affordable housing. Working together we’ve made Arlington a great place!

I am honored to have served my fellow Arlingtonians for more than 16 years – twelve as a school board member and, since 2008, on the County Board. I’m proud of the work I’ve been able to do. During my time as a School Board member, the student achievement gap narrowed, great schools were built across the county, and competitive pay ensured our kids had excellent teachers. As a County Board member, I’ve worked to make sure we take great care of our County parks, roads and other facilities and created a citizen group to advise the County Board in this important area. Working with neighborhoods across the county to help citizens better understand and participate in the work of the County and increasing budget transparency and accountability through the use of performance measures also have been priorities for me.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate the bold and thoughtful choices made by our community’s leaders in the 60s – in particular their decision to locate Metro lines along Wilson Boulevard from Rosslyn to Ballston and through Pentagon City and Crystal City. These decisions contribute significantly to Arlington’s strong transit orientation, financial health, and economic diversity. I believe the question for us now – especially given current economic uncertainty – is “What’s next for Arlington? What vision – what plan – will allow us to become an even more inclusive, healthier community, one that continues to grow and improve in important ways – even as jurisdictions throughout the region adopt plans and policies that Arlington has employed successfully for years?”

The answer, I believe, depends upon our making systematic choices to be smarter, more sustainable, and better prepared. To me, this means:

  • Expanding our housing choices
  • Extending effective transit across the County
  • Encouraging resource conservation
  • Elanning to make it easier to get most of what we need close to home
  • Preparing so we can depend on each other in times of need

Recently, I’ve taken on regional responsibilities I believe will help advance these necessary, ambitious goals. As a Metro Board Member, I work every day on our region’s complex transportation challenges. I bring to that work a clear understanding of Arlington’s transit-dependency coupled with the urgent state and regional need to plan and pay for new ways to efficiently move many more residents and workers. As a Vice-chair of the Region Forward Coalition for the Council of Government, I am an advocate for well-coordinated job, housing and transit policies and plans designed to improve Arlington’s sustainability while ensuring regional vibrancy.

In the end, I am committed to Arlington continuing to be a great place to live, work, learn, play, raise a family and grow older. These are challenging times. It will take all of us working together, listening carefully, and planning thoughtfully to chart our course – one that will guide us for the next 30 years.

I ask for your vote on November 8th for myself and for my running mate Walter Tejada so we can continue the journey together. What a gift we can give to those who come after us!

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Ann Taylor Coming to Clarendon — An Ann Taylor store is coming to the Clarendon Market Common storefront formerly occupied by a Myer-Emco home electronics store. The new Clarendon Ann Taylor is expected to open on June 10, according to Market Common spokesperson Carol Nahorniak. [Clarendon Culture]

Tapas Bar Coming to Ballston — Upper Crust Gourmet (1000 N. Randolph Street) closed late last month for renovations. According to Eat More Drink More, the three-week project will transform the well-liked cafe into a tapas bar. [Eat More Drink More]

Club 31-11 Had Fights, Armed Security — What really went on behind the scenes at the recently-shuttered Club 31-11 on Columbia Pike? Gambling, fights, open-carrying security guards and frequent visits from police, according to Pike Wire. The owner says he was “harassed” by police due to the club’s primarily black clientele, but police say that charge is “way off base” and the visits had more to do with the club’s lack of permits. [Pike Wire]

Hynes Wins ‘Noise’ Award — Mary Hynes has won the 2011 Environmental Stewardship Award from the National Organization to Insure a Sound-controlled Environment (N.O.I.S.E.), a group dedicated to controlling aviation noise. Hynes has assisted N.O.I.S.E. with its annual legislative forum and has organized public meetings about helicopter noise in Northern Virginia.

Flickr pool photo by Philliefan99

Energized Dems Applaud New Candidates

By ARLnow.com

It was ladies night at the Lyon Park Community House last night. A capacity crowd that included most of the local political establishment applauded as four Democratic women announced their candidacy for public office.

Stephanie Clifford, a Democratic precinct captain and a new Green Valley (Nauck) homeowner, was the closest thing to a surprise. Clifford announced that she is running for the 49th District House of Delegates seat currently held by Del. Adam Ebbin, who’s running for state Senate.

“I’m sure a number of you are surprised to see me up here,” she said. “But I found a reason to serve and thought I’d step up.”

Former Arlington County Young Democrats President Gordon Simonett introduced Clifford.

“One thing that is clear when you meet Stephanie is that she has a true commitment to community values and progressive values,” he said.

School Board Chair Libby Garvey announced that she will be seeking the nomination for the state Senate seat held by the retiring Sen. Patsy Ticer.

“No work gives me greater satisfaction then public service,” Garvey said. “But there are things i want to do for you now that I really can’t do as a school board member.”

“We’re in trouble as a nation and a state,” Garvey continued. “We’re digging ourselves into a hole. We’re not investing like we need to. Education, transportation, infrastructure, the environment, the health and welfare of our citizens — we need to invest in the future. That’s why I want to be a state Senator.”

Ebbin, who is also running for Ticer’s seat, attended the meeting but did not give a speech. Instead, supporters did the talking by wearing “Ebbin for State Senate” stickers and distributing fliers that beckoned Democrats to “join the A-Team.”

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Hynes to Host Helicopter Forum Wednesday

By ARLnow.com

Mary Hynes is a busy lady.

Hynes, the current vice-chair of the Arlington County Board, serves on the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, recently joined the Metro Board of Directors, and is the Aviation Policy Liaison to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. On any given day, Hynes might be dealing with transportation issues below ground, above ground and in the sky.

On Wednesday, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., the multi-talented Hynes will host a community forum about helicopter noise. It’s a follow-up to meetings Hynes hosted in September and November, during which a number of residents voiced concerns about the noise generated by low-flying government helicopters.

Tomorrow’s meeting will discuss a proposed system for allowing more community input into helicopter issues.

Along with Hynes, the forum will include representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, a representative from the Eastern Region Helicopter Association and a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

The meeting will be held in the Arlington County board room, on the third floor of 2100 Clarendon Boulevard.

Metro Board Considering Earlier Closing Time on Weekends

By ARLnow.com

As reported last Friday, Metro officials have suggested that one option for plugging the agency’s $72 million budget gap would be to end service at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The idea, which was floated and roundly criticized last year, would only save $5 million per year and would have to be combined with other cuts. This midnight cut-off was not included in Metro General Manager Richard Sarles’ proposed budget — he advocates higher subsidy payments from local governments — but board members are at least investigating the possibility of ending service earlier than the current 3:00 a.m. on weekends.

Arlington County Board Vice-Chair and new Metro board member Mary Hynes says the Metro board asked questions about the feasibility of ending service at least an hour or two earlier.

Hynes tells ARLnow.com: “All of us wanted to see — if you did it until 2:00, what was that dollar savings? Go hour by hour and tell us not only how much money it saved, but how many riders might be affected.”

She suggested the board is looking at bus service options should Metro decide to reduce rail service at night.

“If we did this, can we fill in with other service?” she asked rhetorically.

Hynes said board members also asked about whether closing certain under-utilized stations at night (like stations near the ends of Metro lines) could potentially save money. Hynes acknowledged, however, that a reduction in late night could have negative implications for Arlington’s nightlife.

“I worry about it for Clarendon, absolutely,” she said. “Clarendon works because of Metro, there’s no question about it. So it’s really important to Arlington that we figure this out in the right way.”

Supporters of reducing late night service say that the extra hours of downtime could give crews more time to perform maintenance work. Critics question whether such a move would result in higher rates of drunk driving in the area, and whether the move could hurt certain sectors of the local economy.

Flickr pool photo by Mattron

Another Rosslyn Groundbreaking

By ARLnow.com

The JBG Companies broke ground today on the latest large construction project to hit Rosslyn.

The project, formerly known as Rosslyn Commons but now being called Sedona and Slate, will consist of two residential towers on the 1500 block of Clarendon Boulevard.

The 14- and 12-story towers will have about 450 housing units, including 55 affordable housing units. The buildings, which will be LEED Silver certified, are expected to have sweeping rooftop views. One building will have a rooftop pool.

JBG says they’re targeting restaurants to fill the ground floor retail slots. To further entice potential eatery tenants, the company is promising cafe seating along Clarendon Boulevard.

Among those at the groundbreaking this morning were County Board Vice Chair Mary Hynes, County Board Member Barbara Favola and Rosslyn BID Executive Director Cecilia Cassidy.

This was the second residential project to break ground in Rosslyn so far this year. Abdo Development held a groundbreaking for the Gaslight Square luxury condo development earlier this month. Meanwhile, work is well underway on a new Skanska-developed office building on the 1700 block of Wilson Boulevard.

County Board Appoints New Leadership, Looks Back on 2010

By ARLnow.com

The county board reflected on 2010 at its meeting yesterday evening. Board members were treated to a five-minute year-in-review video prepared by the staff of the county’s cable channel.

From environmental initiatives to Long Bridge Park to Arlington’s “car free” push, the video’s unspoken, underlying message was that the county has remained proactive about pursuing larger policy and infrastructure goals despite the tough economic times. (The video never actually mentioned the economic climate.)

Also at yesterday’s meeting, the board announced, as expected, that it has selected Chris Zimmerman to take over as chairman on Jan. 1, succeeding Jay Fisette.

The board tapped Mary Hynes to succeed Zimmerman as vice chairman.

In Arlington, the chair and vice chair serve a one-year term, typically corresponding with whoever is up for re-election. Zimmerman was re-elected this year, and Hynes faces re-election in 2011.

Mary Hynes to Lead Helicopter Forum

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County board member Mary Hynes will lead a panel discussion about helicopters and local helicopter regulations Wednesday night at the Arlington County Board Room (2100 Clarendon Blvd, third floor).

Hynes, who chairs the Aviation Policy Committee for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, says there has been a noticeable uptick in complaints about helicopter noise in the past couple of years. She says Wednesday’s forum will allow residents to learn more about the rules that govern helicopter flights in the national capital region.

Hynes says she hopes the forum will also lead to the development of a better system for handling citizen complaint about helicopters, especially military helicopters, which are the most prevalent over Arlington.

“The focus is to have a good conversation about the impacts of the helicopter traffic on the residents, and see if there’s some way we can work with the military to lessen that impact,” she said.

Military helicopters usually fly defined routes from the Pentagon to other military installations. The flight paths are typically major highways like I-395 or waterways like the Potomac River. Even if the helicopters pilots stick to the path, however, they sometimes fly lower than they’re supposed to, irking residents.

Homeland Security and local law enforcement flights are also fairly common around Arlington, Hynes noted. News helicopters typically don’t fly over Arlington because the county is within a no-fly zone around Reagan National Airport, put into place after 9/11.

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