Welcome to the February 2006 Edition of Krupicka Council News.

I hope this message finds you well.  As you know, I try to send out an update on happenings around the city every month or so. There is a lot to cover, so I won't spend much time on introductions this month.  Suffice it to say, the city has a lot going on.  Read on.

For those so-inclined, the Democratic Party Caucus to select candidates for City Council is this Saturday from Noon to 7:30 PM at the Nannie J. Lee Center located at 1108 Jefferson St. in Old Town near Route 1.  If you want information about this or how to find it, send me an e-mail.

The Republican nominating process for Council will occur later in February if they have any contested seats. 

Let me know what is going on in and around your neighborhood.  I always appreciate receiving e-mails.

See you soon,

Rob

(If you or others want to be added to the list, send a message to newsletter@krupicka.com with “Add Krupicka List” in the subject line.)

** Transportation Planning Richmond**

The hottest action in Richmond revolves around transportation.  How much money?  Where does the money come from?  And what do we pay for?  Governor Kaine's plan would provide much needed help to Northern Virginia and puts a strong emphasis on improvements to our transit system – one of our most critical infrastructure needs.  His plans also promote smart growth concepts to help ensure regional growth occurs in the areas where transportation systems have the most capability to handle increased users.  There are a number of competing bills with different plans for funding and priorities for spending.  As plans are combined, discarded and re-thought, I will keep you posted.  At some point, when we know where the pieces are, I'll let you know how you can help us lobby to ensure Alexandria and Northern Virginia interests are heard.

**Gang Task Force Activities**

Councilman Gaines and I have been co-chairing a gang task force for the last six months.  We are looking at prevention, enforcement, graffiti removal and other issues.  There will be a community gang awareness summit at Cora Kelly elementary school on March 25^th from 8:30 AM to about 1:00 PM.    

** Pay Day Loan Legislation in Richmond**

As a follow-up to last month's report on payday lenders, I wanted to let you know about some bills proposed in Richmond to address payday loans.  House Bill 225 would establish new monitoring system for payday lenders and prohibit them from lending to people who already have outstanding payday loans with another operation.  This bill is meant to address the mounting debt that a person can assume as they shuttle from payday lending established to establishment. House Bill 619 would eliminate the law that allows payday loan establishments to exist at all. 

The City continues to look at our own zoning tools as they relate to payday lenders.  We will also closely follow the action in Richmond.

** Pedestrian Updates**

Last week I testified before the Senate Transportation Committee for a bill offered by Senator Ticer that would require cars to stop for pedestrians in marked cross walks.  This bill is similar to a bill the Senate Transportation committee unanimously passed two years ago.  Unfortunately, this year, the bill failed on a predominantly party-line 8-7 vote. A few legislators indicated that they hadn't heard any need for this from their constituents. A few others put the concerns of drivers over pedestrians, arguing that pedestrians would purposefully move into crosswalks to force cars to suddenly brake and cause accidents – even though the bill addressed this concern by making such conduct illegal.

In 2004, 1,980 Virginia pedestrians were killed or injured.  Pedestrians represent nearly 10% of the total fatalities on Virginia roads.  While other benefits can be derived, the primary goal of this proposed legislation is to improve public safety.  This bill is supported by every major Northern Virginia government and many regional boards and commissions, as well as the State PTA and other organizations. We have also received support from cities and towns across the commonwealth.

Delegate Moran is introducing the same bill in the House of Delegates and Senator Ticer is working with her colleagues in the Senate to see if changes can be made to pass the bill.  We will keep you posted.

** Budget **

The City Council will get the first glimpse of the City Manager's budget this year at our meeting on February 14^th.  So, for those of you looking for a romantic night, come on down to city hall for the budget presentation and then head out to one of our many fantastic Alexandria restaurants.  OK, that probably isn't the definition of romance for most of us.  If for some reason you can't make the meeting, the city will post the budget and information on the city web site and I will be writing more about it next month.

** Your Opinion Counts – Alexandria Trees **

Please take a moment to complete the City Tree Survey.  The Alexandria Urban Forestry Steering Committee and the Davey Resource Group are conducting a survey to gain a better understanding of your opinions, concerns, and suggestions for improving the management of the City's urban forest. This information will be used in the preparation of the City’s Comprehensive Urban Forestry Plan.

Find the survey at: http://www.alexandriatrees.org/

** Green Building Opportunities for Your Own Home**

I have spent a lot of time over the last few years talking about green building – building practices that use water and energy efficient techniques to improve the environment and save money.  Some of you have asked me what you can do for your own homes.  These two workshops will give you some good ideas.  If you are able to go to either of them, I'd appreciate you sharing what you learn with me so we can share it in a future newsletter.

Saturday, February 4th 

Green Home Workshop

9:30am – 12:30pm

Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

Are you considering building a new home or adding to your present home? Discover choices you can make while planning your project to insure that you save the maximum amount of energy and live with the cleanest most comfortable air quality. See how others like you have built new, remodeled or added by going green at home! Helen English the Executive Director of the Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC) will be the lead presenter for this event. SBIC created the Green Building Guidelines (GBG) for home builders getting started in greening their product. The Guidelines are a valuable tool for builders, contractors, remodelers, and home buyers.

For more information visit www.goinggreenathome.org or call Sheila Sampson at 301.495.4540 in Silver Spring or Meredith Strider at 301.258.6310 in Gaithersburg.

Saturday, March 11^th

Green Home Remodeling Workshop

9:30 am to 12:30 pm (homeowners) 

2:00 pm to 5:30 pm (contractors)

Arlington County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington

Join national green building expert David Johnston for a practical half-day workshop on renovating and remodeling your home in an environmentally friendly manner. See how even small changes can make a difference to the planet, your family and your wallet—and what steps can get you there. A special afternoon session with how-to application information will be held for contractors taking small steps or big leaps into the business of green remodeling.

Free. RSVP and questions contact Stella Tarnay at the Arlington Green Home Choice Program at 703-228-4792  or starnay@arlingtonva.us. This event is sponsored by Arlington County, the City of Falls Church, Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria, and the Virginia Sustainable Building Network. It is the first of a series of environmental programs sponsored by Northern Virginia governments and area non-profits called "Living Lightly-Living Green." More information on the series will soon be available on the Department of the Environment page at www.arlingtonva.us.

** Waterfront -- What is your vision?**

The City recently announced the acquisition of two key parcels of land along the waterfront.  This is a part of the city's open space plan to create one continuous waterfront for the entire city to enjoy.  One of the primary goals of the city open space plan is to create a green crescent of open space, parks and trails that surrounds the city along its southern boarder, up along the waterfront and across Alexandria's northern border.   The City is also actively working with the Old Dominion Boat Club to ensure they have a permanent location on the Alexandria waterfront and are tightly integrated into the waterfront vision.  This spring, we will start a community-based waterfront planning process to create a vision and plan for the future of one of Alexandria's most precious resources. 

As we get ready to start work on this, I would appreciate learning your views. What is your vision for the Alexandria waterfront?  What do you love most about it?  What would you change? 

** A Great Way To Get Involved **

The City of Alexandria is accepting applications for the Citizens Academy. The academy helps residents learn the structure, functions, and activities of the Alexandria City government; encourages them to become involved; and enhances their ability to communicate effectively with City officials. Applications for participation in the academy must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, April 7, to Rose Williams Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance, City Hall, Room 1900, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Class begins Thursday, April 20.

Participants of the Citizens Academy will meet every Thursday at 7 pm for two hours for eight weeks. Most classes will be held at City Hall. The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony at the City Council’s June 27 meeting.        

For more information on the Alexandria Citizens Academy or to request an application, call Rose Williams Boyd at 703.838.4800, or e-mail rose.boyd@alexandriava.gov. Applications can be also obtained online at alexandriava.gov.

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