HeraldTrib Today: Sept. 25, 2009

Ashton Heights, Bluemont and Ballston:

• Union Jack’s Pub in the Ballston Commons Mall will go before the county board Saturday, Sept. 25. This time the issue is renewing the restaurant/pub’s live entertainment license.

Arlington Planner Peter Schulz said recently the review is a regular occurrence. When establishments are given the “boiler plate” live entertainment permit once, they often go under review after a year to address concerns, especially with neighbors.

Noise is the concern of Bluemont Neighborhood residents, who live on N. Tazewell Street about a block from the mall. Bluemont borders Buckingham’s northern boundary along N. Carlin Springs Road.

Terry Serie who lives on N. Tazewell said the restaurant has been responsive to the community’s concerns. Union Jack’s made news in July when they attempted to enlarge the outdoor seating arrangement on the sidewalk in front of the pub. They made last minute changes to their plan and avoided a board vote on the subject.

The county manager’s office is recommending in its report to the board that the restaurant’s license be renewed, but with new a total of nine new and existing conditions. They include: the community will be able call an on-site liaison who will address problems as they are occurring; the external windows and doors will remain closed during live entertainment that is amplified (everything from trivia contests to DJs to mechanical bull riding, if they have that); unamplified outdoor activities and games are allowed, but must end by 10p.m.; outdoor speakers will be used for background music only and will be turned off at 10p.m.; notices will be placed on outdoor tables asking patrons to be respectful of the neighbors; Union Jack’s will sweep up outside daily.

• Westwood College with its main space in the Ballston Point building (part of the Ballston Mall complex on N. Glebe Road) is looking to expand into the third floor of the building at 1010 N. Glebe, near the intersection with N. Wakefield St.  According the manager’s report, the Bluemont Civic Association is concerned about students parking on nearby residential streets. (Bluemont borders Buckingham and Arlington Forest on the north.)

The county manager’s report asks that the county board approve the site plan amendment with the caveat that “the applicant [Westwood College] would disseminate information to students regarding transit opportunities, and would discourage students from parking on nearby residential streets.”  The methods of dissemination include:

1. A handout distributed on the first day of class for the term
2. Signs posted in each classroom
3. Monthly email notifications on transportation options to the site

The building is zoned for educational uses under a special exemption.  The report states, “the site is located within walking distance of the Ballston Metro Station, and contains enough parking resources for the number of students and faculty/staff proposed.”  The county manager’s office suggests a review in six months and one year.

Buckingham:

• AHC, Inc., owners and operators of the Gates of Ballston, will receive about $75,000 in unspent operational funding from the county tomorrow if all goes as planned. According to the county manager's report, the money covers operations at the Gates’ day care center. The money was allocated but unspent during last year’s budget, which ended June 30. The money was allocated through the Community Development Block Grant program and will cover expenses through next June. Child and Family Network Centers operates the daycare at the Gates of Ballston Community Center on N. 4th Street.
• The Bankok Siam restaurant at 307 N. Glebe Road is set to have its live entertainment license renewed, as well.  They have played karaoke at the restaurant for years, and the county manager is recommending approval for their renewed license with the new caveat that no entertainment take place or be broadcast via loudspeaker outside the building.  The report says there have been no complaints from neighbors.  This is a five-year renewal.
• The automotive repair shop at 67 N. Glebe Road owned by Bezunehe S. Beshe is looking to renew its use permit for the space, and likely the county board will approve that at the county manager’s recommendation.  The manager’s report says there have been no complaints.  According to the report, “The last County Board review for this use permit was September 2008, when staff recommended a one (1) year review because of issues with site maintenance, which were corrected quickly when brought to the applicant’s attention.”  This is a three-year renewal.

Arlington Forest:

• The county manger will pursue $1 million in federal funds for the county’s Pedestrian Access and Safety Improvements program along Arlington Blvd., if the county board OKs the manger’s request as expected at tomorrow’s meeting.

The federal money is managed through the state’s HSIP program and, if awarded, will improve pedestrian crossings and transit stops near “at-grade” intersections along Arlington Blvd., including Henderson Road, Park Drive, and Edison Street. Arlington Blvd. carries 60,000 vehicles daily, and “is inhospitable for pedestrians and cyclists,” the manager's report states. Virginia will match 10 percent of the federal funds. The manager’s request says that some transit stops may be consolidated if sidewalks are improved enough.

• The county is set to renew the childcare license of Arlington Forester Shamin Naseer, on 4524 N. Second St.  No complaints from neighbors and a clean record of care, has the county manger approving the five-year renewal.

Ashton Heights:

• The county manager’s office suggests approving the future Lyon Hall restaurant’s request for a live entertainment permit. The restaurant is planning a December 2009 opening on the ground floor of the Phoenix Condominium building at the corner of N. Fairfax Drive and N. Highland Street. According to the manager’s report, Lyon Hall will be subject to the regular conditions of keeping the doors and windows closed during live entertainment; the restaurant shall continue to meet with the Clarendon neighborhood’s live entertainment committee, and the restaurant shall have a community liaison who can be reached for complaint. This will be reviewed in six and 14 months.