Ahead of the Town of Vienna’s election this year, Tysons Reporter asked the candidates to answer the following questions and also submit a short biography. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words. We are publishing the Q&As this week in the order we received the responses.
Featured here is Chuck Anderson, who is running for one of the councilmember seats.
Bio: Chuck is a long-time citizen organizer and advocate for appropriately-scaled development in Vienna. A former member and chair of the Planning Commission, Chuck has served on a number of other boards and civic associations in Vienna and has been active in church and scouts.
He has lived in Vienna since 1997. Chuck is also a co-founder and principal with Capital Trade, Incorporated, recognized as a premier consulting firm in the area of international economics. He is a graduate of Williams College and Oxford University.
Nearby, Tysons is urbanizing. How do you think the Town of Vienna’s identity should change in response to Tysons’ growth?
Vienna soon will be the closest small-town haven to this major new urban area. Like our predecessors, the future Town Council must work tirelessly to protect Vienna’s small town ethos. We should not allow ourselves to become simply an appendage of Tysons.
Rather, we should try to maintain our winning combination of low density, single family residential focus, vibrant community activities, and strong local government. One change we should consider is how to build non-auto transportation links (bike lanes, hiking paths) between Tysons and Vienna, so that Vienna becomes a non-auto small town destination for the growing Tysons population.
What are your solutions to Maple Avenue congestion and cut-thru traffic in neighborhoods?
In his book “Traffic,” Tom Vanderbilt explains how traffic is like water: it will seek the path of least resistance. The obvious solution to minimizing cut-through traffic in Vienna is to reduce congestion on Maple Avenue, with smart lights, and strict control on future density. There is no other magic solution to this long-standing problem.
One project that would eliminate a traffic light, make Vienna more pedestrian-friendly and reduce auto trips is a W&OD trail bridge across Maple Avenue. I would try to work with the county to realize this vision.
Should Vienna keep its “small town feel”? If so, how? If not, why and what do you propose?
Some have argued that Vienna should cast off its self-image as a “small town.” I strongly disagree. Most of us, myself a small-town boy from Blissfield, Michigan, have settled in Vienna precisely because of its small town ethos. That does not mean that we should ignore the urban-sized issues we face.
But as Deborah and James Fallows pointed out in Our Towns of their survey of resurgent American small municipalities, revitalization is most successful when it is built on the town’s unique assets. Vienna’s small town-ness and the W&OD bike path, are the two most important assets we have. We should embrace them.
Vienna has a long history of being named a “Tree City USA.” What steps would you like to see Vienna take to become greener and more sustainable/environmentally-friendly?
Our image as a Tree City succeeds or fails, in large part, on the density of the canopy along our major thoroughfares. One of the great tragedies of Vienna’s history is that the maple trees that gave Maple its name were cut down in the 50s when Route 123 was widened. We have an opportunity to bring the trees back.
One of the more important things we can do is to require higher tree density in any successor to the mothballed Maple Avenue Commercial district zoning ordinance. The Vienna Market MAC development, for example, is so dense that no trees can grow in its townhouse interior space.
What do you want to see happen for parking when Parking Henry Library gets moved and rebuilt?
Patrick Henry is one of our most important community assets. Even though a local branch, it has the traffic of a regional library. I strongly support the proposal to partner with the county in redeveloping Patrick Henry at its current site to build a structure that includes municipal parking.
As I learned when I co-chaired a Planning Commission study of parking for Church Street, most people will not walk more than a quarter mile from their car. A parking structure at the current Patrick Henry location is ideal for serving community events, as well as businesses on both Maple and Church. Because of its central location and importance to the town, any new library should be an architectural jewel.
What are your ideal height and building sizes for developments in the Maple Avenue Ordinance?
As I have stated for over seven years, I would not set height or building size limits, or even the geographical limits for a new Maple Avenue redevelopment district until we have a good understanding of how much additional density our main street can absorb. I would also favor allowing higher density only in the core area of town. If mixed use is proposed, then the residential portions must include sufficient green space, parks and common space for their own use.
People interested in learning more about Anderson’s campaign can check out his website, Facebook and Twitter.
Photo courtesy Chuck Anderson
At a digital town hall yesterday, Del. Mark Keam (D-35th) discussed potential issues for delaying the fast-approaching Town of Vienna election.
Gov. Ralph Northam issued a statement several days ago asking the General Assembly to postpone the upcoming May 5 election to November so people can avoid all non-essential outings to ease the COVID-19 pandemic.
Northam suggested that local elections be moved to Nov. 3, but Vienna Mayor Laurie DiRocco issued a letter in response saying she would prefer June 23.
“The ability for local elections to get attention during the presidential-election cycle will be extremely challenging and expensive for candidates who usually have limited resources and budgets,” she wrote.
While Keam said he agrees the election should get pushed — and encourages all of his delegates to follow CDC guidelines and social distancing order — he also said that there are reasons elections usually occur during a certain time of year.
Given the uncertainty and confusion about the coronavirus pandemic, Keam said there is currently “absolutely no consensus” on when the elections should be held.
The issue with holding the election on June 23, according to Keam, is that the federal elections are set to be held around that time as well — which is out of the control of smaller districts.
“You can’t have two different ballots being issued on the same day,” he said.
If the election were to even be held a few days after June 23, like the 25 or 26 for example, this wouldn’t work either, Keam said, because the polling machines need to be locked up for 30 days in accordance with state law. This gives election staffers time to recount votes if necessary, clear the machines and inspect the machines to ensure “integrity in the voting process.”
Keam also brought up the recent Wisconsin elections, which were held earlier this month. Despite expert suggestions to stay home, many voters chose not to fill out absentee ballots and instead headed to the polls in person.
“We’ll know in about two weeks how many of those people went out to vote last Tuesday ended up with COVID. We hope very few, but there is a chance the epidemic might spike in Wisconson because the election was held against the wishes of some government officials,” Keam said. “We don’t want that happening in Virginia.”
Next Wednesday (April 22), the General Assembly will consider Northam’s request to move the local elections across Virginia to Nov. 3.
Image via Facebook Live
While most of the Vienna police’s recent cases have involved domestic disputes, the police department did receive a report about a theft.
In this week’s “Police Highlights,” a resident in the 600 block of Spring Street SE reported that someone tool the hockey net that the resident left near the curb in front of the house.
The theft occurred some time between 2-7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15.
In a separate incident, the owner of the 7-Eleven (427 Maple Ave E.) said that one of the front glass doors was damage around 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.
Photo via Facebook
Drive-Thru Testing Site in Falls Church — “Right by Washington-Liberty High School on Quincy St. is a drive-thru coronavirus testing site. Testing at the site, run by Arlington County and Virginia Hospital Center, is by appointment only.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Vienna Officials Tackle Budget Scenarios — “Because various revenue sources likely will take hits before and during fiscal 2021, which begins July 1, town officials provided the Council with three budget scenarios that calculated revenue losses based upon different dates for when government operations and society at-large return to normal.” [Inside NoVa]
No Reopening Date Yet For Farmers Markets — “Many farmers markets were expected to open within the next few weeks but were indefinitely delayed because of safety concerns over COVID-19, according to Fairfax County’s website.” [Reston Now]
Support Local Journalism! — Our sister site Reston Now now has a Patreon account for $6 or $10/month memberships. If you are able to, please consider supporting to keep the lights on at a local news site. [Patreon]
We recommend people wear face coverings when they are in public settings, especially when it is hard to maintain social distancing, such as in a store. Cloth face coverings should be made of tightly woven fabric and should fully cover the mouth and nose. https://t.co/1XAzn7dOTa
— Jeff McKay (@JeffreyCMcKay) April 14, 2020
The Vienna Town Council has new measures to help businesses and residents struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last night (Monday), the council approved extending the deadline for real estate taxes, along with changing the town’s meal tax provision, according to a town press release.
“Even though the Town has its own significant, pandemic-related financial impacts to address, Town Council wants to make what temporary changes it can to assist our restaurants and property owners,” Mayor Laurie DiRocco said in the press release.
Now, the first 2020 installment of real estate taxes in the town will be due on Aug. 28. Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors also extended its real estate tax deadline to August.
As for the meal tax, the town adopted an emergency ordinance that will be in effect from April 14 to June 13, the press release said.
“For the next 60 days, through June 13, the Town will waive any penalty and interest fees for late payments. In addition, the Town will increase the on-time payment discount from 3% to 10%,” the press release said, adding that restaurants pay collect meal tax payments from diners to the town.
People who are staying home and looking to do some reading can still order books while supporting local businesses.
Tysons Reporter rounded up the book stores around Falls Church, Vienna, Merrifield and Tysons that are offering delivery services and curbside pickup.
The Falls Church bookstore (2200 N. Westmoreland Street) is offering virtual offer talks, online book groups and delivery for book orders.
The store stopped offering curbside delivery to encourage people to stay at home, according to its website.
Staff are taking phone and online orders for people living in parts of North Arlington, Falls Church and McLean. Bibliophiles can get their orders delivered or shipped.
People looking to support the bookstore can buy gift cards and become Libro.fm members.
The comic book and game store (586 S. Washington Street) is accepting orders and making deliveries within 10 miles of the shop at noon and 5 p.m. daily, according to Facebook posts.
The Falls Church store will start closing at 6 p.m. every day “for the foreseeable future,” a Facebook post said.
The indie bookshop (110 Church Street NW) in Vienna is taking phone and email orders with “minimal contact” curbside pickup and “Bike Pedalers delivery service,” according to its website.
People can order bottles of wine, snacks and games along with their books. Gift cards are also available.
Events and book clubs have been cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Leah may not be able to make it into the store, but that doesn't mean we don't have a fun announcement for #NewReleaseTuesday. Introducing, Bike Pedalers, Bards Alley's local delivery service in partnership with Bikes@Vienna! Have a Vienna zip code? We'll deliver, free of charge! pic.twitter.com/xDEreMY3ut
— Bards Alley Bookshop (@BardsAlley) March 24, 2020
The comic book store chain is offering 25% off graphic novels, hardcovers, and softcover, according to its website.
The Vienna store (426 E. Maple Avenue) is temporarily closed, but accepting mail order delivery orders, according to the website.
People can find information about Facebook Live events on the store’s Facebook page.
The bookstore giant has two local stores: Tysons Corner Center and the Mosaic District.
Both locations are temporarily closed but offering curbside pickup for online orders, according to its website.
Barnes and Noble has information about its upcoming live events on Facebook and Instagram.
Photo via One More Page Books/Facebook
After 9-year-old Vienna resident Matteo Lambert pledged to help local businesses by returning the money they previously donated to his charity, he ended up surpassing his goal.
With the help of a GoFundMe page, Matteo and his dad Brandon Lambert were able to crowdsource $3,276, which is now in the hands of 10 local businesses that are struggling because of the pandemic.
Matteo, along with help from his father, personally delivered checks to the doors or mailboxes of the local businesses he decided to support. The pair was sure to take necessary health precautions, Brandon said.
Originally, the pair’s goal was to raise $2,020 to simply payback eight businesses that originally helped him fundraise for Hopecam, which allows severely ill cancer patients to connect digitally with friends and fight social isolation.
Now, the money will not only go to support the original eight, but also to Ciao Osteria and Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant — two businesses that Matteo said have gone above and beyond to assist their communities in this time of crisis.
Last Thursday (April 9), the owners of Skorpios Maggio’s donated meals to town employees who help keep the local parks in good shape, Sherry Maggio, one of the eatery’s owners, told Tysons Reporter.
Ciao Osteria, though located in Centreville, has been active in response to the COVID-19 crisis and donated meals to first responders in the last few weeks, according to its website.
Other businesses that will benefit from the fundraiser include:
- Bazin’s On Church
- Grassroots Fitness
- Karin’s Florist
- Machine Swimming School
- The Vienna Inn
- Dr. Eva Pleta Dentistry
- Dr. Jack Weil Pediatric Dentistry
- Ghaffari Orthodontics
Though Matteo and other kids will start online classes through Fairfax County today (April 14), the father-son pair said they now plan on using their extra time to sew capes for kids in hospitals through Matteo’s non-profit Off the Charts Club. The organization helps to empower kids despite any disability or challenge they might be facing.
“We are just trying to make a difference in the community and do anything we can to help others,” Matteo said.
Photos courtesy Lambert Family
Delay Developments? — “Some county residents and organizations are questioning the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor’s decision to proceed with voting on land use cases and other development matters.” [Reston Now]
Falls Church Senior Homes Fighting Virus — “On Monday, the Virginia Department of Health reported 16 of the 53 long term care outbreaks have occurred in the Fairfax Health District alone and, now, the News-Press has learned at least two City of Falls Church senior homes are battling the coronavirus, with one reporting as many as eight positive cases.” [Falls Church News-Press]
From Liquor to Hand Sanitizer — “Falls Church Distillers’ second batch of hand sanitizer was delivered and picked up on Sunday. By the third week of April, the distillery will have produced over 3,000 gallons. The third and fourth batches are planned for the next two weeks and the distillery hopes to produce another 3,000 gallons in early May.” [Falls Church News-Press]
New COVID-19 Peak Projection — “Easing Virginia’s stay-at-home order on June 10 could result in a significant spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in mid-summer, according to projections released today by the University of Virginia’s Biocomplexity Institute.” [Inside NoVa]
Going to Fresh Market? Wear a Mask — “The Fresh Market, an upscale grocery store chain with two Northern Virginia locations, will require customers to wear face coverings due to the new coronavirus outbreak. The requirement is already in effect for workers, and customers will need to wear face coverings starting on Tuesday, April 14.” [Vienna Patch]
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
It took 5 years and a pandemic for my family to find random short cuts to the W&OD Trail, which have led to other great discoveries.
I’ve also noticed the W&OD Trail is getting really crowded, especially on great weather days, so I am sharing some of my favorite places to explore for a walk, kid friendly hike, or our personal favorite — places to throw rocks into water. Given the CDC guidance right now on walking or biking to these places, please share other hidden paths with us in the comments so others might explore their own neighborhoods as well!
- Wildwood Park: Access points at the end of Mashie Drive near OLGC, the end of Delano/Alma, the end of Valley, and from the intersection of Fellini Ct/W&OD Trail — short path with lots of places to jump on rocks, see deer and throw stones into the water. I’ve seen people fishing in this water, but I have yet to see any actual fish.
- Northside Park: The current location for the “LOVE” letter installation — access at the end of Glyndon, Talisman Drive or the W&OD Trail.
- Foxstone Park: Paved and gravel paths along with a stream. Access at the end of Druid Hill Rd NE, John Marshall Dr NE and Ridge Lane.
- Wolftrap Stream Valley Park: Includes a basketball court, paved path, and a stream. Access behind Cardinal Hill Swim Club or Talisman Drive.
- Daniels Run Park: Many easy access points along Old Lee Highway side streets (Heritage, Parklane, Embassy, Queen Anne and St Andrews) located next to Army Navy Country Club. Gravel paths, stream and easy hill climb.
- Difficult Run: Begins in Great Falls/McLean and has a 9 mile loop trail that ends by Colvin Run Road; there’s also a Difficult Run Stream Valley Park in Oakton which runs along Difficult Run River.
- Peterson Lane Park: We discovered this hidden path when we first moved to Vienna — there’s an access point on Riviera Drive as well as the main access on Vale. There are basketball hoops, as well as a trail with streams.
If none of these are easily accessible to you, you can use Trail Buddy on the Fairfax County website so explore other paths near you. We have found this to be a great way to get the kids outside and burn off some energy with the walk there and home.
An assault took place at Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant after people asked for utensils for food they purchased elsewhere, according to police and the owners.
The alleged incident happened shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday (April 8) at 421 Maple Ave E., Vienna police say.
“The restaurant owners reported some people came into the restaurant requesting utensils for some food they purchased elsewhere,” the police report said. “After providing the individuals with the utensils, an altercation occurred between all parties.”
Juan Vazquez, a spokesperson for the Vienna Police Department, declined to comment on the case, saying that it’s an active investigation.
The owners behind the restaurant, Chris and Sherry Maggio, posted about the alleged assault on Facebook. The photos they posted show food on Chris and covering the ground and window outside of the restaurant.
Sherry Maggio told Tysons Reporter that females came in asking for utensils before the situation became violent and messy with thrown food.
“It was just this whole messy thing,” Sherry said, claiming the females returned with men who allegedly pushed Chris before the police came.
Though the couple said they are both okay, Sherry said that they are concerned for their safety.
Vazquez said that all of the people involved in the incident were told about the warrant process if they want to press charges.
This isn’t the first time police received reports of an assault at the restaurant.
The restaurant was vandalized about half of a dozen times this winter, which included smeared ketchup on the restaurant’s windows and van and “tire slime” placed on the sidewalk, furniture and statue outside, according to Vienna police reports.
In January, a man spat at Sherry and threw hot coffee on her, according to Vienna police reports. Police arrested a 34-year-old man and charged him with simple assault and battery.
Vazquez said that the alleged assault on Wednesday isn’t connected to the previous incidents.
The restaurant plans to stay open with limited hours, the post added.
“We understand that this is a very stressful time for all and it seems like things are not getting better,” the Facebook post said. “We, as part of the Town of Vienna believe that we are in this together.”
Catherine Douglas Moran and Ashley Hopko reported and wrote this story
Photos via Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant/Facebook
