Letters to the Editor

Ticketing Policy Could Be Matter of Semantics

I read with interest City Manager Dan McKeever's denial that Falls Church has traffic ticket quotas for its police officers (Falls Church News-Press 8/12/2004). In my very first conversation with a Falls Church police officer when we moved here two years ago a friendly young officer told me, "You'll like living here in Falls Church, but be careful to observe the speed limits because we have quotas and we do enforce the limits pretty strictly." I have appreciated that advice ever since, especially when I pass a police cruiser that has stopped yet another speeding motorist, which is frequent, usually on Broad Street. It may just be a matter of semantics, but it does appear that the police have some sort of incentive to strictly enforce the speed limits in the city. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.
Richard Price; Falls Church

Setting Record Straight on West End Park

I'd like to tell you more about why I've become a volunteer adviser to the plans proposed by Falls Church Housing Corporation to develop a mixed use building project for senior citizens with up to 70, one bedroom apartments, affordable to those in moderate retirement income brackets.

I am now familiar with the particulars of the project plan, and consequently, I feel the need to set the record straight on specifics about the proposed structure and its impact on the West End Park. The structure will not exceed 55 ft in height, which is the height permitted for a mixed use building approved within Falls Church's commercial districts. The full 55 feet will only be visible from the ground on the building frontage that most directly faces W Broad and the nearby bike trail as it crosses at W Broad. From adjacent residential and parkland frontages, the building will rise 35-40 ft above ground level because the architects are designing it to be nestled into the natural terrain that rises up as it goes away from Broad St. Trees bordering the residential lots behind the proposed building will not be disturbed, and they are already creating a natural border that is easily 35 feet or higher. And all the residential parking is planned to be underground - not visible from anywhere that matters.

The building plan provides for a structure that will be sensitive to its surroundings in massing, materials and design. Yes, it will be the first of its kind on that part of Broad Street. But, it will certainly not be the last mixed use structure to be built in the West End. In time, additional and taller structures will eventually be constructed. Once that kind of development is completed, the proposed five-story residences will be viewed as a well designed transition building buffering the park and protecting the single family residences beyond.

As to adding new useable land to the West End Park-the City's promised parcel from the Fire Department is 28,481 sq feet. The completely open grassy area contiguous to the current park will be left intact by the West End View plan. This ground measures 23,638 sq feet, not including the landscape features that will be added immediately within the building envelope. In the end, over 80% of the original parcel will be owned and cared for by the City as an actual addition to the existing park.
Daniel Sze; Falls Church