Charlie Clark reported (“Our Man in Arlington,” May 6) on the opening of the new 160-unit subsidized housing project in Arlington built on land previously used for an American Legion Post on Washington Boulevard. This $77 million project was financed mainly through public funds including $12 million from Arlington County, and an average unit cost nearly $500,000 each.

Members of the Women’s History Group, the working organizers of last Sunday’s very successful Women’s Walk honoring the many women who have played major roles in shaping the Falls Church-area history, want to express our gratitude to the Group’s intrepid leader, Sally Ekfelt.

Many readers have seen the signs begin to pop up around their neighborhoods. White ink on a blue background, bearing the words “re-elect Don Beyer.” I see these iconic yard signs every two years in the fall, and my family has a dedicated spot for ours in our corner yard. Only this year, they’re a little different, as they now include an addition: “June 21, 2022,” the date of this year’s Democratic primary.

FCNP coverage of the Falls Church budget process praises the “slashing” of the Falls Church property tax rate from $1.32/$100.00 to $1.23/$100.00. The coverage fails to note, however, that even after this “deepest” rate cut our city will continue to impose by far the highest property tax rate in the state of Virginia. Falls Church imposes a disproportionate tax burden on home owners, not because this is necessitated by “costlier burdens determined by scale,” but because our city government chooses not to tax businesses as other municipalities across the state routinely do.

Video games over the last couple years have gotten a lot of backlash, but that is not new. Ever since video games have existed, there has been one thing parents and the government have complained about. That video games cause violence.

According to an article on the proposed cut in property taxes, it was noted that the City is “awash in cash.” I have a few ideas for how the money could be put to good use for all the residents, not just homeowners.

Thank you for printing the testimonial for Debby Smyth which I have learned was done so wonderfully by Gail Opitz, her companion for the past 32 years. Debby and Gail were companion residents in Winter Hill and both were known widely in our community as friendly, helpful and understanding neighbors. Together they were considered the axis around which the community of Winter Hill revolved.

I read with interest the (April 7, 2022) News Briefs highlighting the $5 Million in Area Infrastructure Funds Secured by Rep. Beyer. Rep. Beyer is simply doing his job and by conventional political standards he is doing it well as the representative of his Congressional district. Securing federal funds for such worthy projects as the Glencarlyn Park Pedestrian Bridge to Body Worn Cameras for the Alexandria Police Department to traffic and safety solutions from Belle Haven to Alexandria is laudable. BUT and there should be a but when the federal gross national debt has surpassed $30 trillion for the first time.

Last night (4/11) at the City Council meeting, the council passed the Earth Day 2022 Proclamation, which states Falls Church is “reaffirming the Council’s commitment to take action to achieve the regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals developed by MWCOG,” through “continued investment in and commitment to a transit-accessible, walkable and bikeable community with energy efficient buildings powered by renewable energy.”

My name is James (Jim) Kelley. My wife, Margaret (Margo) Tully, and I moved to The Broadway in April 2004 as soon as the City began issuing occupancy permits.