Residents want street lighting that improves safety while using modern, well-designed fixtures that protect neighborhood character, reduce light pollution, and respect nearby homes.

 Positive Example & Design Preferences

 Lighting along Barton and 16th Streets in Arlington Village seen as a model: well-spaced, safe, and preserves neighborhood character.

• Preference for old-style LED lights with warm glow, tilted wands, and adjustable lumens instead of harsh “cobra” lights.
• Support for continuing original Columbia Pike design
• Side streets should have softer, warmer lighting; brighter/cooler lights only for main corridors.

Safety Concerns

• 16th Street S near the park is dangerously dark and needs a
• Lighting should focus on streets, sidewalks, steps, and bus stops for pedestrian safety.
• Walkers at night value lighting but dislike overly bright “spotlight”

Light Pollution & Residential Impact

• Strong concerns about lights shining into homes; desire for shielded/focused fixtures.
• Requests for shades or coverings to reduce glare, skyglow, and ecological impacts.
• No upward-radiating lights; only downward-focused
• Balance between safety and preserving nighttime

Technology & Style Suggestions

• Use latest lighting technology: efficient, directional, and
• Mix of blue/white lights for efficiency on main streets and warm/yellow lights in neighborhoods.
• Consider lessons from Reston’s softer approach to neighborhood
• Improve durability of light pole bases against dog

General Sentiments

• Desire for both safety and
• Frustration with past “wars” over LED lighting
• Some neighbors express trust in the process even without strong

Here are the top 5 takeaways from the comments:

1. Safety first – Lighting is most needed on dark streets, sidewalks, and bus stops, especially 16th Street S near the park.
2. Right light for the right place – Brighter, cooler lights on main corridors; softer, warmer lights in neighborhoods and side
3. Shielding & focus – Fixtures should direct light down onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or the sky (to reduce glare, light pollution, and ecological impact).
4. Design matters – Preference for neighborhood-friendly styles (like Arlington Village or Columbia Pike’s old-style LEDs), not harsh “cobra”
5. Balance & trust – Residents value safety but want ambiance preserved; many trust the county will be responsive in

Summarize: Should the lighting design differ between main corridors (e.g., Columbia Pike, Walter Reed Drive) and residential side streets?

Out of 78 responses:

• 32 said Yes (41%) – lighting design should differ between main corridors and residential side streets.
• 46 said No (59%) – lighting design should not

Overall, a majority (about 59%) prefer a consistent lighting design, while about 41% support different designs for corridors vs. neighborhoods.

Here’s a summary of the Additional Comments or Suggestions:

Key Themes

1.    Safety Concerns

• Lighting needed at Walter Reed/16th Street S intersection

and 16th Street S near the park (dangerous, poor visibility).

• Lights should focus on streets, sidewalks, steps, and bus stops.

2.    Lighting Quality & Technology

• Strong preference for shielded, focused lights that illuminate streets/sidewalks without shining into homes.
• Support for modern LED designs that adjust brightness based on time of night.
• Request for shades or coverings to reduce glare and light

3.    Neighborhood Character

• Arlington Village and Columbia Pike’s old-style LED lighting

Praised as good examples.

• Desire to avoid harsh, utilitarian “cobra” lights that harm neighborhood ambiance.
• Call for soft, warm lights in residential areas and brighter, cooler lights only on main corridors.

4.    Balance of Safety & Ambiance

• Too-bright “spotlight” style lighting makes some feel less safe.
• Residents value a blend of safety and aesthetics, with softer neighborhood lighting.
• Some reference Reston’s softer, less intense lighting approach as a model.

5.    Other Practical Notes

• Request for clear reporting method for burned-out fixtures.
• Concern about light pole bases being damaged by dogs.
• Frustration that lighting changes (like LED rollouts) become

“moving targets” with neighborhood disputes.

Overall sentiment: Residents want safe, well-placed lighting that uses modern, shielded technology while preserving neighborhood character, reducing light pollution, and avoiding overly bright fixtures near homes.

Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from the additional comments:

1. Safety first – Add lighting at dark spots (e.g., Walter Reed/16th St S, 16th St S near the park) and focus on sidewalks, steps, and bus
2. Shield and focus lights – Fixtures should direct light onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or upward (reduce glare and light pollution).
3. Neighborhood-friendly design – Favor warm, softer lights in residential areas; keep brighter, cooler lights on main
4. Preserve character – Models like Arlington Village and Columbia Pike’s old-style LEDs are preferred over harsh “cobra” lights.

Practical improvements – Easier way to report outages, use durable light poles, and avoid overly

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the Columbia Heights streetlight project. The survey closed on September 15, 2025, and we greatly appreciate the thoughtful input we received from residents. Your comments will help us identify where lighting is most needed and guide decisions about the type of fixtures that best balance safety, livability, and neighborhood character.

Next steps: The input from the survey and the July 27 community walk will be used to update the project plan. The final proposal will be reviewed by the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC) later this fall or winter.

We’ll keep you informed as the project moves forward. Thank you again for helping to shape this important improvement for our community.

Sincerely,
Columbia Heights Civic Association

Street Light Project on South Edgewood and Cleveland – Community Input Needed

Dear Neighbors,

The street light project that the Columbia Heights Civic Association applied for several years ago is moving forward this fall. Originally, the plan was to install streetlights along South Edgewood—from Columbia Heights to 13th Road—turning east for one block, then continuing down Cleveland Street back to Columbia Heights, forming a U-shaped route.

Since the original proposal, Arlington County has installed some lighting along parts of this route. Before the project proceeds, we need to assess the current conditions and identify any remaining gaps.

We are inviting you to join us for a community evening walk on Sunday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. We will meet at the corner of South Edgewood and 11th Street. This walk will help us identify areas that may still need additional lighting.

Your input is essential to ensure this project reflects the community’s needs. The final plan will be reviewed by the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC) this fall or winter.

Please let us know if you have any concerns about street lighting in this area—even if you can’t attend the walk.

Thank you for helping us move this important safety and neighborhood improvement project forward.

Sincerely,
Sarah McKinley (email: sarah.mckinley1952@gmail.com)

Columbia Heights Civic Association

1. Public Transportation

Issues:

• Lack of Fixed-Rail Transit: After the cancellation of the streetcar project in 2014, residents have expressed frustration about the lack of a high-capacity, fixed-rail transit option, especially given population growth.
• Bus Congestion and Reliability: Columbia Pike is served by several Metrobus and ART routes, but buses are often delayed due to traffic congestion and a lack of dedicated lanes.
• Insufficient Bus Infrastructure: Some stops lack shelters, real-time information, or ADA-compliant features, which affects usability, especially for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Connectivity Gaps: There are limited direct transit connections to other key areas of Arlington or to Metrorail stations without transfers.

2. Traffic and Road Congestion

Issues:

• High Vehicle Volume: Columbia Pike carries a significant amount of east-west car traffic, often leading to backups at intersections, especially during peak hours.
• Limited Turn Lanes and Signal Timing Issues: Poor signal coordination and insufficient turn lanes slow traffic and create safety hazards.
• Cut-Through Traffic: Side streets see increased use as drivers avoid congestion on the Pike, raising concerns in residential neighborhoods.

3. Pedestrian Infrastructure

Issues:

• Inconsistent Sidewalk Coverage and Width: Some areas have narrow or missing sidewalks, especially near construction zones or older developments.
• Crossing Safety: Long distances between crosswalks, inadequate lighting, and a lack of pedestrian signals at some intersections endanger walkers.
• Snow and Ice Clearance: After storms, sidewalks on the Pike often go uncleared for days, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
• Construction Disruptions: Ongoing redevelopment can block sidewalks or force unsafe pedestrian detours.

4. Biking

Issues:

• Lack of Protected Bike Lanes: Most of Columbia Pike lacks protected or even painted bike lanes, making it unsafe for cyclists to use the corridor directly.
• Poor Connectivity to Trails: While there are nearby bike trails (e.g., W&OD Trail), connections to and from Columbia Pike are not well-marked or safe.
• Driver Behavior: Fast-moving traffic and limited cyclist visibility create hostile conditions for biking.

5. Electric Scooters and Micromobility

Issues:

• Sidewalk Clutter and Accessibility: Dockless scooters are often parked haphazardly, blocking sidewalks and ramps, especially near bus stops.
• Safety and Regulation: Riders often use sidewalks due to fear of sharing lanes with fast-moving vehicles, endangering pedestrians.
• Lack of Clear Lanes or Rules: There is confusion among users and drivers about where scooters are allowed, and enforcement is minimal.

Summary of Needs and Opportunities

• Dedicated Transit Lanes and improved bus infrastructure
• Protected bike lanes and safe trail connections
• Wider, well-maintained sidewalks with safe crossings
• Traffic calming and pedestrian-first signal timing
• Designated scooter parking zones and clearer regulations
• Year-round maintenance, including snow clearance for pedestrians and cyclists

A Great Day at the Arlington Blues Festival!

The 2025 Arlington Blues Festival was a true celebration of music, community, and cultural diversity. We were honored to be joined by Arlington County Board member Takis Karantonis, festival volunteer Ron Haddox, and blues legend Rick Franklin, who helped make the event unforgettable.

Their shared passion for the blues and dedication to the local arts scene reflect the spirit of this festival, bringing people together through the power of music. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this day so special!

CHCA General Meeting Agenda – Zoom 4/22/2025 7:00pm

1. Welcome and Introductions

– Facilitator: Ron Haddox and Sarah McKinley
– Overview of agenda and meeting purpose

2. Updates on Personal Matters

– Announcement of Sarah McKinley’s upcoming retirement

– Brief discussion on the transition from NCAC to Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC)

3. Equity Funding and Community Project Opportunities

– Presentation by Sarah McKinley on a study identifying 27 neighborhoods eligible for equity funding based on income and racial demographics

– Brainstorming on potential community projects:
– Playground improvements at Walter Reed Park and Cleveland Park pocket park
– Acknowledgement of limited funding ($1 million total) and competitive environment

4. Project Proposals and Funding Considerations

– Review of existing streetlight improvement project
– Exploration of acquiring free trees for the neighborhood
– Discussion on children’s playground equipment as a manageable and impactful proposal
– Emphasis on realistic, well-scoped projects to increase chances of funding success
– Consideration of:
– Competing proposals from other neighborhoods
– Prioritizing local infrastructure and community needs
– Aligning projects with available funding opportunities

5. Pickleball – Next Steps and Action Items

In Arlington County, pickleball’s rapid growth has led to noise complaints and concerns about court access, prompting the county to address these issues through projects like the Walter Reed Outdoor Pickleball Court Project and exploring solutions like sound reduction measures and dedicated pickleball courts.

Here’s a more detailed look at the pickleball issues in Arlington County:

1. Noise Concerns:

Growing Popularity:

Pickleball’s popularity has surged, leading to increased use of parks and community center courts, particularly at Walter Reed Community Center.

Neighborly Discomfort:

Residents near these courts have voiced concerns about the noise generated by pickleball games, especially during early mornings and late evenings.

Examples of Noise Complaints:

Some residents have described the noise as “excessive” and “borderline torture,” leading to calls for solutions and even threats of legal action.

Arlington County’s Response:

Arlington County officials are working to find a middle ground, addressing concerns and exploring solutions to mitigate noise.

Sound Reduction Measures:

The county is committed to incorporating sound reduction measures as part of the Walter Reed Outdoor Pickleball Court Project.

Acoustic Fencing:

Arlington County has spent over $150,000 on acoustic fencing at local parks, including at Marcey Road Park, to help manage pickleball noise.

2. Court Access and Usage:

Multi-Use Courts:

Some courts are used for both pickleball and tennis, leading to potential conflicts and concerns about access.

Dedicated Pickleball Courts:

The county is planning to create dedicated pickleball courts at the Walter Reed Community Center, aiming to address the issue of multi-use courts.

Online Reservation Systems:

Some residents have suggested an online reservation system to manage court access and reduce arguments over who gets to use the space.

Walter Reed Outdoor Pickleball Court Project:

This project at Walter Reed Community Center and Park will address the multi-use tennis and pickleball courts, with construction anticipated to start in early 2025 and be completed in late 2025 or early 2026.

Project Goals:

The project aims to create 6 dedicated pickleball courts, incorporate sound reduction measures, provide seating and shade, improve pathways with ADA access, manage stormwater, and implement signage and landscaping.

3. Other Issues:

Bullying and After-Hours Urination:

Some residents have also raised concerns about pickleball players allegedly bullying children and engaging in after-hours public urination on playgrounds.

Parking Lot Issues:

The popularity of pickleball has also led to parking lot congestion at popular locations.

Arlington County’s Approach:

Arlington County is taking a measured approach to addressing pickleball, providing play opportunities while diversifying the impact of the sport.

Adding Multi-Use Courts:

Arlington County is adding multi-use courts to the inventory.

Undertaking a Process to Create Courts Dedicated for Pickleball Play:

The county is undertaking a process to create courts dedicated for pickleball play only at the Walter Reed Community Center.

– Identify key stakeholders and volunteers to address our concerns
– Determine timeline for submitting our concerns and issues
– Plan for follow-up discussions and updates

Ron Haddox is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CHCA General Meeting Agenda – Zoom 4/22/2025 7:00pm
Time: Apr 22, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87329799736?pwd=QkUtJsVVlRpUVBTbOOap4q84mYcwok.1

Meeting ID: 873 2979 9736
Passcode: 206379

—

One tap mobile
+13092053325,,87329799736#,,,,*206379# US
+13126266799,,87329799736#,,,,*206379# US (Chicago)

—

Dial by your location
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US

Meeting ID: 873 2979 9736
Passcode: 206379

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcKSm5gysS

Topics:

Updates on Personal Matters
Ron Haddox initiated the meeting, welcoming Edward Miltenberger and discussing the agenda. Sarah McKinley provided an update on her health situation following a cat bite and mentioned her upcoming retirement. The conversation also touched on the funding changes related to the organization formerly known as NCAC, now the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC).

Discussion on Equity Funding and Community Projects
Sarah McKinley presented findings from a study that identified 27 neighborhoods eligible for equity funding based on income and racial demographics. The group is considering projects to enhance playground facilities, with suggestions including improvements at Walter Reed and the Cleveland Park pocket park. They acknowledged the challenges of competing for a limited $1 million funding package and discussed the need for practical project proposals.
* Consideration of playground equipment improvements in local parks.

Project Proposals and Funding Considerations
Sarah McKinley outlined the existing streetlight project and the possibility of acquiring free trees for the neighborhood. Edward Miltenberger proposed considering children’s playground equipment as a project, while McKinley emphasized the need for realistic proposals given the competition for funding. Ron Haddox supported the idea of focusing on manageable projects.
* Evaluation of competing proposals from other neighborhoods for funding.
* Exploration of community needs and potential projects to enhance local infrastructure.
* Discussion of funding opportunities for neighborhood projects.

Discussion on Reggie’s Estate and Proposal Updates
Ron Haddox asked about the celebration of life arrangements for Reggie. No update as of yet.

Community Engagement and Current Issues
Ron Haddox and Edward Miltenberger reviewed their participation in recent community meetings, emphasizing the need to focus on budget issues. They mentioned a session led by Takis that featured local business leaders, including Sandra, the owner of Abi Azteca Grill & Bar. The discussion also touched on the fears within immigrant communities regarding deportation and the impact on local businesses.