Falls Church City Comment Box: #522. (Oldie.) Partier Loses Camera

Submission ID: 522 Date Submitted: 1/1/2013 2:24:08 PM Status: Closed (2/1/2013 3:27:53 PM) Location (if any): Details: Happy new year! During Watch Night, I lost a camera case and battery somewhere along Broad Street or in the parking lot behind Hunan Cafe. Does the City or the Police Department collect items found at the event and offer a way for people to refind these items?

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 2/1/2013 3:27:48 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. Sometimes items are turned in to the Police Department but unfortunately a camera has not been turned in. Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #521 (Oldie). (In)Action on Predatory Towing

Submission ID: 521 Date Submitted: 1/1/2013 12:15:38 AM Status: Closed (2/1/2013 3:35:29 PM) Location (if any): Falls Church City Details: My car was towed and I noticed that the towing company went into my car to retrieve my parking pass. I (registered owner) nor anyone else was present - is this even legal? Thank you

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/27/2013 8:28:24 AM Update Type: User Feedback Details: Hello was there an update on this request or further information regarding the legality of them entering my vehicle? Please advise. Date of Update: 1/7/2013 6:17:45 PM Update Type: User Feedback Details: Hi, I was located at 513 West Broad Street. The towing company's name was Pete's Towing. I used a building/management issued parking permit and placed it on my dash. When I went to retrieve my car from the towyard, the parking permit had been removed (which means they entered my car). I am not debating the towing of my car, but I am concerned that they entered my car. Thank you for any information you can provide. Date of Update: 1/2/2013 12:15:06 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. Would you please provide the location of your vehicle when towed and the towing company?

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Leave a comment for Falls Church City Hall here.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #520 (Oldie). No Feedback For You!

Submission ID: 520 Date Submitted: 12/31/2012 10:51:15 AM Status: Closed (1/2/2013 12:10:50 PM) Location (if any): Details: I appreciate the ability to provide comments and feedback via the CLASS system. I would like to get greater feedback from the system. For instance, to be able to login and see all the cases I've submitted along with their resolution. I often get feedback via emali that my submission was forwarded to the appropriate party but I rarely get any more feedback on it unless I try to find the receipt email with the tracking number and login to see what has happened.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/2/2013 12:10:45 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately with staff limitations, feedback won't necessarily be provided for all submissions.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #516 (Oldie). In the dark.

Submission ID: 516 Date Submitted: 12/11/2012 7:53:41 PM Status: Closed (12/12/2012 9:32:47 AM) Location (if any): Cavalier Trail Park Tennis Court Details: My wife and I walked to Cavalier Trail Park this evening at 7:00pm to play tennis and the lights were off on the courts. The lights on the basketball court were on. We typically don't get home from work until six. Please ensure the tennis lights are on later. Thanks, James

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 12/12/2012 9:32:39 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. The lights at the Cavalier Park tennis and basketball courts are controlled individually. The on and off control for the tennis court lights is on the post by the gate where you enter the courts. If there is someone waiting to play tennis after you, do not turn the lights off as it will take 25 minutes for the lights to come back on. If someone does not turn off the lights, they will stay on until 10:15 p.m.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Hubcap Street Art Demolished in Arlington / East Falls Church

Hope you caught the display we reported in March.  The I-66 widening project has since wiped it out.   

Back then:

Washington Boulevard (at 27th St., N.)

Now:

The reticent artist, who goes by the single name, Flaco, told us, "Art is, by its very nature, fleeting and ephemeral, like life.  They are as one."

Falls Church Utility Pole Beautification Project

Residents of Dorchester Road, with the cooperation of the Public Works Department, have been making that street a miniature Avenue of the Americas.

All 50 state flags are available, as are all four branches of the US armed services.  If you want just a simple US flag, that is also allowable, but the neighbors look down on that as being "insufficient flair."

Risking the neighbors' wrath with just one flag.

This resident doubles up on American flags.  One on the porch; one on the pole.  Just to be safe.

"Welcome to Dorchester Rd., where our utility poles are the most patriotic in the metro area."

Contact the Falls Church Public Works Department here to get your flag(s).

Falls Church City Comment Box: #519 (Oldie). Kudos

Submission ID: 519 Date Submitted: 12/31/2012 10:45:31 AM Status: Closed (1/2/2013 12:11:44 PM) Location (if any): Details: I really appreciate the notices from alert_DQ@alert.fallschurchva.gov about the water line break this weekend. The email notices were timely and extremely helpful. Keep them coming!

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/2/2013 12:11:39 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. I have forwarded the comment on to our Communications Department since they issue the alerts. Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #511 (Oldie). People parking in MY spot.

Submission ID: 511 Date Submitted: 11/27/2012 9:46:43 AM Status: Closed (11/27/2012 10:14:48 AM) Location (if any): Details: There are at least three resident-owned cars with no current City stickers in the 100 block of George Mason Rd. --a greenish van, a black truck, and a dark blue BMW.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 11/27/2012 10:14:32 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It will be forwarded to the Parking Enforcement Officer for his review and enforcement.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #515 (Oldie). Hit and run.

Submission ID: 515 Date Submitted: 12/11/2012 10:34:59 AM Status: Closed (12/11/2012 1:17:32 PM) Location (if any): Details: I was hit by a person driving a white Toyota RAV4 license plate WXX-1620 at 950 this morning near the 495/66 interchange on 495. The driver was a white female who was texting. After she hit the rear of my car I attempted to get her to pull over at 46 to inspect the possible damage and she move to the left lane and left without pulling over. I insspected my car and doesn't appear to have any damage but wanted to ensure you all have the report as she was breaking atleast two laws (Hit and run/Texting while driving.) If you have any questions, please contact me via email or phone in the evenings. Thank you

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 12/11/2012 12:13:54 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. The area where the incident happened is in Falls Church, Fairfax County. We will forward your submission to the State Police since they have jurisdiction over both interstates.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #514. (Oldie) Ratting out the flippers.

Submission ID: 514 Date Submitted: 12/7/2012 1:56:02 PM Status: Closed (12/7/2012 2:20:24 PM) Location (if any): Details: Hi, the house at 111 W. George Mason Rd. was bought as a flip. A 2-story addition is being built and there is no copy of a permit displayed. I know how important it is to have inspections done to ensure it is being built correctly, so I'm just checking to make sure a permit has been pulled to protect the future buyer of the house. Thank you.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 12/7/2012 2:20:14 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. The Permits Department has confirmed that the builder/contractor has building, electrical and plumbing permits. The builder/contractor will be reminded to post permits in an area visible from the public right-of-way.

111 W. George Mason, shown pre-flip (courtesy Google Maps)

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

The Story of the new Easter Seals building on Hillwood Street

Nice to hear what happened behind-the-scenes to get the new Easter Seals facility built.  

An excerpt from Todd Ray's article in the 3 July 2014 Falls Church News-Press:

The City of Falls Church had a problem. It was renting surplus space to the Easter Seals Child Development Center of Northern Virginia, a much needed social services program, but its growing public school system was in need of the space. 

Ending Easter Seals’ lease meant losing an important community service. As municipalities throughout Northern Virginia become larger and more prosperous, non-profits like Easter Seals are going further afield to find affordable space. The City of Falls Church wanted to keep Easter Seals in its borders. A combination of fast-thinking, altruism, and collaboration allowed Easter Seals to not only stay in the City of Falls Church, but to own a beautiful new facility all its own. 

Easter Seals is a non-profit organization providing services for millions of children and adults living with a variety of conditions, from autism to cancer. The Easter Seals Child Development Center (CDC) in Falls Church provides programs for children, with and without disabilities, from six weeks old to five years old. In the area, it is one of a limited number of organizations serving populations with special needs. 

For James Snyder, Director of Planning and Development Services for the City of Falls Church, keeping the Easter Seals Center in the City was imperative, but there was no new space to house the program. Snyder had an idea.

Read the rest of his guest commentary here.  

Not included in the story are the before and after pictures.  

Before:  blight.

(Photo courtesy Google Maps)

After:  New Easter Seals facility.  Nice.

(This photo is copyrighted by the blog owner.)

Falls Church City Comment Box: #510 (Oldie). Relentless Water Meter

Submission ID: 510 Date Submitted: 11/19/2012 7:13:28 PM Status: Closed (11/20/2012 8:54:03 AM) Location (if any): 110 W. Greenway Blvd. Details: While walking down Greenway Blvd towards the 7-11 store at the end of the block, I have noticed that the area around the water meter at 110 W. Greenway Blvd has been wet for some time, even though it's been days since it has rained. At one point the water was visibly running down the street gutter until the next storm drain, although that seems to have slowed to more of a "seep" recently.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 11/20/2012 8:53:57 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission to bring this to our attention. It has been forwarded to Public Utilities so they can inspect the location.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #509 (Oldie). From Russia, With Love.

Submission ID: 509 Date Submitted: 10/29/2012 1:59:20 AM Status: Closed (10/31/2012 12:18:18 PM) Location (if any): Details: Dear Sir\Madam, I can not send this message to the HR-Office, that is why I am sending it to you. I would like to take part in a program for International and Cultural Exchange. I would like to help by Russian lessons as a native speaker abroad for some time. I am very interested in a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program. I have a complete higher pedagogical education, Ph. D. in Linguistics, I have been working with foreign students for 6 years in Russia, nowadays I am in China. I teach Russian here. It is very important to me to take part in such programs, to get to know and to adopt the best international practices in this sphere, that is why I would like to work at a University in the USA for some time. I would like to teach Russian. I would like to present my country, language, traditions and to get to know traditions of other countries, besides I would like to be useful as a native speaker helping by Russian lessons abroad. I have heard, there is an open position for a Russian Language Instructor in Falls Church, but unfortunately I can not find the school or college that are looking for it. I am really sorry for the trouble I am giving to you, but without your assistance I can’t come out in this situation. If you would have some time, could tell me the name of that school\college\university, where I can apply for the Russian Language Instructor Position. I would appreciate if you would write back to me. My e-mail is wanjuschina@yandex.ru Yours sincerely, Natalia Vanyushina.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 10/31/2012 12:18:09 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. The City of Falls Church does not have any openings for the position you mentioned. The remainder of Falls Church is in Fairfax County. I would suggest performing an on-line search for the position and specify Falls Church and see what comes up.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #507 (Oldie). People unclear on the concept.

Submission ID: 507 Date Submitted: 10/23/2012 3:27:55 AM Status: Closed (10/23/2012 9:24:53 AM) Location (if any): Details: Please send me the water bill for my house becouse i already go out from the house Jun 2012 and the bill is $300.03 my account no is 43036, please send by email ASAP. Thanks.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 10/23/2012 9:24:42 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to the Customer Service Manager so she or someone from her staff will contact you regarding your water bill. Their contact number is 703.248.5071.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #502 (Oldie). Relentless water fountain.

Submission ID: 502 Date Submitted: 10/3/2012 10:08:37 PM Status: Closed (10/4/2012 9:54:21 AM) Location (if any): Overhead bike bridge, northeast side, in the park. Details: At noon today (10/4), the fountain in the park at the foot of the overhead bicycle/pedestrian bridge was running continuously. Couldn't be turned off. Needs to be fixed. Submission Updates Date of Update: 10/4/2012 9:54:15 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. We will notify the Park Authority about the issue.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #501 (Oldie). Calling all urban foresters.

Date Submitted: 10/2/2012 3:32:15 PM Status: Closed (12/7/2012 2:23:50 PM) Location (if any): Mary Riley Styles Public Library Details: Please trim around the trees that are hitting the lamp posts outside the front door of Mary Riley Styles Library. I often walk there in the evening and really wish the walkway, stairs and sidewalk were better lit. I am confident trimming the trees will help a lot. Thank you very much.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 3/21/2013 9:37:46 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: This is to confirm that Urban Forestry has completed the tree trimming around the library. Date of Update: 3/6/2013 3:54:18 PM Update Type: User Feedback Details: Now is an excellent time for the trees in front of Mary Riley Styles Public Library to be trimmed before they leaf out. I am not aware of any response to my suggestion to date. Perhaps urban forestry is not the department to handle this in a timely manner. Thank you for your attention to lighting around the library when the trees have leafed out. It is a matter of public safety, not just personal preference. The lights will be better protected as well. Date of Update: 10/2/2012 3:47:46 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to the Urban Forestry division for their review.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #500 (Oldie). Happy ending.

Date Submitted: 10/2/2012 3:18:10 PM Status: Closed (10/2/2012 4:56:27 PM) Location (if any): Sidewalk in front of 351 James St. Details: Please repair the sidewalk in front of 351 James St. It is protruding upward about three inches close to the city tree. It happened 3 to 4 months ago. I do not know whether anyone has yet reported it. I appreciate you attention to this walking hazard. Thank you.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 10/11/2012 8:45:49 PM Update Type: User Feedback Details: The city completed its work on the sidewalk today. On behalf of all who walk there, I offer hearty thanks. It is a pleasure, not a hazard any longer. Date of Update: 10/2/2012 4:56:23 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Public Works has responded that they will schedule the work. I would imagine in the next two to three weeks, weather permitting. Date of Update: 10/2/2012 3:48:18 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to the Public Works division for their review.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #681. These traffic lights are killing us.

Submission Details

Submission ID: 681 Date Submitted: 2/11/2014 12:45:01 PM Status: Closed (2/11/2014 3:39:39 PM) Location (if any): Details: Hi; I recognized that, the traffic signals are taking too much time for pedestrians around Route 7 around Idylwood Plaza. It takes more than 10 minutes most of the times. I recognized that, all the intersection roads are allowed at least 2 times until the lights turn green for pedestrians. I need to mention that is is very dangerous because most of the people get bored and cross at red lights. Sincerely

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 2/11/2014 3:39:33 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. The location you provided is in Falls Church, Fairfax County. VDOT maintains the roadways and traffic signals in Fairfax County. Contact information for VDOT can be found at http://www.virginiadot.org/info/contactus.asp.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #680: East Columbians tired of outsiders using their street

Submission Details

Submission ID: 680 Date Submitted: 2/11/2014 8:12:39 AM Status: Open Location (if any): East Columbia Street Details: Sirs, What is the status of the submission for parking controls on East Columbia Street. I understand that a petition submission has been made to restrict parking since the street is increasingly being used as parking for the East Falls Church Metro. On a daily basis people park in front of or adjacent to my house. I look forward to hearing about the progress you have made on the petition.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 2/11/2014 8:57:15 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. I have forwarded it to engineering and transportation staff for their information and response.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #675. Worst plowing in 44 years.

Date Submitted: 1/24/2014 2:38:20 PM Status: Closed (1/24/2014 5:28:37 PM) Location (if any): [Redacted] W Rosemary Lane Details: I have loved living in Falls Church City these past 44 years. We have so of which to be proud, among which is a responsive City Hall. I dislike complaining, especially when it is about the same issue. That being said, I think our city snow plow crew does a substandard job. We live on Rosemary Lane, but I have driven all over the city and surrounding Fairfax County streets and can report that plowing is poorly done. This snow, for the first time, we parked both cars in the driveway. (We recently had the drive blacktopped so were able to do that. The plow just goes down the middle of the street so that there is much snow left several or more feet from the curb. Our part of Rosemary is pretty much bare at this point in the center, but this is not so on other FC streets. We have been lucky to not have to deal with this for several years of little snowfall, but here we are back to the same complaint. BTW, please don't excuse the drivers because cars are parked along the streets. The opposite side of Rosemary has almost no cars parked on the street, and it isn't plowed completely either. Thanks for reading.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/24/2014 5:28:32 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to Public Works for their information and response.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #674. Broadmonters feeling entitled again

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Leave a comment for Falls Church City Hall here.

Date Submitted: 1/24/2014 11:40:01 AM Status: Closed (1/24/2014 12:00:14 PM) Location (if any): Broadmont Details: 11th Street between Underwood and Van Buren, and parts of Van Buren, still have a good bit of snow and ice that need to be removed. Thanks.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/24/2014 12:00:08 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to Public Works for their information and response.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #673. Ped Crossing Signals Hosed at Broaddale Village Shopping Center

Date Submitted: 1/23/2014 9:03:38 PM Status: Closed (1/24/2014 10:52:49 AM) Location (if any): Intersection of Broad & W Annandale Details: The pedestrian walk signs at Broad / West Annandale to the Broadale Village Shopping Center do not work properly. When attempting to cross Broad, pushing the button does not cause a "Walk" signal. I've walked this route many times since the new signals were installed, with the same result.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/24/2014 10:51:53 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to Public Works so a work order can be placed.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #672. We're even more special on Gundry Drive

Date Submitted: 1/23/2014 8:59:39 PM Status: Closed (1/24/2014 10:50:02 AM) Location (if any): Gundry Dr.; W Annandale Rd Details: Significant portions of Gundry Dr. and W Annandale have 1/2"-1" of packed snow and ice. They could use some additional plowing. Thank you!

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/24/2014 10:49:57 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to Public Works for their information and response.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Your Stormwater Fees Built This Sign

My guess is -- keeping in mind government contracting rates and all -- this was about $3,000 flushed down those clean rainwater pipes.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #671. We on Cleave Drive are special.

Date Submitted: 1/23/2014 5:37:03 PM Status: Closed (1/24/2014 10:50:27 AM) Location (if any): Cleave Drive, Brook Drive, & Berry Streets Details: I am requesting another snow plow pass through on the Cleave Drive, Brook Drive horseshoe, & Berry Streets. Thank you.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/24/2014 10:50:22 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. It has been forwarded to Public Works for their information and response.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #670. Where's my water link?

Date Submitted: 1/23/2014 4:08:48 PM Status: Closed (1/24/2014 10:50:38 AM) Location (if any): http://www.fallschurchva.gov/Content/Government/Departments/AdminServ/CustomerServ.aspx Details: What happened to Falls Church Water at the below URL?

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/23/2014 4:18:01 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. Since the Falls Church Water Utility merged with Fairfax Water on January 3, 2014, the City replaced the old webpages with new information. You can find current water information at www.fallschurchva.gov/Water. If you have questions about your current service with Fairfax Water—like a water main break—please call them directly at 703-698-5800.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.