APPRECIATION: Walter L. Mess, 1914-2013

By Barry Buschow
Special to the Falls Church Times
May 31, 2013

EDITOR’S NOTE: Walter Mess was a local celebrity, and was perhaps best known for his role in creating the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA). He died May 26 at the age of 99.

Having grown up in Falls Church just around the corner from Walter, I really didn’t get to know him until 23 years ago when I applied to be on the NVRPA Board from the City of Falls Church. What I learned about him shaped the rest of my life.

Starting in 1946, Walter began volunteering his time, expertise and elbow grease to acquire land for city streets. In 1948, he was the Chairman of the Southwest Falls Church Citizens Committee; a founding member of the Falls Church Community Park; a member of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce; and a volunteer insurance advisor to the city.

In 1949 Walter was first appointed to the Electoral Board and was the Chairman for several years, bringing mechanical voting machines to the City of Falls Church. He also helped found the Falls Church Festival in The Virginia Village to raise funds for playing fields.

He made bookcases for the library. Over the years, he served as president of the Heart Association, as Red Cross and Red Feathers Chairman and in numerous professional organizations. Walter joined the Falls Church Lions Club in 1950 and was a past President. He was the 12th Chairman of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce in 1958, and of course, in 1959, a founding member and the second chairman of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, a position he held for 30 years. He served on the NVRPA Board for 45 years and retired as Chairman Emeritus and has served since then on the Northern Virginia Regional Park Foundation. The list goes on…

In March 1998, Walter was honored with his fellow Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Veterans at Fort Bragg and given a Green Beret for his service in the OSS from 1943 to 1946. The men of OSS served as America’s wellspring for clandestine underwater operations. The OSS members were called “Quiet Professionals” and served in a chaotic world full of desperate men with insane ideas.

Walter was always a Quiet Professional, but he also carried a big stick and the world, our region and the community of Falls Church are grateful for his many years of service and the legacy he has provided us, our children, and the children to come with the over 11,000 acres of parks he helped create.

Walter was married to Jean for 62 years. Walter had 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Walter and Jean lived in the house that he built in the 1940s on Seaton Lane.

There is much more to this story and the man we know and love as Walter. He was always there with a helping hand and a pipe, with words of advice. Northern Virginia will miss him as the father of Regional Parks and the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD). His community will miss him as he was one of our great leaders and I will miss him as one of my best friends.

Funeral Arrangements for Walter L. Mess are:
Viewing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St, Falls Church VA 22046
Saturday 1 June 6:00-8:00 PM
Sunday 2 June 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM [& Rosary]

Funeral Mass at St. James Catholic Church, 509 Park Ave, Falls Church VA 22046
Monday 3 June 10:00 AM Private Internment Follows

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to either of the following organizations:
Northern Virginia Regional Park Foundation
5400 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station VA 22039

Crime Reports – May 6 to May 19

By Falls Church Police Department

May 24, 2013

NOTE:  These reports are not a definitive list of all criminal activity and are subject to change upon investigation.

Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts, 200 block S. West St.  On May 6 an unknown suspect(s) stole four tires from a vehicle sometime overnight.

Destruction of Property, 1100 block S. Washington St.  On May 6 an unknown suspect damaged the victim’s bicycle sometime between May 3 and 6.

Defrauding a Garage Keeper and Trespassing, 1121-B W. Broad St. (Pete’s Towing).  On May 7 police received a report that two individuals entered the property without permission drove a vehicle away without paying a towing fee.  Suspects have been identified and are wanted.

Residential Burglary, 500 block Meridian St.  On May 7 an unknown suspect(s) entered the property by breaking a window and stole several items.

Narcotics Violation, 6795 Wilson Blvd. (Hai Lua).  On May 7 a 28 year old Springfield man was arrested for Possession of Cocaine.

Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts 900 block Lincoln Ave.  On May 8 an unknown suspect(s) stole four tires from a vehicle sometime overnight.

Larceny from Building, 201 N. Washington St. (Kaiser Permanente).  On May 8 an unknown suspect(s) stole an iPhone from the victim.  The phone was later recovered at a nearby location.

Destruction of Property, 1079 W. Broad St. (Curry Mantra).  On May 9 an unknown suspect(s) broke a glass door sometime overnight.  No items were taken.

Commercial Burglary, 1081 W. Broad St. (Beau Monde Salon). On May 9 an unknown suspect(s) broke a glass door sometime overnight and stole cash.

Commercial Burglary, 1083 W. Broad St. (Barber Shop).  On May 9 an unknown suspect(s) broke a glass door sometime overnight and stole cash.

Larceny from Building, 100 block Falls Ave. On May 9 an unsecure bicycle was stolen from a residence sometime between May 6 and 9.

Assault and Battery, 6757 Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On May 9 a man was assaulted during a dispute over a parking space.

Aggravated Assault and Hit & Run Crash, 200 block N. Washington St.  On May 9 an unknown suspect intentionally struck another vehicle and then fled the scene.  No injuries were reported.  The suspect was described as a white male approximately 50-60 years old. He was possibly driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck.

Larceny from Motor Vehicle, 300 block Pennsylvania Ave.  On May 9 an unknown suspect(s) stole cash from an unlocked vehicle.

Larceny from Motor Vehicle, 600 block N. West St.  On May 10 an unknown suspect(s) stole cash from an unlocked vehicle.

Smoking In a Non-Designated Area, 6757 Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On May 11 a 3 year old Springfield man was arrested and released on summons for Smoking In a Non-Designated Area.

Smoking In a Non-Designated Area and Liquor Law Violations, 6757 Wilson Blvd #16 (Café Le Mirage).  On May 11 an 18 year old Falls Church man was arrested and released on summons for Underage Possession of Alcohol and Smoking In a Non-Designated Area.  A 29 year old Annandale man was arrested and released on Summons for Serving Alcohol to a Minor.

Narcotics Violation and Public Drunkenness, 6763 Wilson Blvd. (V3 Club).  On May 12 a 32 year old Arlington man was arrested for Possession of Cocaine and Public Drunkenness.

Public Drunkenness, 6763 Wilson Blvd. (V3 Club).  On May 12 a 29 year old Riverdale, MD man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

May 13-19, 2013

Larceny from Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts, 700 block Highland Ave.  On May 13 an unknown suspect(s) stole four tires and cash from an unlocked vehicle sometime between May 1 and 13.

Robbery and Malicious Wounding, 200 Grove Ave. (West End Park). On May 14 an unknown suspect demanded cash and stabbed the victim.  The victim was treated and released from a local hospital.  The suspect is currently described as a white male, approximately 5’11 to 6’0” tall and weighing approximately 150 to 180 pounds.  The suspect was described as wearing a short sleeve shirtand tannish color cargo style shorts. The suspect was also wearing a black mask with blue and green around the eyes, and armed with a knife.

Assault & Battery, 300 W. Broad St. (The Stratford Motor Lodge).  On May 14 police responded to the location for a report of an assault.  The offender, a 53 year old Reston man, was arrested and released on summons for Assault & Battery.

Domestic Assault, 100 block Chanel Terr.  On May 15 a 32 year old Falls Church woman was arrested for Assaulting a Family Member.

Public Drunkenness, 900 block W. Broad St.  On May 15 a 47 year old man of  no fixed address was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Vandalism to Vehicle, 300 block James St. On May 16 an unknown suspect damaged a side view mirror on the victim’s vehicle.

Larceny from Building, 300 W. Broad St. (Stratford Motor Lodge). On May 17 police responded to the location for a recent report of an unsecure bicycle stolen from the premises.  An officer canvassing the area located the bicycle and the suspect.  A 35 year old  Falls Church man was arrested and released on summons for Petit Larceny.

Urinating In Public and Public Drunkenness, 100 block N. Washington St.  On May 18 a 23 year old Damascus, MD man was arrested for Urinating In Public and Public Drunkenness.

Driving Under the Influence, 200 block Little Falls St.  On May 18 an officer responded to the location for a report of driver sleeping in a vehicle on the street.  The driver, a 23 year old Rockville, MD man was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Graffiti, 500 block E. Columbia St.  On May 18 graffiti was found on a traffic sign.

Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit a Blood or Breath Test, 600 block Roosevelt Blvd.  On May 18 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation. The driver, a 65 year old City of Falls Church man was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit a Blood or Breath Test.

Urinating In Public and Public Drunkenness, 220 N. Washington St. (State Theater).  On May 19 a 25 year old Buffalo, NY woman was arrested for Urinating In Public and Public Drunkenness.

Narcotics Violation, 100 block W. Broad St.  On May 19 an officer encountered an individual seated in his vehicle.  An investigation determined the individual had marijuana in his possession.  A 34 year old Falls Church man was arrested and released on summons for Possession of Marijuana.

Disorderly Conduct, 1000 block W. Broad St.  On May 19 a 51 year old man of no fixed address was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

Other Arrests

Failure to Appear.  On May 14 a 33 year old Washington, DC man was arrested in Arlington for Failure to Appear in Falls Church General District Court to answer to shoplifting charges.

Failure to Appear.  On May 16 a 27 year old Falls Church man was arrested in Falls Church for Failure to Appear in Falls Church General District Court to answer to the charge of Driving without a License.

Failure to Appear.  On May 19 a 39 year old Falls Church man was arrested in Falls Church for Failure to Appear in Falls Church General District Court to answer to Obstuction of Justice charges.

Defrauding Garagekeeper.  On May 20 a 53 year old Falls Church man was arrested in Fairfax County and served a warrant for Defrauding a Garagekeeper at 1115-B W. Broad St. (Pete’s Towing) on May 7.

Crime Reports – April 22 to May 5

By Falls Church Police Department

May 12, 2013

NOTE:  This report is not a definitive list of all criminal  activity and is subject to change upon investigation.

Vandalism to Vehicle, 431 S. Maple Ave. (Fairfax Auto Parts).  On Apr. 22 police received a report that a company vehicle’s windows were smashed sometime overnight.

Sexual Assault, 100 block W. Annandale Rd.  On Apr. 23 police received a report that an unknown suspect sexually assaulted the victim.  The victim reported being struck in the head while walking to a car in the parking lot behind a residence.

Public Drunkenness, 400 block Hillwood Ave.  On Apr. 24 a 35 year old Falls Church woman was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Larceny from Building, 300 block Grove Ave.  On Apr. 24 police received a report that an unknown suspect stole a storm door from a house sometime on Apr. 21.

Shoplifting, 1212 W. Broad St. (Virginia ABC Store).  On Apr. 24 police received a report of shoplifting which occurred on Apr 23.  The same individual then returned to the store on Apr. 24 stole more merchandise.  Police were able to identify the suspect when he returned to the store later on Apr. 24.  A 50 year old Falls Church man was arrested and released on summons for two counts of Petit Larceny.

Trespassing, Breaking & Entering with Intent to Damage, and Destruction of Property, 400 block Hillwood Ave.  On Apr. 24 police responded to a report of a burglary in progress of a residence.  Officers made contact with an individual previously banned from the property threatening to use force on herself.  Officers were able to place the subject in custody.  A 35 year old Falls Church woman was arrested for Trespassing, Breaking & Entering with Intent to Damage, and Destruction of Property.

Aggravated Assault and Interfering with Emergency Communications, 200 block N. Maple Ave.  On Apr. 25 a 66 year old City of Falls Church man was arrested for Aggravated Assault and Interfering with Emergency Communications.  He had stabbed the victim and disconnected the 911 call made by the victim.

Driving Under the Influence, 6200 block Leesburg Pike.  On Apr. 25 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 25 year old Arlington man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Shoplifting, 400 S. Washington St. (Cardinas).  On Apr. 25 five unknown suspects entered the store and stole merchandise.

Panhandling, 1000 block E. Broad St.  On Apr. 26 a 41 year old man of no fixed address was arrested and released on summons for Panhandling.

Narcotics Violation, 6757 Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On Apr. 27 patrol officers observed suspicious activity in the area.  One of the individuals was found to have cocaine in his possession.  A 21 year old Silver Spring, MD man was arrested for Possession of Cocaine.

Narcotics Violation, Assault & Battery, and Public Drunkenness, 370 W. Broad St.  (Famous Dave’s).  On Apr. 28 officers responded to an ongoing fight in the location.  The primary assailant involved appeared intoxicated and had cocaine in his possession.  A 49 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Possession of Cocaine, Assault & Battery, and Public Drunkenness.

Other Arrests.

Hit and Run.  On Apr. 22 an officer served Hit & Run, Reckless Driving, and Driving with a Suspended License warrants to a 50 year old Arlington man for the hit and run accident which occurred in the 200 block of Great Falls St. on Apr 21.  He is already in custody for related charges in Arlington.

Domestic Assault.  On Apr. 22 a man surrendered himself to police and was arrested for Assaulting a Family Member which occurred on Apr. 19.

Failure to Appear and Release Violation.  On Apr. 26 a 44 year old Falls Church man was arrested in Fairfax County for Failure to Appear in Falls Church General District Court on Apr. 17 to answer to the charge of Possession of False ID.  He also violated his release conditions on Apr. 1 from a prior arrest.

Failure to Comply.  On Apr. 27 officers found and arrested a 24 year old Annapolis, MD man for an outstanding warrant.  He was wanted in Falls Church for Failure to Comply with a Court Order stemming from a DWI conviction dated on Dec. 12, 2012.

Correction:  In the previous week’s report, it was published that a man was arrested for Assault & Battery, and Abduction.  He was only charged with Abduction.  The Assault & Battery charge was reported in error.

Driving Under the Influence and Refusal, 400 blk W Broad St.  On April 29 a 46 year old Potomac man was arrested for Driving under the Influence and Refusal.

Noise Violation, 6623 Wilson Blvd.  (Seven Corners Shell Station).  On April 30 a 47 year old Dumfries man was issued a summons for violating the City’s Noise Ordinance.

Drunk in Public, 6619 Wilson Blvd (New Moon).  On May 1 a 46 year old Manassas man was arrested for being Drunk in Public.

Drunk in Public, 110 N West St (7-11).  On May 1 a 28 year old woman of no fixed address was arrested for being Drunk in Public.

Panhandling, 1000 blk E. Broad St.  On May 2 a 23 year old Arlington woman was issued a summons for Panhandling.

Drunk in Public, Shoplifting and Petty Larceny, 1150 W Broad St (CVS).  On May 3 a 52 year old Washington, DC man was arrested for Shoplifting, Petty Larceny and for being Drunk in Public.

Stolen Auto, 200 blk Gibson St, sometime between 7:30 PM on May 3 and 7:30 AM on May 4 a 2002 red Toyota Celica was stolen from its parking space on the street.

Prostitution, 300 W Broad St (Stratford Motor Lodge).  On May 3 officers responding to a report of suspicious activity arrested a 23 year old Hyattsville, MD woman for Prostitution.

Drunk in Public, 200 blk Park Ave.  On May 4 a 53 year old man of no fixed address was arrested for being Drunk in Public.

Driving Under the Influence, 6700 blk Wilson Blvd.  On May 5 a 28 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Drunk in Public, 220 N Washington St (State Theater).  On May 5 a 41 year old Silver Spring man was arrested for being Drunk in Public.

Simple Assault, 6757 Wilson Blvd, #16, (Cafe Le Mirage), May 5.  While conducting an area check an officer was flagged down by two individuals who stated they had been assaulted while in the restaurant.  A search of the area yielded negative results for the suspects or their vehicle.  Investigation continues.

Crime Report for April 15 – 21

By Falls Church Police Department

April 26, 2013

NOTE:  This report is not a definitive list of all criminal activity and is subject to change upon investigation.

Disorderly Conduct, 6757 Wilson Blvd. #24 (Hy Ki Mgia).  On Apr. 17 officers responded to
the area for a fight.  The fight subsided before police arrival.  The investigation led to the
arrest of a 23 year old Falls Church man on Apr. 19.

Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test, 300 block W. Broad St.  On Apr. 17 officers responded to the area of a report of a driver appearing to
be intoxicated.  The driver, a 25 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving
Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test.

Graffiti, 200 block Grove Ave. (West End Park).  On Apr. 18 graffiti were found on the
playground equipment.

Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle and Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts, 1051 E. Broad St.
(Koons Nissan).  On Apr. 18 police received a report that a customer failed to fulfill a
promissory note by Mar. 31.  An investigation led to the arrest of a 47 year old Falls Church man for Grand Larceny and Petit Larceny.

Abduction and Assault & Battery, 800 W. Broad St. (Flower Building).  On Apr. 18 police
arrested a 32 year old Falls Church man for Abduction and Assault & Battery.  He had limited familiarity with the victim, grabbed the victim from behind and dragged her toward an isolated area.  The victim was able to break free and alerted police, who arrived and he was then arrested on scene.

Domestic Assault, 800 block W. Broad St.  On Apr. 19 police responded to the area for a
report of a domestic dispute.  One of the parties left the area before police arrival.

Assault & Battery, Underage Possession of Alcohol, and Public Drunkenness, 400
block Park Ave.  On Apr. 19 officers responded to the area for a report which just occurred
in the area.  Officers arrested on scene a 17 year-old male of Alexandria for Assault &
Battery, Underage Possession of Alcohol, and Public Drunkenness.

Larceny From Building, 300 block N. Virginia Ave.  On Apr. 20 police received a report
that an unsecured bicycle and iPod were stolen from a residence sometime after Apr. 17.

Grand Larceny and Narcotics Violation, 900 block Ellison St.  On Apr. 20 police received
a report that checks were fraudulently being cashed after a vehicle purchase from craigslist.
After investigation a 27 year old Annandale man surrendered himself on Apr. 21 and
was arrested for Grand Larceny.  Police also found marijuana on him as a result of a search incident to arrest and charged him with Possession of Marijuana.

Other Arrests

Shoplifting.  On Apr. 15 a 20 year old Washington, DC man was arrested and released
on summons after an investigation involving Shoplifting at 1104 W. Broad St. (Staples) which
occurred on Apr. 11.

Assault & Battery.  On Apr. 15 a 33 year old Fairfax man was arrested in Fairfax County for an outstanding warrant from Falls Church City.  The assault occurred on Mar. 28 at 1061-B W. Broad St. (Maryland Hydrophonics).

Crime Reports for April 2 – 14

By Falls Church Police Department

April 17, 2013

NOTE:  The reports are not a definitive list of all criminal activity and are subject to change upon investigation.

Larceny from Building, 112 N. West St. (Mike’s Lazy Sundae).  On Apr. 2 a central air
conditioning unit attached from the exterior was reported stolen.

Larceny from Building, 300 block Poplar Dr.  On Apr. 2 an central air conditioning unit
attached from the exterior was reported stolen.

Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts, 540 S. Washington St. (International Motors).  On Apr. 2 police received a report that four tires were stolen from a vehicle sometime overnight.

Driving Under the Influence, 1100 block S. Washington St.  On Apr. 2 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 46 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Larceny from Building, 313 Park Ave.  On Apr. 2 police received a report of a purse being stolen from a doctor’s office.

Driving Under the Influence, Identity Theft, and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test, 6700 block Wilson Blvd.  On Apr. 3 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver presented the driver license of another.   A 39 year old Frederick, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Identity Theft, and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test.

Driving Under the Influence, 200 block W. Broad St.  On Apr. 3 an officer conducted an accident investigation.  One of the drivers, a 58 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Larceny from Motor Vehicle, 900 block Ellison St.  On Apr. 3 an unknown suspect(s) stole a purse from an unsecured vehicle.

Shoplifting, 1212 W. Broad St. (Virginia ABC Store).  On Apr. 3 an unknown suspect stole a bottle of vodka from the store.

Disorderly Conduct and Public Drunkenness, 220 N. Washington St. (The State Theatre).  On Apr. 6 a 50 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Public Drunkenness and Disorderly Conduct.

Public Drunkenness, 110 N. West St. (7-Eleven).  On Apr. 6 a 24 year old Charlotte, NC man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Public Drunkenness, 130 N. Washington St. (Clare & Don’s Beach Shack).  On Apr. 6 a 31 year old Arlington man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Larceny from Building, 1132 W. Broad St. (Valvoline Express Care).  On Apr. 6 a central air conditioning unit attached from the exterior was reported stolen.

Larceny from Building, 300 block Grove Ave.  On Apr. 6 police received a report that
various piping was stolen from a residence sometime overnight.

Shoplifting, 1150 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On Apr. 6 an individual was observed
stealing merchandise.  A 33 year old Washington, DC man was arrested and released
on summons for Shoplifting.

Obstruction of Justice and Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a License, 6700 block
Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On Apr. 6 a 31 year old Falls Church man was arrested.

Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a License (3rd Offense).  While an officer was affecting the arrest, another individual was interfering the officer.  A 19 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

Other Arrests

Robbery, Abduction, Use or Display of Firearm During Commission of a Felony.  On Apr. 4, a 21 year old Warrenton man was extradited from North Carolina and served a Falls Church warrant for a robbery which occurred on Dec 19.

Failure to Appear.  On Apr. 4 a 24 year old City of Falls Church man was  arrested for Failure to Appear in Falls Church District Court for Driving while Revoked.

Assault and Battery.  On Apr. 4 officers arrested a 35 year old Arlington man after investigation of an assault which occurred on Mar. 17 at 6793-C Wilson Blvd. (Viet Star).

April 8-14 Reports

Unlawful Entry and Destruction of Property, 100 block S. Oak St.  On Apr. 8 police responded to a report of individuals attempting to break into the residence.  The suspects fled before police arrival.  One of the suspects is described as a 17 – 20 year old white male wearing a winter hat that covered the ears with a brim.  The same suspect was also wearing a black jacket and running pants with white stripes running down the sides of each pant leg and running sneakers.

Graffiti, 500 block E. Columbia St.  On Apr. 8 graffiti were found on stop signs.

Driving Under the Influence and Possession of False ID, 6600 block Wilson Blvd.  On Apr. 10 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 23 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.  A passenger, a 23 year old man, was arrested and released on summons for possession of a False ID.

Shoplifting, 1104 W. Broad St. (Staples).  On Apr. 11 an individual left the store stealing merchandise.

Obstructing Members of a Rescue Squad, 600 block Park Ave.  On Apr. 12 a 17 year-old female of Lorton was arrested for Obstructing Members of a Rescue Squad.

Graffiti, 700 block W. Broad St.  On Apr. 12 graffiti were found on a traffic box.

Indecent Exposure, 300 W. Broad St. (Stratford Motor Lodge).  On Apr. 12 police received a report that an unknown man exposed himself in public while in his vehicle at  approximately 1:15 p.m. on Apr. 9.  The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 53-56 years old, 5’4″-5’6″ tall.  He has a thin built with a paunchy stomach and balding with the hair ring around his head.

Shoplifting, 1150 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On Apr. 13 an individual left the store stealing merchandise.  The suspect is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, and approximately 23-26 years old.  He is approximately 6’3″ tall with a medium build.  He was wearing a white sweat shirt and sweat pants.

Driving Under the Influence, 100  block N. Virginia Ave.  On Apr. 13 a 50 year old Falls Church resident was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Driving Under the Influence, Public Drunkenness, and Obstruction of Justice, 6763 Wilson Blvd. #R3 (V3 Club).  On Apr. 14 a 31 year old Alexandria, VA man was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Obstruction of Justice.   A passenger, a 37 year old Annandale man, was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Other Arrests

Court Order Violation.  On Apr. 8 a 26 year old Alexandria man was arrested after surrendering himself to police for Violating a Court Order.

Indecent Exposure.  On Apr. 8 a man of  no fixed address, was arrested at 110 N. West St. (7-Eleven) when police arrived for a panhandling complaint.  He was arrested for an outstanding warrant from Alexandria City for Indecent Exposure.

Abduction, Assault & Battery.  On Apr. 11 a 36 year old Fairfax man was arrested in Dumfries for an outstanding warrant from Falls Church City.  The abduction and assault occurred on Jan. 19 in the 100 block of Hillwood Ave.

Court Order Violation.  On Apr. 12 a 55 year old man of no fixed address was arrested for a Court Order Violation based on a Trespassing conviction on Aug. 22, 2012 in Falls Church District Court.

Crime Report for March 26 – April 1

By Falls Church Police Department

April 9, 2013

NOTE:  This report is not a definitive list of all criminal activity and is subject to change upon investigation.

Larceny from Building, 1300 block Seaton Ln.  On Mar. 26, police received a report that an unknown suspect(s) stole various jewelry and precious metals from a residence.

Panhandling, 400 block Roosevelt Blvd.  On Mar. 28 a 41 year old man of no fixed address was arrested and released on summons for Panhandling.

Simple Assault, 1061-B W. Broad St. (Maryland Hydrophonics).  On Mar. 28 police responded to the location for a report of a physical altercation over a customer dispute.  Police are still investigating the incident.

Larceny from Building, 1000 E. Broad St. (24 Hour Fitness).  On Mar. 28 an unknown suspect(s) smashed a car window and stole a purse.

Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test, 300 block E. Broad St.  On Mar. 29 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 36 year old Falls Church resident, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test.

Petit Larceny, 100 Hillwood Ave. (Hillwood Mart).  On Mar. 29 a driver left the store without paying for gasoline.

Smoking In a Non-Designated Area, 6795 Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On Mar. 29 a 42 year old Springfield man was arrested and released on summons for Smoking In a Non-Designated Area.

Public Drunkenness, 116-B W. Broad St. (Unity Club).  On Mar. 30 a 49 year old Alexandria man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Driving Under the Influence, 200 block W. Broad St.  On Mar. 30 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 24 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Narcotics Violation, Urinating in Public, Public Drunkenness, 306 Hillwood Ave. (Lesly’s Restaurant).  On Mar. 31 an officer observed an intoxicated man urinating in the parking lot.  A search incident to the arrest of the individual led to the discovery of cocaine on his person.   A 32 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Possession of Cocaine, Urinating in Public, and Public Drunkenness.

Driving Under the Influence, 900 block W. Broad St.  On Mar. 31 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 25 year old Arlington man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Urinating In Public and Public Drunkenness, 6795 Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On Mar. 31 an officer observed an intoxicated individual urinating in public.  A 39 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Urinating In Public and Public Drunkenness.

Residential Burglary, 800 block Jackson St.  On Mar. 31 an unknown suspect(s) gained entry to a residence by breaking a window sometime between Mar. 27 and 31.  A number of items were stolen.

Attempting to Tamper with Motor Vehicle, 1000 block Hillwood Ave.  On Apr. 1 two unknown juvenile male suspects were observed attempting to open a vehicle door.

COMMUNITY COMMENT: Commercial Space OK, But Apartments Will Have Perverse Effect

By Carl W. Anderson
April 4, 2013

The following Community Comment reflects oral remarks of Carl W. Anderson before the Falls Church City Council on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 concerning the proposed development of mixed-use commercial and residential properties in the 300 block of West Broad Street.
—————-
A modestly-sized Harris Teeter (and some other commercial offices or restaurants) could be a constructive addition to the downtown Falls Church area, but Rushmark’s proposal to build 282 apartments at “301 West Broad Street” will have the perverse effect of keeping the City’s school budget in a continuous state of shortfall for years to come. Building 282 apartments will benefit Rushmark, not current residents of the City of Falls Church.

Moreover, adding 282 apartments in this already crowded area will destroy the quality of life for Winter Hill residents, many of whom have been paying taxes to the City for decades. Current residents of Winter Hill should not be forced to bear nearly all of the adverse effects of development that will primarily benefit new residents and Falls Church residents living in uncongested areas of the city. Winter Hill residents already made a choice to be “environmentally conscious” years ago by buying homes with “small environmental footprints.”

I think it was Council member Ira Kaylin who commented that the apartments and condos in the relatively new mixed-use high-rise developments in Falls Church had contributed “only 30 percent of the new additional student population” in Falls Church public schools.

A 30-percent increase in the population of “new students” is a very significant increase when one considers that the recent mixed-use high-rise developments have all been built since 2005. If the new residences had been occupied by childless couples starting in 2006, their eldest children would be in just the first or second grades as of 2013; so, obviously, many people with children moved into the new high-rises beginning in 2006.

Further, an argument that “only 30 percent of the new additional student population in Falls Church public schools comes from new high-rise development” reflects a lack of thought about how families grow. Almost every family I ever knew began with a couple renting an apartment. (I know that many well-to-do young couples have been able to buy a house with inherited or family money, but most young couples still start out in an apartment.) By the time the first child arrives, the couple is planning either to move to a larger apartment or to buy a house, depending upon their career paths. Few successful couples stay in the same apartment for more than a very few years. Furthermore, there are heavy economic incentives for them to move out of an apartment: they can’t build equity by renting an apartment, and owning a home acts as a hedge against inflation. If their careers are going well enough and they still like the area, they may choose to buy a home in Falls Church, in which case they will continue to add to the school population.

As soon as they move out of the apartment, that apartment is available for rent by another couple, also of child-bearing age. And the process of family building repeats itself with the new couple.

Does anyone know a significant number of families that have not developed according to the pattern I have just described?

I know that Rushmark proudly proclaims that most of the 282 apartments will be small enough to discourage rental by couples. Has anyone on the Council heard of single-parent families, by any chance? They are pretty common in the United States these days, especially in large urban areas like inside the Washington beltway. In these times of diminished employment opportunities, many single parents—or couples of modest means—are going to be willing to squeeze into a small apartment. This will continue at least until the single parent or couple finds means to move to larger accommodations, or accommodations of their own.

In my remarks to the City Council on Wednesday, March 27, I stated that allowing Rushmark to build 282 apartments is “sacrificing the future for short-term gain.”

Why did I say that? Primarily because according to the City’s latest estimates of expenditures for 2014, education will eat up 45 percent of the City’s expenditures. (And a few years back, the City staff indicated that schools ate up about 75 percent of the capital budget.) So by building 282 new apartments as proposed by Rushmark, the City will lock itself into a long-term budgetary shortfall. Because of the process I have described above about how families grow and move into better lodgings, building the apartments will only increase the likelihood that the City stays in a permanent state of budgetary shortfall with respect to funding the City school system.

Therefore, building 282 apartments is for Rushmark’s benefit, not the City’s. Moreover, building that many apartments above the proposed Harris Teeter supermarket will ruin the quality of life for residents already living in the Winter Hill area, primarily for three reasons.

First, there are already about 481 residential units in the Winter Hill area immediately adjacent to the proposed Rushmark development. This includes the 194 townhouses of the Winter Hill Community Association, the 200 condominiums of the Winter Hill Condominium Association, and about 87 subsidized apartment units for low-income families and individuals. Adding 282 apartments above the Harris Teeter supermarket will increase the number of residential units in the Winter Hill area by about 60 percent. That is an outrageous number of new residences to add to an already crowded neighborhood. Rushmark claims to be providing sufficient new parking for the apartments; but since, according to Rushmark, it will be mostly young single professionals inhabiting these apartments, has Rushmark planned parking for the two-car married couples and the assorted friends and relatives who come to visit for parties and overnight stays?

Second, parking in the entire Winter Hill Community has always been inadequate. The parking lots for the townhouses, the condominiums, and the subsidized apartments are on the old “footprint” established for the Tyler Garden Apartments that preceded the Winter Hill developments. The Tyler Garden Apartments were built in 1946, immediately after World War II, when a family was lucky to own one automobile, let alone several. Parking in our community has worked out over the past 35 years solely because most neighbors are considerate of each other’s needs.

When I walked home with a neighbor after the City Council meeting on the night of March 27, the parking lanes on Annandale Road behind the proposed development site were loaded with vehicles “spilled over” from Winter Hill parking lots. I can only imagine what the parking spillover from 282 additional apartments will do to parking in the neighborhood. I expect the parking situation in Winter Hill to degenerate to nasty and brutish “Hobbesian conditions” in which parking becomes “a war of all against all.” (Yes, this is a bit hyperbolic, but I supervised the maintenance of Winter Hill townhouse parking lots from 2000 to 2013 and found that people become nasty when their parking is threatened.) As it is, the late-night parking situation throughout all of Winter Hill is certainly as dense as any in Northern Virginia and may equal the densest parking conditions in downtown Washington DC.

Third, it is already difficult to enter or leave the Winter Hill area during the morning and evening rush hours. There is a long wait to cross Broad Street at South Virginia Avenue, and Annandale Road traffic impedes exit from Gundry Drive and parking lots opening onto Annandale Road. Moreover, Annandale Road—a main route to the entrances to the proposed Harris Teeter and overlying apartments—presents a huge problem. There is a strong tendency for distracted or scofflaw drivers to run the stop signs located at Annandale Road’s intersection with Gundry Drive. Drivers exiting Broad Street want to “get the heck out of Falls Church”; and drivers headed toward Broad Street are accustomed to driving at 35 miles an hour for miles up Annandale Road and don’t seem to want to be inconvenienced by having to slow down approaching Broad Street. In any case, they constantly run the stop signs in both directions, and the City has had to station police nearby to ticket people running the signs. The ill-fated stop signs are located about 300 feet from the proposed Annandale Road entrances to the Harris Teeter/Apartment complex. This traffic-control problem will not be solved without a traffic light controlling the entrances to the complex. Good luck to all Winter Hill residents trying to leave the neighborhood to get to work on time in the morning.

In summary, the 282 apartments are a completely counterproductive idea in terms of generating revenue for Falls Church City Schools, and they will destroy the quality of life for Winter Hill residents who have been paying taxes to the City for decades. If the City Council had really wanted to help the City, they would have asked for a more modest supermarket of 30,000 or 40,000 square feet instead of the 60,000-square-foot behemoth that’s proposed. (I understand the Harris Teeter at Lee-Harrison Shopping Center in Arlington is about 40,000 square feet.) The smaller footprint would have left more room between the development and existing townhouses located on Annandale Road. Also, there would have been more room to accommodate Anthony’s Restaurant, and perhaps several other small shops, thereby preserving the quality of “The Little City.” (The current proposal might make it more like Clarendon or Ballston, except that there will be no subway service to alleviate traffic and parking problems.)

Instead of seven or eight levels of apartments above the Harris Teeter, there could be but two or three levels above Harris Teeter for other types of businesses or offices. That would at least comply with the City’s own zoning ordinances on building height. Offices and shopping would add revenue to Falls Church without overloading the school system. Offices would supply employees to frequent city restaurants and businesses, and the employees would leave the area in the evenings. They could use underground parking for offices and the Harris Teeter, and construction for office parking would not require as much expensive excavation as that required to provide parking for an additional 282 residential units.

For those of you who will make the final vote on this proposal in May, I ask that you do three simple things:

(1) Please take a drive around all streets in the Winter Hill area during the morning rush hour. You will notice that the first block of South Virginia Avenue below Broad Street is very narrow—especially when residents are still parked along the street. It is amazing that more drivers do not sideswipe each other in that area.

(2) Please do the same thing for the evening rush hour. You will notice that there are numerous young families with young children along all areas of Winter Hill during warm weather. It would be a good thing if all of those young children reached adulthood by virtue of having lived in a safe neighborhood. You will also notice how inconvenient it is to cross Broad Street and how unruly traffic is on Annandale Road.

(3) Please take a drive through all streets in the Winter Hill area after 9:30 pm. on a normal week night. You will see that the parking situation is very tight. A number of neighbors have complained to me that when they arrive home from a late night at work or an evening out, they have to park several blocks from home. That doesn’t sound very much like “home” to me, and the City Council can make things much worse with the approval of this misguided project.

Finally, one of the Council members on March 27 stated that it was important for the City to resist being absorbed back into Fairfax County, or with Arlington County—with which the City of Falls Church has merged its legal system. Well, if the City Council is going to insist on approving “mixed-use high-rise developments” that are self-defeating, increase gridlock, and which ensure that the City stays in budgetary shortfall with respect to its future school system—“chasing its tail,” so to speak—then I think that integrating with one or the other of the larger jurisdictions will become an inevitability, rather than a matter of choice. (You’ve already had to sell the water system to Fairfax.) Furthermore, if you’re going to approve projects that create gridlock and make Falls Church a choke point for Northern Virginia commuters trying to move along Route 7 or Route 29, then the puffed-up “Little City” will soon become a subject of derision and scorn. (To really emulate Clarendon and Ballston, you must have a subway.)

Carl W. Anderson has lived in the Winter Hill section of Falls Church City for 35 years.

GMHS Robotics Team “Lives Intensely” at DC Tourney

By John Ballou
April 3, 2013

Last weekend the George Mason High School Robotics Team lived through another intense regional competition. In the fifth week of robotics competitions, we went up against 58 other teams from as far away as Israel and Brazil, many already having won their previous regionals before arriving at this one in the DC Convention Center. Our rankings started well, but quickly dropped due to technical issues and difficult alliances with and against other teams.

Our team’s brightest moment was our last match at the end of the day on Friday. We had technical issues the first time we played and lost to the number 4 and 5 ranked teams. We re-played this match because the field control system was at fault for our loss of control. Read more

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