Saving of Historic Woodland House and Poplar Tree Moves Closer

By STEPHEN SIEGEL
Falls Church Times Staff

February 3, 2012

The historic Woodland House at 610 Fulton that so many residents asked be saved has moved closer to survival with the emergence of a buyer who is interested in renovating the 120-year-old home.

If the buyer’s contract goes through, it also would lead to the survival of the spectacular and much-loved tulip poplar tree on the property.

The possible sale is ultimately the result of a city ordinance that requires a home deemed historical to be placed for sale for one year at a price determined by an independent appraisal. If no one buys it, the owner then has the right to demolish it.

Many people, including some local real estate agents, scoffed when the Woodland House was listed at the appraised price of $1,120,000, because it needs extensive rehab.

But owner and agent Joey Randhawa, of developer ASR Designer Homes, said he received serious interest as soon as he listed it on Dec. 21. Prospective buyers immediately came armed with contractors who would do the necessary work, he said.

The house went under contract after just three weeks on the market. But Mr. Randhawa cautioned that it’s not a done deal; the buyer’s contract contains contingencies that run through February — which could cause the contract to fall through. He declined to elaborate, citing the buyer’s request for privacy.

But the quick contract and general level of buyer interest in the house is certainly a good sign for the structure’s eventual survival and renovation; even if this contract fails, 10 more months would have to elapse without a sale before the house could be torn down.

As far as the poplar tree goes, it, too, would be saved if a buyer executes a contract — but not by force of law. Instead, it would be saved either voluntarily or by developer generosity: Mr. Randhawa says he will put in the deed a requirement for any buyer to keep the tree for some number of years — a number yet to be determined.

The Falls Church Times erred in December when it wrote that the city had required the developer to save the tree; in fact, it hasn’t and can’t do so, because the tree has not been labeled a “specimen tree.” The Times had it right previously, when it wrote last year that city officials were not empowered to save the tree, even if they wanted to. The Times apologizes for the error. Instead, the tree is being saved voluntarily by Mr. Randhawa and ASR.

Asked why the developer was being so generous — he could build and sell a near $1 million house on the lot with the tree, which has been legally subdivided away from the Woodland House lot — he responded via email:

“This is our good will to the community to give anyone the opportunity to buy the house and the large tulip poplar.  I verbally told the planning commission this is our plan, it is not in writing.  If we want. we can build on (the lot) and tear the tree down tomorrow — it’s our property and our right, but that is not our goal and not what we want to do in this neighborhood.  We are making an effort to appease the community.”

Pressed further, Mr. Randhawa said via email that he is taking the long view.

“I do not want any negative feelings towards my company and I have always tried to build in neighborhoods to improve them and increase the value and appeal of a neighborhood…I want to keep all the neighbors happy and on my side for the construction and sale of the houses on (two nearby lots he is building on).  I am young and will be building here for many years and would like to keep working in the City and keep our mutually beneficial relationship.

“It is a long term plan but it served my parents who founded my company well and I would like to continue their vision,” Mr. Randhawa said.

However, his generosity may not be needed in this case: the buyer under contract wants to keep the tree while adding on to the back of the Woodland House.

FOOD: “Honey, I Love You”

By Christianna Sargent

February 3, 2012

Special to Falls Church Times

Something sweet is coming this Valentine’s and it’s not wrapped in a heart-shaped box. Rather, its golden, slow-flowing and dripping of sweet sappiness—giving way to a moment of je ne sais quoi. Perhaps Winnie the Pooh describes it best: “Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best — ” and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called.
– Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner

The Greek gods called it ambrosia, because it was the nectar to restore youth, heal the body of its ailments, and provide pure ecstasy upon its touch to the lips. With all this considered, I will court a new romance this Valentine’s with a new cheese class at Red, White & Bleu wine shop in Falls Church. I will pair a multitude of honeys with cheese and wine. Honey represents the new food fad sweeping the nation, but its beauty is recalled by Pooh bear. We will revel in the moment of anticipation right before actual indulgence—that fleeting second when your mouth salivates, your heart flutters, and your mind soars on surges of euphoria. This reaction reminds me a bit of love, but in reality, it’s simply HONEY—artisan and varietal—and true to your heart. If you’ve never had this “Winnie the Pooh” moment, I insist you must discover the magic between honey, wine, and cheese—truly a meal for the gods.

These days, honeys are just as sophisticated as wines; and like wines made from different grapes grown in varying climates and soils, honeys are uniquely distinct and express the facets of a bee’s life, mainly its diet. Two classifications exist in the honey world: varietal and artisan. To define it in lay terms, a varietal honey comes from a single source, like raspberry honey or clover honey, or sumac honey or Tupelo honey. On the opposite spectrum, an artisan honey is a blend of honeys sourced from different plants depending on the year and climate at hand. In other words, artisan honeys are more a melding of Mother Nature’s discretion.

In Virginia alone, over 2,000 hobbyists and professionals alike keep bees. If you visit the Loudon Bee Association http://www.loudounbee.org/honey_varieties.html, you will see over 50 varietal honey sources listed. Each spoonful of honey displays its own taste based on the weather during the season, the moisture in the soil, pest pressure, and the craftsmanship of the beekeeper himself/herself. If you can’t make this Valentine’s event, I encourage you to experiment at home. Visit the local farmer’s market, buy a varietal or artisan honey, seek out different cheese styles, and drizzle some amber ambrosia on your cheese concoction, followed by a sip of wine….visions of Aphrodite may appear.

For your Valentine, may I suggest some delectable pairings? Slice a green apple into slivers, cut a wedge of aged parmesan cheese, and drizzle a tad of truffle honey over the two and sip a nice Chianti, Rosso di Montalcino, or anything red from Tuscany, Italy—truly divine! Or purchase a blue cheese, hard, soft, gooey, you name-it, any blue will do, and top smatterings of a mild-flavored, lightly-colored honey, such as clover or lavender honey and pair with a sweet Riesling or white dessert wine from Sauternes, France or from or Virginia wineries. Don’t be afraid to add some red grapes with your blue cheese and honey bites and pair with a bold California Cabernet Sauvignon. I promise this odd combo will blow your mind!

 

This Valentine’s Day weekend join us at Red, White & Blue wine shop Sunday, February 12^th for an instructional tasting of honey, cheese, and wine. Phone for details, and remember to say this year “Honey, I Love You!”

Christianna Sargent
Certified Sommelier
Advanced Certificate–
Wine & Spirits Education Trust
Association of Italian Sommeliers
French Wine Scholar
talesofasommelier.blogspot.com

Latest City Real Estate Assessments Up 4%

By CITY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

February 2, 2012

The total taxable assessed value for all properties in the City as of Jan. 1, 2012, is $3,229,692,600 ($3.2 billion), a 4 percent increase from January 1, 2011. The City plans to mail assessments for 2012 by Friday, Feb. 3, so property owners should receive the notices on or after Tuesday, Feb. 7. Updated assessment information will be posted on the City website Monday, Feb. 6.
 
Overall residential real estate values increased 3.8 percent over the last year. Single family home values increased by 4 percent, townhomes increased by 4.3 percent, and residential condominiums had varying changes.
 
Overall commercial property values increased 4.9 percent since January 2011. The real estate value of multi-family apartments increased 5 percent, large office buildings are up 2 percent and large retail properties are up 2 percent. The value of City hotels increased 4.2 percent.
 
As set forth in the Virginia Constitution, real estate is assessed at 100 percent of fair market value. The City’s Office of Real Estate Assessment calculates property value annually using mass appraisal techniques that are standard in the real estate assessment industry.
 
Real Estate Taxes and Public Hearings 

The notice of assessment is an appraisal of the fair market value of the property; it is not a tax bill. Property tax payments will be due in two installments on June 5 and Dec. 5; property owners will receive bills prior to these dates.
 
The real estate tax rate will be determined on April 23, 2012, when the Falls Church City Council adopts the Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program and sets the tax rate. Public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2013 Proposed Operating Budget will be held on March 26, April 9, and April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (300 Park Ave.) To see the complete budget schedule, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/budget.
 
Assessment Appeals 

Homeowners wondering if their assessment is correct should ask the question, “Would my home sell for the assessed value if I put it on the market?” If the answer is “yes,” the assessment is probably accurate. If the answer is “no,” contact the Office of Real Estate Assessment at 703-248-5022 (TTY 711).
 
Deadlines for assessment appeals are Friday, March 16, 2012, for an Office of Real Estate Assessment review and Friday, July 6, 2012 for a Board of Equalization review. More information about the assessment review process is available online at www.fallschurchva.gov. 
 
Real Estate Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled

The City’s Real Estate Tax Relief program assists eligible City homeowners by reducing their property tax through exemptions (grants) and deferrals.
 
Eligibility requirements:
• The owner must be at least 65 years of age, or totally and permanently disabled;
• The property must be the owner’s primary residence;
• The combined income of all household members must not exceed $37,650 for exemptions (grants) and $75,000 for deferrals; and
• Assets must not exceed $540,000.
 
The deadline to apply is April 16, 2012. For more information and an application, visit or contact the Treasurer’s Office (300 Park Ave., Suite 103 East) at treasurer@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5045 (TTY 711).

Crime Report for January 24 – 30

By FALLS CHURCH POLICE DEPARTMENT

January 31, 2012

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

Larceny from Building, 400 block S. Maple Ave.  On Jan. 25, two bicycles were stolen from a bike station.

Driving Under the Influence and Possession of a False ID, 6700 block Wilson Blvd.  On Jan. 25, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 35 year old Riverdale, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, and Possession of False ID.

Larceny from Building, 313 Park Ave. #202 (Park Avenue Medical Group).  On Jan. 27, an unknown suspect(s) stole cash from an unattended purse sometime overnight.

Driving Under the Influence, 200 block E. Broad St.  On Jan. 28, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 37 year old Suitland, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Driving Under the Influence, 500 block N. West St.  On Jan. 28, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 29 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Attempted Sexual Assault, 450 W. Broad St. #220 (Venus & Mars Spa).  On Jan. 28 at approximately 9:56 a.m., the suspect entered the business as a patron and attempted to sexually assault the victim in one of the rooms.  The victim was able to break free and leave the scene.  The suspect was described as a male, approximately 40-45 years of age.  He has a medium build and unshaven.  He was wearing dark colored pants, a gray sweatshirt, a gray stocking cap, and dark rimmed glasses.

Shoplifting, 1150 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On Jan. 28, a 30 year old Oxon Hill, MD man was arrested for Grand Larceny.

Public Drunkenness, 800 block Villa Ridge.  On Jan. 28, a 55 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Liquor Law Violation, 6619 Wilson Blvd. (New Moon Restaurant). On Jan. 29, the manager of the restaurant, a 59 year old McLean man, was arrested for Virginia ABC violations.

Urinating In Public, 300 block W. Broad St.  On Jan. 29, a 22 year old Woodbridge man was arrested for Urinating In Public. 

Domestic Assault, 100 block Rowell Ct.  On Jan. 30, a 42 year old Arlington man was arrested for Assaulting a Family Member.

City Manager Puts Down Roots With New House

By STEPHEN SIEGEL
January 30, 2012

Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields is putting down roots in the city he runs.

Living in Arlington when he was first named manager, the top ranking position in the City hierarchy, Mr. Shields and his family moved to the City and rented a home on Poplar for the last several years.

Last September, the Shields bought a home that needed extensive rehab at 900 Parker and have been renovating it ever since. They hope to move in by March, said Patricia Shields, Wyatt’s wife and also the general contractor on the rehab.

Ms. Shields owns a company called Metro Green, an Arlington-based contracting firm that specializes in so-called “green” renovations that make homes especially energy efficient.

And as you might expect, their own home will be no different, featuring a heat pump hot water system, high-tech “dense pack” insulation, and thick R38 insulation in the walls, among other things. Most homes only have R38 in their roofs, if at all, and something about one-half to one-third as insulating in the walls.

The home also has a very contemporary look, and will be about 3,000 square feet when finished. The couple took an old rambler that they paid $490,000 for and have been adding a second story to the original brick home.

Additionally, the original brick on the rambler remains, but has been mostly covered by a new exterior paneling.

COMMUNITY COMMENT: Time for Transition in Falls Church

By MATT ABEL
January 30, 2012

There is no doubt that we face difficult times. The rising cost of fuel is driving up the price of living and the our enormously interconnected economy has been sending shock-waves around the world. However, we often feel powerless against the forces driving peak oil, economic interdependence, and climate change. We fear that government is unresponsive and that individual action is not enough. Instead of facing these issues as individuals we can work together on a community level to improve the way we live.

The future without oil can be better than the present with oil.  We can build genuine relationships with our neighbors instead of the people on reality TV. We can transition Falls Church to a self-reliant, sustainable, and resilient future powered by local food, economy, energy, and ingenuity. Instead of waiting around for government to act, we can act as a community of individuals.

This is the hope of Transition Falls Church. Transition is a student-initiated project that emphasizes a grass roots response to the greatest challenges of our time. By unleashing the collective genius of the Falls Church people, we can respond to the issues posed by climate change and peak-oil while simultaneously building a closer, tight-knit community.

We will be holding events over the next several months to teach people about this exciting new movement starting with a film screening at the Community Center on Saturday, February 18th. We will be showing a documentary called Transition 1.0 starting at 4:00pm. Please come as early as 3:30pm to ensure your seat. The documentary will last about an hour and there will be an opportunity for discussion at the end of the film. Please shoot us an email at transitionfc@gmail.com to sign up for email our email list and receive updates about upcoming events.

Although our initiating group will be steering the project for the next several months, it is ultimately something we are going to leave in the hands of the community. You can start the transition on the neighborhood level! Get together with the people on your street to discuss the Transition idea. Develop projects designed to make your neighborhood a more sustainable, vibrant place to live. Your neighborhood can practice community composting, develop a neighborhood garden, or start teaching people about a special skill (this can be anything from knitting to box gardening).

It starts with you! Hold a meeting in your neighborhood and send us an email. We will provide you with the information and resources necessary to make your idea a reality. Also, if you are interested in becoming a leader in the movement please let us know. We look forward to making Falls Church a better place to live.

Matt Abel is a student at George Mason  High School.

Guitar and Bass Lessons at Creative Cauldron

By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF
January 30, 2012

Creative Cauldron is pleased to announce that it is now offering Guitar and Bass lessons with their newest teaching artist and local musician Bruce Turner.  Lessons are taught at Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church and are offered for all ages and levels.  For more information, contact Bruce Turner at 703-608-1948 or turnerblues@gmail.com or Creative Cauldron at 571-239-5288 or info@creativecauldron.org.

For more about all music and arts educational programs and performances, go to www.creativecauldron.org or stop by ArtSpace at 410 S. Maple Avenue in the Pearson Square building.  Free parking is available in the garages at 410 and 400 S. Maple Avenue.

FOOD: Places for Breakfast

By KATHLEEN NIXON
January 27, 2012

For me winter is about slowing down and taking life a little easier. Basically I am just taking a cue from Mother Nature, shut down, recharge and get ready for spring. One of my favorite things about winter is that mornings are later and I can linger a bit longer to start my day. This also means more time to enjoy breakfasts rather than just fortifying myself with cup of coffee.

When I say breakfast, I am not talking about brunch which I truly leave for a special occasion.  Breakfast for me is anywhere from a latte and a scone to a cup of Joe alongside eggs, bacon, and hash browns or pancakes and sausage.

Around our area we have many wonderful options for breakfast from al fresco munchies at the Farmers Market to good old fashion diners and some places in between. Now being a curmudgeon, I tend to go back to the same places over and over again, so I have not tried all of our available breakfast venues, but I am sure many in our audience have!

Here are a few of my breakfast hangouts:

Falls Church Farmers Market – from the new donut lady with her hot fresh donut holes covered in powdered sugar to the Atwater’s Triple Ginger scones there is always something wonderful for breakfast on Saturday mornings.

Le Marche’ at La Cote D’Or – What I love about Le Marche’ are the breakfast options: fresh, piping hot croissants with a Café au Lait or omelet Parisien served with bacon and a baguette. Too many times omelets are huge like the chef is trying to put the whole dozen of eggs in there. At Le Marche the omelets are just right!

Buzz Bakery – An outpost of the Slater’s Lane Buzz Bakery is located in the Ballston area. While Buzz is known for its cupcakes, I truly believe its breakfast options are stellar. From the ham scone with great chucks of ham, cheese and scallions to the all in one breakfast waffle with maple syrup and bacon in the batter. This coupled with awesome coffee takes the chill off of any morning for me.

The Original Pancake House – What more can I say – it’s the pancake house!. You want pancakes this is where you go and you have many options including gluten free pancakes.

Linda’s – Don’t let the sign out front touting the Gyros and Burgers fool you, this is a great place for breakfast. The staff remembers you and your order. The breakfasts are large, delicious and just what you are looking for when you want a great dive for breakfast.

Silver Diner – I really enjoy the Sliver Diner over in Merrifield. It tends not to be as crowded as the other locations and even with the construction it is still easy to get to. When I have a group of folks who all want a wide variety of breakfast options this is where we will go.

Of course there is Starbucks, Panera and Cosi, but these seem to be good for a “grab and go” kind of breakfast rather than a sit, relax and catch up on life kind of breakfast.

The three I have yet to try are Famous Dave’s, Bentley’s and Mike’s Deli but I plan on visiting very soon.

Now I know this will cause some controversy, but I have only been to Anthony’s a few times and each time it was an abominable experience. I won’t go into details, but our family refuses to go back ever again. I am happy for the business that there are so many in the community that likes to go there.

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