APS: New High School forum tonight 7-9 pm at Yorktown

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

taxpayers without children would be jumping for joys for not having to fund yet another $50M facility.

but i get it. you want WL to stay the way it is, because you like it that way!

No shit head. I do not want my kids attending HS on a campus with 4000 kids. How is that so f---king hard for anyone to understand? They talk about inequities b/c there's no pool or football field. I could give a shit about those two amenities. How is it fair for 4000 students to have to share a campus when the other 2 comprehensive HS's will be much smaller?

I also agree that building up the Ed Center pretty much guarantees the students for many years after will be stuck there. Is this really the best that Arlington can do? This is like a real freaking nightmare scenario.

Wow -- I asked about the library, but I am not the one hurling profanity after your response.

I'd like to think that taxpayers of all ages would be willing to fund a school at Kenmore if there were a plan to turn it into a comprehensive high school over time (could the county please back up on the aquatic center until we know if there's going to be a 4th pool in the Carlin Springs neighborhood?) and there were a detailed plan to address traffic.

[Anonymous]

Re: The problem with Glen Carlyn


For those of you sitting in much nicer locations in Arlington- let me give you a little insight to the homeowner's of Glen Carlyn. * I also encourage you to do a drive by on Carlin Springs rd. Go into the neighborhood, it's very charming once you get into it.

So, I got to know some of these people during the affordable housing master plan thingy. They are nice people. Probably way too nice. I find that to be the issue with many people in South Arlington. The difference with the GC citizens, they've been fucked over enough by the county at this point, they are getting wise to the Arlington Way.
The streetcar being cancelled was a huge blow to this area. It was to bring desperately needed gentrification. Please drive Carlin springs and the west end of the Pike- it's a shit hole.
The new AH built looks nice, but you'll notice The Shell has empty retail. How many years has it been now? No buisness is moving in. They (businesses) look at the popution, how much income, and won't risk it.
But the west end is still getting all the crap that came with the Columbia Pike revitalization. More and more poor people, with no amenities or transportation to support them.
Remember that premium bus services that was gonna be implemented pronto? Yeah me neither.
You'll have to forgive them if they aren't willing to trust the county will do right by them. Hell, being zoned WL is one of the few things their property values have going for them, and now you want them to accept a new high school that might one day have the ammenties that everyone has? Sitting in the exact spot where the county's "worst" middle school sits?
Don't worry we will balance those demographics out for it... sure...

The Glen Carlyn people are finally understanding how things get done. They are tired of being the dumping ground.

Can't say I blame them. I don't live over there and I support the Kenmore site. I see how great it could work, but I hardly blame them for their cynicism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re: The problem with Glen Carlyn


For those of you sitting in much nicer locations in Arlington- let me give you a little insight to the homeowner's of Glen Carlyn. * I also encourage you to do a drive by on Carlin Springs rd. Go into the neighborhood, it's very charming once you get into it.

So, I got to know some of these people during the affordable housing master plan thingy. They are nice people. Probably way too nice. I find that to be the issue with many people in South Arlington. The difference with the GC citizens, they've been fucked over enough by the county at this point, they are getting wise to the Arlington Way.
The streetcar being cancelled was a huge blow to this area. It was to bring desperately needed gentrification. Please drive Carlin springs and the west end of the Pike- it's a shit hole.
The new AH built looks nice, but you'll notice The Shell has empty retail. How many years has it been now? No buisness is moving in. They (businesses) look at the popution, how much income, and won't risk it.
But the west end is still getting all the crap that came with the Columbia Pike revitalization. More and more poor people, with no amenities or transportation to support them.
Remember that premium bus services that was gonna be implemented pronto? Yeah me neither.
You'll have to forgive them if they aren't willing to trust the county will do right by them. Hell, being zoned WL is one of the few things their property values have going for them, and now you want them to accept a new high school that might one day have the ammenties that everyone has? Sitting in the exact spot where the county's "worst" middle school sits?
Don't worry we will balance those demographics out for it... sure...

The Glen Carlyn people are finally understanding how things get done. They are tired of being the dumping ground.

Can't say I blame them. I don't live over there and I support the Kenmore site. I see how great it could work, but I hardly blame them for their cynicism.

I agree with much of this, but FYI a montessori school is moving into the Shell building.

[Anonymous]

I wrote the super long comment- promise I’m not a gramps (yet). My kids will be in high school from 2027-2033.

Future WL parents, I feel for you. I would not send my kids to a 4000-kid school either. We are zoned for Yorktown, but I am sure that by the time my kids are of high school age, a lot will have changed.

I generally support use of the Kenmore site now, and growing it later. And I would gladly pay increased taxes, in the form of a special assessment or otherwise, to fund schools. I know not everyone has that luxury of saying that.

I have volunteered with my civic association board, and so have some experience in listening to my older neighbors comment (complain?) about the state of things. Re their home equity, I think they would say, so what. Say they bought in the 80’s for $150k. Now their house is worth $800k, and they pay ever increasing property taxes out of their not increasing pension or social security. If Arlington becomes a bit less desirable to affluent young families, and property values go down to, say, $500k, what do they care? They don’t want to sell, they do want to pay less in taxes, and having their neighborhood stay the same is worth more than paper profits. Again, I’m not saying it’s right. And, ironically, if property values go down it’s families like mine – who bought within the last 7 years or so – who won’t be able to afford to leave.

Here’s where I talk smack- less than the baby boomers, who I find unspeakably selfish are individuals who have current or recently graduated high school students, but yet feel that it’s acceptable to inform those of us with younger kids that a mega-W-L with no field space is ok. One of the Glen Carlyn speakers last night fell into that category- mom of a recent HB graduate and current senior. Because her kids are “indoorsy.” Complain about Carlin Springs traffic if you want, but please don’t tell me that (1) you thought it was necessary for your kid to attend a special 700-kid program but (2) it’s appropriate for other kids to attend a four THOUSAND kid campus. Come on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wrote the super long comment- promise I’m not a gramps (yet). My kids will be in high school from 2027-2033.

Future WL parents, I feel for you. I would not send my kids to a 4000-kid school either. We are zoned for Yorktown, but I am sure that by the time my kids are of high school age, a lot will have changed.

I generally support use of the Kenmore site now, and growing it later. And I would gladly pay increased taxes, in the form of a special assessment or otherwise, to fund schools. I know not everyone has that luxury of saying that.

I have volunteered with my civic association board, and so have some experience in listening to my older neighbors comment (complain?) about the state of things. Re their home equity, I think they would say, so what. Say they bought in the 80’s for $150k. Now their house is worth $800k, and they pay ever increasing property taxes out of their not increasing pension or social security. If Arlington becomes a bit less desirable to affluent young families, and property values go down to, say, $500k, what do they care? They don’t want to sell, they do want to pay less in taxes, and having their neighborhood stay the same is worth more than paper profits. Again, I’m not saying it’s right. And, ironically, if property values go down it’s families like mine – who bought within the last 7 years or so – who won’t be able to afford to leave.

Here’s where I talk smack- less than the baby boomers, who I find unspeakably selfish are individuals who have current or recently graduated high school students, but yet feel that it’s acceptable to inform those of us with younger kids that a mega-W-L with no field space is ok. One of the Glen Carlyn speakers last night fell into that category- mom of a recent HB graduate and current senior. Because her kids are “indoorsy.” Complain about Carlin Springs traffic if you want, but please don’t tell me that (1) you thought it was necessary for your kid to attend a special 700-kid program but (2) it’s appropriate for other kids to attend a four THOUSAND kid campus. Come on.

I am PP who complimented your thoughtful long comment. I initially had precisely the same reaction to her comment and told her so in person, in a nicer way than I'm doing here, and we went on to have a long conversation. I told her about my elementary schooler and how we didn't win the lottery, so we are instead crowded into one of the largest elementaries in Arlington which truth be told my kid is not really equipped for. Maybe read the comment directly above your last one about how Carlin Springs has been screwed over by the county time and time again, and look at the quality of education their kids are receiving in comparison to what yours is if you live in the north, and maybe think about recalibrating.

[Anonymous]

I mean, she's not totally wrong to say that if you do this terrible thing to W-L, it will probably survive because parents will fight with the SB to ensure its survival. Whereas the South gets screwed over again and again.

[Anonymous]

I understand the concern that Kenmore wouldn't get all the same amenities as the other schools right away. That sucks. But we have to face reality and do something NOW. Schools are different. My kid is at McKinley: don't tell me it has all the same amenities as Discovery. That sucks too.

And there may not be a pool there but maybe the kids can just swim at Long Branch!

https://www.arlnow.com/2017/04/25/breaking-county-moving-ahead-with-long-bridge-park-aquatic-center/?mc_cid=ec146e7ac2&mc_eid=21ba11b556

The priorities of this country never cease to amaze me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wrote the super long comment- promise I’m not a gramps (yet). My kids will be in high school from 2027-2033.

Future WL parents, I feel for you. I would not send my kids to a 4000-kid school either. We are zoned for Yorktown, but I am sure that by the time my kids are of high school age, a lot will have changed.

I generally support use of the Kenmore site now, and growing it later. And I would gladly pay increased taxes, in the form of a special assessment or otherwise, to fund schools. I know not everyone has that luxury of saying that.

I have volunteered with my civic association board, and so have some experience in listening to my older neighbors comment (complain?) about the state of things. Re their home equity, I think they would say, so what. Say they bought in the 80’s for $150k. Now their house is worth $800k, and they pay ever increasing property taxes out of their not increasing pension or social security. If Arlington becomes a bit less desirable to affluent young families, and property values go down to, say, $500k, what do they care? They don’t want to sell, they do want to pay less in taxes, and having their neighborhood stay the same is worth more than paper profits. Again, I’m not saying it’s right. And, ironically, if property values go down it’s families like mine – who bought within the last 7 years or so – who won’t be able to afford to leave.

Here’s where I talk smack- less than the baby boomers, who I find unspeakably selfish are individuals who have current or recently graduated high school students, but yet feel that it’s acceptable to inform those of us with younger kids that a mega-W-L with no field space is ok. One of the Glen Carlyn speakers last night fell into that category- mom of a recent HB graduate and current senior. Because her kids are “indoorsy.” Complain about Carlin Springs traffic if you want, but please don’t tell me that (1) you thought it was necessary for your kid to attend a special 700-kid program but (2) it’s appropriate for other kids to attend a four THOUSAND kid campus. Come on.

I am PP who complimented your thoughtful long comment. I initially had precisely the same reaction to her comment and told her so in person, in a nicer way than I'm doing here, and we went on to have a long conversation. I told her about my elementary schooler and how we didn't win the lottery, so we are instead crowded into one of the largest elementaries in Arlington which truth be told my kid is not really equipped for. Maybe read the comment directly above your last one about how Carlin Springs has been screwed over by the county time and time again, and look at the quality of education their kids are receiving in comparison to what yours is if you live in the north, and maybe think about recalibrating.

I’m not sure what to recalibrate. Of course I did not speak to the woman that way, and I did not have time to stay after the meeting to chat.

I’m not at all bitter that someone had the chance to send her kids to HB. I don't think we should abolish or restrict the program. I’m glad that she found something that worked for her family. I have no problem with listening to her points about the burdens an increased population at Kenmore would cause her neighborhood. I think it's ok to say no to Kenmore, for perfectly valid reasons, including the County's history of dealing with Glen Carlyn.

I do have an issue with her stating – as have several HB parents on AEM – that we just don’t need schools with fields, or sports, because their kids didn’t use them. Or that very large high schools are ok, because they went to one. I think it’s ok to say no to Kenmore, for many valid reasons. Opposing Kenmore is quite different than affirmatively stating, in effect, that it's ok to curtail the activities, programs, and facilities for future students (from any part of the county) because my child is done with school and I now know that they wouldn't have used it. That, to me, is extremely myopic. I'm glad you went on to have a productive conversation with her.

[Anonymous]

Is this what my team is doing now? Telling our neighbors in the south to accept "less than" because "schools are different"?

I can support a 4th comprehensive at Kenmore if it will have the same facilities and if we can get the community on the same page, if only by getting folks to accept the lesser of what are likely to be many potential evils.

But I won't get on board with "less than." And I'm surprised that you're willing to write these real inequities off so easily. These are inequities you know you wouldn't accept for your own kid. I'm at McKinley too. It's not the same of what we're asking from historically screwed over Carlin Springs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand the concern that Kenmore wouldn't get all the same amenities as the other schools right away. That sucks. But we have to face reality and do something NOW. Schools are different. My kid is at McKinley: don't tell me it has all the same amenities as Discovery. That sucks too.

And there may not be a pool there but maybe the kids can just swim at Long Branch!

https://www.arlnow.com/2017/04/25/breaking-county-moving-ahead-with-long-bridge-park-aquatic-center/?mc_cid=ec146e7ac2&mc_eid=21ba11b556

The priorities of this country never cease to amaze me.

WTF!?!?!?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand the concern that Kenmore wouldn't get all the same amenities as the other schools right away. That sucks. But we have to face reality and do something NOW. Schools are different. My kid is at McKinley: don't tell me it has all the same amenities as Discovery. That sucks too.

And there may not be a pool there but maybe the kids can just swim at Long Branch!

https://www.arlnow.com/2017/04/25/breaking-county-moving-ahead-with-long-bridge-park-aquatic-center/?mc_cid=ec146e7ac2&mc_eid=21ba11b556

The priorities of this country never cease to amaze me.

How about they take that money and build the pool over at Glen Carlyn. How about that? We've got the money. Just change the location.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this what my team is doing now? Telling our neighbors in the south to accept "less than" because "schools are different"?

I can support a 4th comprehensive at Kenmore if it will have the same facilities and if we can get the community on the same page, if only by getting folks to accept the lesser of what are likely to be many potential evils.

But I won't get on board with "less than." And I'm surprised that you're willing to write these real inequities off so easily. These are inequities you know you wouldn't accept for your own kid. I'm at McKinley too. It's not the same of what we're asking from historically screwed over Carlin Springs.

Yes, I'd rather have my kid at a sparkling new high school than at a 4,000 seater. Pool or no pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re: The problem with Glen Carlyn


For those of you sitting in much nicer locations in Arlington- let me give you a little insight to the homeowner's of Glen Carlyn. * I also encourage you to do a drive by on Carlin Springs rd. Go into the neighborhood, it's very charming once you get into it.

So, I got to know some of these people during the affordable housing master plan thingy. They are nice people. Probably way too nice. I find that to be the issue with many people in South Arlington. The difference with the GC citizens, they've been fucked over enough by the county at this point, they are getting wise to the Arlington Way.
The streetcar being cancelled was a huge blow to this area. It was to bring desperately needed gentrification. Please drive Carlin springs and the west end of the Pike- it's a shit hole.
The new AH built looks nice, but you'll notice The Shell has empty retail. How many years has it been now? No buisness is moving in. They (businesses) look at the popution, how much income, and won't risk it.
But the west end is still getting all the crap that came with the Columbia Pike revitalization. More and more poor people, with no amenities or transportation to support them.
Remember that premium bus services that was gonna be implemented pronto? Yeah me neither.
You'll have to forgive them if they aren't willing to trust the county will do right by them. Hell, being zoned WL is one of the few things their property values have going for them, and now you want them to accept a new high school that might one day have the ammenties that everyone has? Sitting in the exact spot where the county's "worst" middle school sits?
Don't worry we will balance those demographics out for it... sure...

The Glen Carlyn people are finally understanding how things get done. They are tired of being the dumping ground.

Can't say I blame them. I don't live over there and I support the Kenmore site. I see how great it could work, but I hardly blame them for their cynicism.

I drive by carlin springs about 3 to 5 times a week. I don't disagree that the affordable housing has killed parts of it. If you are thinking WL helps property values, how will that continue with 4000 plus students? The fact is that land is scarce and that parcel and VHC are the only large lots left for a 4th.

Like I said earlier, they should do a blind lottery for who gets zoned so everyone is invested in ensuring the 4th site gets everything the other 3 have. Why couldn't they create a 2nd WL? In the meantime, create an HB west. I would definitely want my kid to go to an HB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand the concern that Kenmore wouldn't get all the same amenities as the other schools right away. That sucks. But we have to face reality and do something NOW. Schools are different. My kid is at McKinley: don't tell me it has all the same amenities as Discovery. That sucks too.

And there may not be a pool there but maybe the kids can just swim at Long Branch!

https://www.arlnow.com/2017/04/25/breaking-county-moving-ahead-with-long-bridge-park-aquatic-center/?mc_cid=ec146e7ac2&mc_eid=21ba11b556

The priorities of this country never cease to amaze me.

How about they take that money and build the pool over at Glen Carlyn. How about that? We've got the money. Just change the location.

Great. given there's no parking over there, we've now funded a pool that will benefit Alexandria and DC residents who will metro over. WTF?!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this what my team is doing now? Telling our neighbors in the south to accept "less than" because "schools are different"?

I can support a 4th comprehensive at Kenmore if it will have the same facilities and if we can get the community on the same page, if only by getting folks to accept the lesser of what are likely to be many potential evils.

But I won't get on board with "less than." And I'm surprised that you're willing to write these real inequities off so easily. These are inequities you know you wouldn't accept for your own kid. I'm at McKinley too. It's not the same of what we're asking from historically screwed over Carlin Springs.

What is this "team" nonsense? i find you very patronizing. You do now speak of N. Arlington.