RCA Newsletter: November 2024

About The Rosemont Citizens Association

The Rosemont Citizens Association is a 100% volunteer-run organization working to promote the interests and welfare of its members.

Everyone who resides or owns a property in Rosemont is automatically a member; we rely on contributions from citizens like you to sustain our mission and operations.

Contributions to RCA, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, are not tax deductible.

Please consider a gift to the RCA today!

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RCA November Meeting

The RCA held its final meeting of the year on November 20. Speakers included Patti Reilly, President of the Friends of the Duncan Library (https://www.friendsofduncanlibrary.org/) and Samantha Heitsch, the City’s sustainability coordinator of the new climate action office (https://www.alexandriava.gov/Eco-City). Reilly discussed the library programs supported by the Friends, and opportunities to volunteer and support its work. Heitsch discussed the efforts the City “Eco-City Homes” initiative, including opportunities for recognition, grants, and even to borrow helpful equipment such as thermal camera from the city libraries.

5th Annual RCA Holiday Decorating Contest

The RCA will be holding its fifth annual holiday decorating contest, but we need volunteers to assist with identifying candidates, electing the winners, and reaching out to sponsors. If you would like to help, please contact Jol at jol@thirdamendment.com.

PELT Committee Update

The City plans to start cleaning the Hooff’s Run culvert – from Linden Street to Duke Street –starting in early December.

Why is this important and why now?

When debris clogs the Hooff’s Run culvert, the homes along Commonwealth Avenue flood during severe rainstorms. The Stormwater Fee we pay now finances a program of routine inspections and maintenance to ensure the culvert never again gets clogged as it had been in the past. Tons of debris were removed a few years ago and we have seen a marked improvement in the culvert’s ability to move stormwater away from Rosemont.

A recent television inspection revealed some debris in culvert. While not enough to significantly inhibit flow, the City’s goal is to keep the culvert as clean as possible.

What will be the impact on our neighborhood?

Some work trucks and related equipment will be parked at the Linden Street alley, the Mt. Vernon Avenue cul-de-sac, and in Hooff’s Run Park. The City will post temporary “No Parking” signs when necessary. Most of the work will be underground except when debris is hauled out and loaded onto trucks to be discarded.

How long will the cleaning activity last?

The cleaning activity is scheduled for December 2024 through April 2025. Work hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays, and no weekend work.

What about the northern part of the culvert – from Linden to Glendale Streets?

The northern section is scheduled to be inspected, and, if necessary, cleaned, later in 2025.

Who can answer any questions?

The City will soon distribute and post project information. In the meantime, you can contact Lisa Jaatinen at lisa.jaatinen@alexandriava.gov if you have questions.

For regular updates on planning and land use, environment, and transportation issues affecting Rosemont, visit https://rosemontpelt.com. At the November meeting, members asked about any updates regarding Zoning for Housing; the PELT Committee provided a handout on Zoning for Housing at the October RCA meeting, and has uploaded that handout to https://rosemontpelt.com/planning/.

Resources from Alexandria Sheriff’s Office

The Alexandria Sheriff’s office is collecting donations for its annual “Operation Elf” (https://www.alexandriava.gov/sheriff/sheriffs-office-welcomes-donations-for-operation-elf) and for those traveling during the holidays also offers a house-watching service (https://www.alexandriava.gov/sheriff/away-from-home-check). Additionally, the Sheriff continue to offer “Project Lifesaver” to help track adults and children with special needs (https://www.alexandriava.gov/sheriff/project-lifesaver) and will offer another edition of its “academy” introducing community members to its operations in March 2025 (https://www.alexandriava.gov/academies/sheriffs-community-academy).