Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Lakeside Pharmacy on the Market


A Lake Anne institution, the Lakeside Pharmacy & Cafe, is up for sale. More info here.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Blizzard of 2009



Thank you to Pam & Kristen Herring for the above three photos!


Digging Hickory Cluster out after the blizzard has been quite an undertaking. Thanks to friends and neighbors for pitching in and helping each other get the white stuff under control. If you have any HC photos from the weekend's snow you'd like to share please send them to me and I'll post. -Sara

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

James Rossant, Lake Anne Plaza Architect Dies at 81

James Rossant, architect and Reston master planner, died on December 15, 2009 at his home in France of complications due to leukemia. obit

Monday, November 2, 2009

UCP Church Expansion Meeting

Dear All,
The church will give an update on the building plans on November 19th at 7:30PM in the church.

This will be a good time to see the most recent drawings including the proposed traffic roundabout, and also find out the status of the permitting process, including outstanding DRB issues.
ps. added photo (sorry for the shadow!): click to enlarge, the traffic "roundabout" is visible in this drawing close to the proposed new entrance nearest HC. To my understanding, this end of the proposed parking lot will be excavated and will be approximately 6ft lower than the elevation of the land backing up to HC. -Sara

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Cluster Pumpkin Carving Contest

JOIN IN THE FUN!
It's time once again to sharpen your knives for the annual HC jack-o-lantern carving contest!
To win, all you have to do is carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern and display it at your front door, balcony or window between 7 & 8pm on Halloween night, Saturday October 31st.
Prizes will be awarded that very night by our witch/warlock judges.
1st Prize: $15.00
2nd Prize $10.00
3rd Prize $5.00

Saturday, October 24, 2009

HC Cluster Clean Up

Cookout moved to Sunday, Block 2 at 3pm. All residents are invited. Please come out and enjoy the afternoon!

Saturday & Sunday
October 24 & 25th, 2009
9am to 1pm

Stop by 11521 in Block 3 for free naturalizing daffodil bulbs.

Followed by Octoberfest Cookout at 3pm in Block 2 on Saturday the 24th (Weather Permitting!) The cluster will provide hamburgers, knockwurst and sodas. Neighbors are asked to bring side dishes.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

New Graffiti Problem

http://www.restonian.org/2009/10/lake-anne-shocker-ms-13-gang-graffiti.html
My wife Anna saw this and I have reported it to RA as well as the police.

HC residents need to be on the look out for this type of graffiti and report it to the RA and police as soon as they see it. We need to have zero tolerance for this and it requires the vigilance and persistence of our community. Others in HC should also put pressure on the police and RA to remove it. We should also ask our police for increased patrols of the bike path. The more calls from our community the greater the likelihood that something will be done.

Perhaps a neighborhood watch should be set up. If there is one already set up, who's in charge of it and how can we get involved? We can't let the pathways and woods behind our houses, or the plaza become gang territory.
Thanks,
Sean Joyner

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Church Easement: Not Approved

After the votes were counted last night, it was announced that there were less than the 2/3 (60) ballots required. Therefore, the church easement vote was not approved. The church pastor stated that the church would most likely not ask Hickory Cluster to do another vote on the easement in the future.

The church is planning on having a new access into their property from North Shore Drive where the current rectory is but because of the easement vote it will only be a one-way access going into the church.

There was some new explanation by the church representatives about changes that will have to be made in their parking lot plans with the inclusion of a "roundabout" so their traffic can turn around on the property to use their now sole exit. The church pastor posed that this might be more disruptive to HC residents due to the added headlight disturbance at night.

There was also some discussion about status of the church designs with the Reston Association Design Review Board (DRB). It seems that there may be more opportunities for HC resident's concerns to be heard at future meetings on the church plans. The church has not, as it was previously understood, had final approval from the DRB. Check the blog for more information on this to come.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Church Easement Vote Reminder

Don't forget the church easement vote!

If you haven't sent in your proxy vote, please come out to the meeting at RCC-Lake Anne at 7:30 tomorrow night 10-7-09.
Thank you!

Fairway Apartments: More Lake Anne Area Expansion

Here's a link to an article on what Fairway Apartments is proposing to do with their property.
Fairway Apartments Redevelopment

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Church Easement Vote Set for October 7th

All residents should have received a packet from TWC in the mail containing notification of the upcoming Hickory Cluster SPECIAL MEETING: CHURCH EASEMENT VOTE on October 7th at 7:30pm RCC-Lake Anne as well as a proxy form. Note: Proxy must be received at the office of TWC on or before 1pm 10/7/09.
=======================================
Background from earlier post...
Over the last few years, the United Christian Parish Church has been working on plans to expand their present building to approximately triple the size of what it is now. The plan includes the removal of the "rectory" house that currently exists on North Shore Drive next to Hickory Cluster (Block 3) and a portion of the existing woods and trees to be replaced by additional parking and a brand new parking lot access onto North Shore Drive.

The above drawing (click to enlarge) reflects the church expansion plans as of October '08. The church has approached HC to ask for a HC vote on a county easement (2/3 of resident "yes" vote needed) on cluster property bordering North Shore Dr. between HC and the proposed new parking lot outlet that would require HC to remove all obstructions to visibility (trees, vegetation, green power box, etc.) back 25ft to satisfy the county by increasing motorist visibility while exiting the church from the new access. The church has offered to pay for the cost of the vote and the costs involved in complying with the easement.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Request: Photos from HC's Past

Our family are new residents to Hickory Cluster. We are fascinated by the history of our community, and would love to see any old photos some residents may have of how things looked around here in years gone by.

One area I am interested in seeing photos of is the wooded lot which is up for discussion for the stream revitalization project. From stories I've heard, this area used to be much more manicured. Also old photos of the playground which was located in the greenspace between lot 3 and 2 would be interesting to see. Also photos of the plaza on lot 3 before the garage was torn down.This blog would be a great place to post up some of these glimpses into HC's past.

My wife, Anna, and I have a scanner and could help with digitizing old prints.

Sean and Anna
Block 3
seanjoyner (at) mac (dot) com

Friday, August 21, 2009

HC Green Areas: Please Comment

Hi Folks-
Below is a HC beautification suggestion from one of our HC resident, Eric L. Many have had ideas along these lines in the past but Eric has formalized them here. Let us know what you think... could be fun and can only improve the fabulous HC! Perhaps we could address this at the September 16th HC board Mtg.
-Sara

==========================
Hickory Cluster Garden Adoption & Competition
Hickory Cluster is great, but it can be better. One area that seems neglected and far from fulfilling their potential are the cluster gardens. The size and number of these gardens (and associated common areas) are unique to Hickory - and a huge asset. Nevertheless, but with a few notable exceptions, the gardens today are over grown and look unkempt.

I’d like to propose a three-part idea to change this:

Garden Adoption
Each garden can be ‘adopted’ by one to four homes, creating a garden team. Small plaques would be made to show identify which homes (Teams) have adopted which gardens.

Seed Money
Each garden team would get a small amount (for example, $200) from the Hickory Board to get started. The teams could add to this amount - and possibly develop fun and creative fund raising (e.g., a garden BBQ or dinner party fund raiser?).

Spring and Fall Garden Competitions & Party
Twice a year a competition would be held for the best cluster garden. A panel of independent judges would be assembled (e.g., Robert Simon?) to tour cluster and rate each garden on a set of criteria. Afterwards, there would be a cluster BBQ/party where the results would be announced and award given out.

I see the Hickory Garden Competition both raising the beauty of the neighborhood, and further fostering a great sense of Cluster community.

- Eric L.
11520 Maple Ridge

Monday, August 17, 2009

Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station - Community Meeting

Please note the following community meeting being hosted by Supervisor Hudgins regarding the Wiehle Avenue Project:

Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station - Community Meeting: Currently under consideration is a pending land use application to amend the zoningclassification in order to implement the mixed-use environment, including 2,300+ space multi-deck parking garage along with office, hotel, residential and retail space. There will be a community meeting on the Wiehle Station on Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Any questions please contact:
Goldie A. Harrison
Legislative Assistant
Hunter Mill District
12000 Bowman Towne Drive
Reston, VA. 20190
(703)478-0283
hntrmill@fairfaxcounty.gov

Friday, August 14, 2009

Dulles Metrorail is Coming

Construction Progress More Visible

Stay Informed and join now to receive construction related email or fax alerts. Please sign up for our Information Network by visiting www.dullesmetro.com.

Hotline For emergency construction related issues, please call our 24 hour/7days a week Hotline at (877) 585-6789.

Want to Know More? To set up a briefing for your homeowners association, civic group, or business please email outreach@dullesmetro.com or call (703) 448-5550.

Construction Progress More Visible
Construction activities are officially underway along the entire alignment of Phase 1 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

Dulles Connector Road/I-66 Interchange
Caissons and piers, which will support foundations for at-grade andaerial track work, are being built. You will continue to see more of these develop along the Dulles Connector Road median in the coming months.

Dulles Connector Road
During the week of Aug. 10, overnight work will close the eastbound Dulles Connector Road (Route 267) ramp to northbound Route 123. Drivers will be directed to detour by using the ramp to southbound Route 123 and using the traffic signal to access the northbound lanes.

Route 123
Early preparation of the eastern portion of the 2,400-foot tunnel has begun at Route 123 and International Drive, including construction of a concrete plant. This month, other equipment and facilities essential to the tunnel construction will be put into place. Preliminary foundation work is taking place for the Tysons Central 123station at Route 123 and Tysons Boulevard.

Route 7
The ramp from southbound Route 123 to Route 7 will close temporarily overnight Aug. 7-8. Construction crews will permanently remove traffic signals and reconfigure the traffic plan. After Aug. 8, the ramp will only reopen for westbound Route 7 only. Eastbound Route 7 fromsouthbound 123 will remain closed. Please use southbound International Drive to access eastbound Route 7. The two-way Frontage Road along the north side of Route 123 between International Drive and Route 7 is subject to nighttime closures to support ongoing utility relocations. Business access remains open during this work. Work has begun on the western portion of the tunnel at the northwest cloverleaf at Route 7 and Route 123 along the Frontage Road. Dulles International Airport Access Highway (DIAAH) and Dulles Toll Road (DTR)Construction has started in the median of the DIAAH near the future Wiehle Avenue station. Ongoing Work Utility relocations and occasional lane closures will continue alongthe Route 7 service roads, portions of Route 123, the DIAAH and theDTR. Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout this work. Ramp closures are scheduled at night in order to avoid peak traffic hours. Motorists should stay alert and be prepared to alter their travel along these roads.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Indoor Recreation Resolution Means Brown's Chapel Park Won't Be Considered

Brown’s Chapel Park is now “off the table” in any plans for an indoorrecreational facility in Reston. In a seven to two vote, the Board of Directors voted to “discontinue further discussion of constructing anindoor recreation facility at Brown’s chapel Park.”At the July 23, 2009 meeting, the board also ruled out leasing, deeding or transferring any part of Brown’s Chapel Park to Fairfax County or any other entity. However, the measure also leaves open the door for future upgrades tothe park’s ball fields, pavilions, equipment and picnic facilities.The measure calls for concluding the relationship with consulting firm Brailsford & Dunlavey, which conducted a market feasibility study ofindoor recreation. Additionally, the resolution encourages acontinued working relationship with Reston Community Center to exploreoptions for providing year-round recreation.The move comes on the heels of four community-wide meetings in which many citizens said they would support indoor recreation but would notbe in favor of giving up “open space” to achieve that goal. Community responses to surveys conducted during those meetings arebeing compiled for presentation to the board and community in the fall.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Snakeden Stream Restoration Tour

There will be a guided walk along the restored length of stream at Snakeden Branch to explain what was done, Sat. June 27 from 9am to noon.

From RA
The general public stream walk that shows the stream restoration one year after construction starts at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at the Rite Aid parking lot at the Hunters Woods Village Center. Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes/boots that can get wet or muddy.


This will be useful for those wondering what might be in store for the planned restoration of Hickory Cluster's stream flowing into Lake Anne. The details of the restoration will likely be different due to the differences in stream size and flow, but this will be a chance to discuss the options and understand the process. RSVP is to Nicki@reston.org or call 703-435-6560.

RA Background Information on Stream Restoration including great video introduction with before and after shots.
RA Plan

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

United Christian Parish Expansion


Over the last few years, the United Christian Parish Church has been working on plans to expand their present building to approximately triple the size of what it is now. The plan includes the removal of the "rectory" house that currently exists on North Shore Drive next to Hickory Cluster (Block 3) and a portion of the existing woods and trees to be replaced by additional parking and a brand new parking lot access onto North Shore Drive. The above drawing (click to enlarge) reflects the church expansion plans as of October '08.

The church has approached HC to ask for a HC vote on a county easement (2/3 of resident "yes" vote needed) on cluster property bordering North Shore Dr. between HC and the proposed new parking lot outlet that would require HC to remove all obstructions to visibility (trees, vegetation, green power box, etc.) back 25ft to satisfy the county by increasing motorist visibility while exiting the church from the new access. To date, the church has offered to pay for the cost of the vote and the costs involved in complying with the easement. The date for the vote TBA.

-Sara

Reston License Plate

Virginia is accepting pre-orders for Reston license plates; the Reston Citizens Association (RCA) is handling the orders with a $10 deposit per order; when a total of 350 orders have been received the state will then begin production of the plates. The application form can be downloaded from www.restoncitizensassociation.org; the check should be mailed to:

Reston Citizens Association
P.O. Box 2851
Reston VA 20195.

More information is available from Dan McGuire: email to GUILDMORE@aol.com.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Cluster Work Day and Party

Neighbors and Friends--

By any measure the Cluster work day and party this past Saturday was a smashing success. Thanks to all who participated for the hard work in mulching, planting, power washing and painting to make the Cluster shine. Special thanks to Madeline Cohen (III) for organizing and Shirl Sellers (II) for the grill and set-up arrangements for the party. We all can take great satisfaction in what was accomplished on Saturday. I would encourage everyone to make the time to take a walk around the common areas of each of the three blocks in the next few days to appreciate what a beautiful place this Hickory Cluster is. We all share the responsibility of keeping it that way.

Cheers,
Bob Anderson

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

RELAC: Plant Improvement Needed

RELAC cluster presidents and residents met on 6/2. Our Aqua Virginia representative was not able to attend but sent this letter. The proposed and necessary new pump station for the intake would cost $175,000 and the average user (average being $770/yr) an additional $160.00 per season.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Welcome to the Hickory Cluster Blog

The goal of this blog is have an information resource for Hickory Cluster residents on topics ranging from recommended contractors to RELAC.

Posting
Submit anything you would like to post on the blog to me at sara.bradley@comcast.net Posts to the blog will be made at the discretion of the Hickory Cluster board.

Comments
Right now, anyone can publish a comment to any post. Our hope is that comments will always be constructive and considerate. If that changes, we will switch to moderated comments.

Subscribe to Blog
This blog is hosted for free by Google. In the bottom right corner are two pull down menus for subscribing to this blog via Google, Yahoo and a few others. If you sign up for free to igoogle (or one of the other offerings on the menu) you can track new activity on the blog. This frees you up from having to come to the site to see if there is new information. You can also subscribe to the Hickory Cluster Calendar via Google by scrolling down to the bottom of the calendar. To sign up for igoogle, you must first have a gmail account (this is free) linked to your own email account.
Note: I have never gotten an email from google or anyone else via my gmail account. It simply allows you to access benefits of igoogle, etc.

Labels
I will try to label posts accurately so anyone coming to the blog can find out more about a certain topic can click on the topic under "labels" in the right column and see all the posts on that subject.

Email List
I am compiling an email list of Hickory Cluster residents to occasionally send out emails about important events or concerns affecting our cluster. If you would like to have your email on this list, please email me your:
NAME
ADDRESS
EMAIL
Thank you,
Sara

Monday, June 1, 2009

Cluster Clean Up & BBQ -- June 13th, 2009

The next Hickory Cluster clean-up is set for Saturday, June 13th at 9:00AM with a barbecue to follow.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Letter from Cluster Presidents -- RELAC Update

May 1, 2009

To: Our Fellow Reston Lake Anne Area Cluster and Condo Assn. Residents

From: Ad Hoc Committee of Lake Anne Area Cluster and Condo Association Representatives*

Re. RELAC this season and beyond; an initial update

This brief letter is intended to bring you up to date, as we know it, as to developments regarding the continued operation of the Reston Lake Anne air conditioning system now owned by Aqua Va.

Earlier this year officials of Aqua Va. invited representatives of each of the eight cluster and condo associations now hooked up to the chilled water air conditioning system affectionately called RELAC to a group meeting to discuss the system’s future, its lack of profitability and myriad issues involved in its future functioning. That session, and follow up discussions with Aqua Va. representatives and Reston Association leaders stimulated us to begin meeting among ourselves to sort out what choices and alternatives might be facing some 600 households who now rely on RELAC for their seasonal air conditioning.

Here’s what we know:

RELAC is over 40 years old, and has experienced escalating operational and capital repairs in recent years; Aqua Va. reported they have lost money owning RELAC in each of the past several years, and if they can’t sell the system, they may seek a sizeable rate hike from the Va. State Corporation Commission; it appears quite doubtful that RELAC as we have known it in the past will continue to exist 3-5 years from today; there are an array of what may be viable cost effective ways to air condition our homes and condos without everyone having to resort to the more commonly seen individual AC units; there may be very meaningful tax credits and operational savings available to our respective households depending on how we respectively plan for our future AC services; there is a “briar patch” of issues and hurdles yet to work through if, as a community, we are to emerge with future air conditioning systems we can afford and will be satisfied owning.

We hope very shortly to convene an informational meeting of neighbors from all of the cluster and condo associations now on the RELAC system. At that meeting we’ll offer additional details, answer your questions as best we can, and share a brief draft referendum petition which, if adopted later this fall, would authorize some limited multi-year pilot or demonstration AC projects among households now in the RELAC system.

The approach under consideration would seek to amend the covenant to allow a limited number of pilot projects over a three-year period by residents who would be released from the system entirely, with revocation of the covenant to occur after the three years. The pilot AC projects process should give all of us now on the RELAC system a better gauge of the choices, costs and benefits of providing air conditioning in the longer term future.

Again, please look for further information on the upcoming RELAC related community meeting shortly.

Ad Hoc Committee Cluster and Condo Assn. Representatives*

Sam Harahan
Coleson Cluster

Thomas Garrity
Governour’s Square Cluster

Fred Swartzendruber
Hickory Cluster

Rick Thompson
Lake Anne Condominium

Carolee Egan
Vantage Hill Condominium

Mark Waddell
Wainwright

Karen Noel
Water View Cluster

Craig Palmer and
Bryan Smith
Washington Plaza Cluster

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Middle School Gangs: A Rising Concern

Is your child at risk of being recruited by gang members? What makes some kids more vulnerable than others? Understand the scope of the current (and changing) face of gang activity in your neighborhood.

There will be presentations by the police department's gang unit, the County's Office of the Commonwealth Attorney, and human service agencies. While middle school conditions will be a focus of the evening, parents of all school-aged children are encouraged to attend this important forum to learn how to prevent children from becoming involved in gang-related activity.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: Sully Government Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA 20151
CONTACT: 703-703-246-3271
MORE INFORMATION: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Prepare now for Hurricane and Flood Season

Virginia’s Hurricane Tax Holiday is May 25-31

RICHMOND, VA – June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, and Virginians should take steps now to prepare their families and businesses. Regardless of where you live in the Commonwealth, the flood risk and property loss associated with hurricanes and tropical storms is high.“It is so important that every Virginian treat hurricane season seriously,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Hurricane season is flood season. No part of Virginia is safe from flooding because seasonal heavy rains and slow moving tropical systems can affect any part of the state.” National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 24-30, an excellent opportunity for all Virginia families to take three simple, low-cost steps to get ready: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.

This year, the Ready Virginia campaign is focusing on teaching families how to make a plan. For hurricane season, families should learn their designated evacuation routes, decide on an evacuation destination and collect emergency contact information. Go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov for downloadable family plan worksheets. Residents living in coastal and inland communities will benefit from Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, set for May 25-31. During that week, no sales tax will be charged on the purchase of many items that can be used to prepare homes for hurricane and flood season and to fill emergency supply kits. Among the exempt items are bottled water; flashlights; batteries including cell phone batteries; food and beverage storage coolers; battery-powered or hand-crank radios, two-way radios, weather band radios and NOAA Weather Radios; cell phone chargers; carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; first aid kits; tarps, plastic sheeting, drop cloths and duct tape; artificial ice; empty gas, propane or diesel fuel tanks or containers; and generators. For a complete list and details go to www.tax.virginia.gov.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Hurricane Camille, which produced torrential rains in the mountains of Virginia. Although Camille was a tropical depression when it hit Virginia, Nelson County recorded 27 inches of rainfall. Flash flooding killed at least 150 people and injured another 100 in the Commonwealth. “The message for us in Virginia is that even a significantly weakened tropical system can have deadly consequences,” said Bill Sammler, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “Fortunately, we now have NOAA Weather Radios, NWS Doppler radar and many other communication technologies that did not exist in 1969. But people still need to prepare their families and their homes and businesses because property damage can be severe during hurricane and flood season.

Courtesy of the VA Department of Emergency Management & Lani

Thursday, May 14, 2009

2009 A/C Season Is On

I wanted you all to know that we have the AC system operational – I assume we will have the usual period where we will need to deal with air in our and the customers’ lines. We began circulating water yesterday and have removed much of the air and are continuing today.
Thank You,
Greg

Gregory Odell
Chief Operating Officer
Aqua Virginia, Inc.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

HC President's Notes on 4/30/09 RELAC Mtg

Last night some of the cluster presidents met with [Aqua VA's] Greg Odell for an update on the RELAC situation. The CEO of RA also attended. Some of the main points follow:

  • The system is not yet ready to start due to heavy accumulation of mud in the intake lagoon. There was also a broken pump which has been repaired. They hope to have it ready in the next week or ten days.
  • AQUA plans to file for a rate increase in June. It would not apply to the upcoming cooling season. The amount they will request is not yet decided.
  • They are going to be marketing RELAC soon; in addition to the idea of an outright buyer, Odell floated the idea of a contract operator who would not own but would operate the system for a fee. He didn't indicate whether AQUA would be interested in retaining ownership under such an arrangement.
  • They have had preliminary designs prepared to extend the water inlet out into the lake (as I had long ago suggested), in order to get around the problem of shallow water, mud, etc. clogging the intake at the "lagoon" where the plant is located. The cost estimate is $136,000 and they will factor this into the rate increase proposal. Until the pipe extension is done, they will continue to need the diesel pumpset which we saw during the last two seasons, to ensure sufficient flow of water for cooling the chillers.
  • AQUA is keeping open the option of pressing the golf course over their use of lake water for watering the greens. The court ruling, according to them, is not necessarily the last word, and Odell hinted that they have been talking with Virginia DEQ about unregulated water extraction from a public waterway without the required permits. (In my opinion this is a valid point- FS.)
  • AQUA would consider upgrading the staffing at the plant in Reston to include customer service and management, based on strong negative feedback about the existing call center service; this would also be factored into a rate increase request.- There was discussion about revising the definition of when the season begins. The tariff reportedly calls for May 24 but most years it is much earlier depending on temperatures. Two problems they face are cleaning out the mud accumulated during winter and spring (which might be reduced when the intake pipe is built), and the heating switch-over at Heron House. Last night it was agreed it would be ready to start no later than May 15, but could begin in April if there are two days at 85 degrees.
  • They will consider making available more service inside the homes, to give advice on maintenance, pipe and coil upgrades if feasible, replacement of valves, etc.
  • As a regulated utility they can't take responsibility for actually doing work inside the house, but might consider recommending shops which are familiar with the technology and possible retrofit kits (additional coil and duct installed on upper floors, for ex.).
  • There will be another meeting May 27 at 7:00 in the RA conference room. By then the cooling system will have started and people may have experiences to share.
  • They are aware of the possibility of a covenant referendum, and hope it will not happen. AQUA says they would not "walk away" from a utility since they are a large corporation working in some 14 states with a reputation to protect. However, at the very end of the meeting Odell hinted this could happen if customers started leaving the system.

Regards,Fred

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Aqua Source to Offer RELAC For Sale and Addresses Rate Hike Tonight

Greg Odell of Aqua Source will be meeting with the cluster presidents again this evening at RA at 6:30pm to discuss the issue of selling the service (RELAC) or other options being considered, as well as the rate increase issue.
5/1/09 Letter from the presidents of the effected clusters to residents.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

RELAC 2009 Season

According to Aqua Virginia, RELAC is scheduled to turn on the A/C on May 22, 2009 but will try to have it available earlier on May 14th.