The Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington invite you
to the unveiling of “Stumbling Stones.” These bronze markers commemorate the lives of
the enslaved people who helped build our county and our country and are placed in the
sidewalk at the last known site of their enslavement. Memorializing the Enslaved in
Arlington’s research has revealed over 2000 enslaved people and identified 1050 by
name.

Please join us for the Dedication Ceremony honoring seven once-enslaved
individuals

Charles Coffee: Born before 1815
Lucy Sr.: Born before 1815
Susan: Born ca. 1830
Betsey: Born ca. 1832
Eliza: Born ca. 1847
Lucy Jones: Born ca. 1847
Henson Jones: Born ca. 1859

We will be honoring them at:

2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 14, 2026
at the Southeast corner of Columbia Pike & S. Walter Reed Dr. (Pike Park)

Their Story

Two generations of the Coseen family used enslaved laborers to cultivate their land and
maintain their home, providing intergenerational wealth for their themselves.

In 1822, John and Ann Coseen purchased 109 acres of land along the south side of
what is now Columbia Pike between Glebe Road and Courthouse Street in Arlington. To
cultivate the land, the Coseens used enslaved laborers. We know the names of several
from John’s will, Charles Coffee, Lucy, and her young daughters Susan and Betsey
(later known as Elizabeth). John died in 1837 and bequeathed the farm and enslaved
workers to Ann and upon her death, to their daughters Mary Jane and Ann.

Betsey and Susan grew up along the Pike in the service of Ann Coseen, but in 1854,
Mary Jane married William B. Lacy, and the couple took over the farm. Soon after, one
of the enslaved sister’s (it’s unclear which) gave birth to a daughter, Lucy Jones and in
1859, Betsey gave birth Hanson Jones. Susan, now enslaved by Ann, Jr., had a
daughter, Eliza. Susan may have died around this time as she disappears from the
records.

The Civil War brought mayhem to Arlington as Union troops occupied the land, seizing
crops and destroying property. Lacy moved his family, Betsey/Elizabeth and her children
and Eliza to the District of Columbia for safety. In 1862, the District banned slavery and
the Lacy’s were forced to emancipate Betsey, Lucy, Hanson, and Eliza.

What became of Elizabeth, Hanson, and Lucy Jones after emancipation is unknown at
this point. Eliza remained in DC working as a servant.

Please join us as we celebrate and honor. Charles Coffee, Lucy Sr, Susan, Eliza,
Betsey, Lucy Jones, and Hanson Jones: Brief remarks will be offered.

Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington seeks to shed light upon these early Americans
who contributed so much to the economic, social, and cultural development of our
county.

For more information, please contact Jessica Kaplan from the Arlington
Historical Society at ahsedlink@gmail.com.

Community Walk: Improving Shade and Tree Canopy Along Columbia Pike

Neighbors,

Lori Bowes is organizing a community walk for anyone interested in discussing opportunities to increase shade and tree canopy along Columbia Pike.

Since the streetscape construction was completed, many residents have noticed the limited number of trees and the missed opportunities for creating a cooler, more walkable corridor. This informal walk is an opportunity to identify areas of concern, exchange ideas, and discuss possible next steps before approaching Arlington County.

When: Sunday, July 12, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Meet in front of Mpanadas, 3602 Columbia Pike
(Street parking is available on S. Cleveland Street.)

You may want to bring a SmarTrip card in case the group decides to use Metrobus for an easy return to the starting location.

Topics for discussion may include:

• Locations where trees could have been planted but were not
• Opportunities for additional trees in medians or other available spaces
• Tree species selections, including locations where shrubs were planted instead of shade trees
• Trees that have died and need to be replaced (these can also be reported through the Arlington Request app)
• Areas that are fully paved where shade trees previously existed or could potentially be added
• Understanding whether underground utilities or other infrastructure limit tree planting opportunities

If you are unable to attend but are interested in this effort, Lori would appreciate hearing from you. She may create a shared Google document to collect ideas and facilitate collaboration.

Depending on the outcome of the walk, the group may reach out to Arlington County’s Urban Forestry staff to discuss potential improvements.

If you’re interested in helping make Columbia Pike greener and more comfortable for pedestrians, please consider joining the walk or sharing this invitation with others.

For questions or to express your interest, contact:

Lori Bowes
loribowes@gmail.com

Thank you.

Santa in a Fire Truck in South Arlington (3 pm)

A little elf recently let me know that Santa plans to visit South Arlington in a Fire Truck again this year, and that he’s looking forward to another cruise around the neighborhood to check up on all of the girls and boys! Starting at 3:00pm on Saturday, December 20th, Santa will ride through Douglas Park, Green Valley, and Columbia Heights for an hour, ending back at the fire station at 4:00pm.

Residents want street lighting that improves safety while using modern, well-designed fixtures that protect neighborhood character, reduce light pollution, and respect nearby homes.

 Positive Example & Design Preferences

 Lighting along Barton and 16th Streets in Arlington Village seen as a model: well-spaced, safe, and preserves neighborhood character.

• Preference for old-style LED lights with warm glow, tilted wands, and adjustable lumens instead of harsh “cobra” lights.
• Support for continuing original Columbia Pike design
• Side streets should have softer, warmer lighting; brighter/cooler lights only for main corridors.

Safety Concerns

• 16th Street S near the park is dangerously dark and needs a
• Lighting should focus on streets, sidewalks, steps, and bus stops for pedestrian safety.
• Walkers at night value lighting but dislike overly bright “spotlight”

Light Pollution & Residential Impact

• Strong concerns about lights shining into homes; desire for shielded/focused fixtures.
• Requests for shades or coverings to reduce glare, skyglow, and ecological impacts.
• No upward-radiating lights; only downward-focused
• Balance between safety and preserving nighttime

Technology & Style Suggestions

• Use latest lighting technology: efficient, directional, and
• Mix of blue/white lights for efficiency on main streets and warm/yellow lights in neighborhoods.
• Consider lessons from Reston’s softer approach to neighborhood
• Improve durability of light pole bases against dog

General Sentiments

• Desire for both safety and
• Frustration with past “wars” over LED lighting
• Some neighbors express trust in the process even without strong

Here are the top 5 takeaways from the comments:

1. Safety first – Lighting is most needed on dark streets, sidewalks, and bus stops, especially 16th Street S near the park.
2. Right light for the right place – Brighter, cooler lights on main corridors; softer, warmer lights in neighborhoods and side
3. Shielding & focus – Fixtures should direct light down onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or the sky (to reduce glare, light pollution, and ecological impact).
4. Design matters – Preference for neighborhood-friendly styles (like Arlington Village or Columbia Pike’s old-style LEDs), not harsh “cobra”
5. Balance & trust – Residents value safety but want ambiance preserved; many trust the county will be responsive in

Summarize: Should the lighting design differ between main corridors (e.g., Columbia Pike, Walter Reed Drive) and residential side streets?

Out of 78 responses:

• 32 said Yes (41%) – lighting design should differ between main corridors and residential side streets.
• 46 said No (59%) – lighting design should not

Overall, a majority (about 59%) prefer a consistent lighting design, while about 41% support different designs for corridors vs. neighborhoods.

Here’s a summary of the Additional Comments or Suggestions:

Key Themes

1.    Safety Concerns

• Lighting needed at Walter Reed/16th Street S intersection

and 16th Street S near the park (dangerous, poor visibility).

• Lights should focus on streets, sidewalks, steps, and bus stops.

2.    Lighting Quality & Technology

• Strong preference for shielded, focused lights that illuminate streets/sidewalks without shining into homes.
• Support for modern LED designs that adjust brightness based on time of night.
• Request for shades or coverings to reduce glare and light

3.    Neighborhood Character

• Arlington Village and Columbia Pike’s old-style LED lighting

Praised as good examples.

• Desire to avoid harsh, utilitarian “cobra” lights that harm neighborhood ambiance.
• Call for soft, warm lights in residential areas and brighter, cooler lights only on main corridors.

4.    Balance of Safety & Ambiance

• Too-bright “spotlight” style lighting makes some feel less safe.
• Residents value a blend of safety and aesthetics, with softer neighborhood lighting.
• Some reference Reston’s softer, less intense lighting approach as a model.

5.    Other Practical Notes

• Request for clear reporting method for burned-out fixtures.
• Concern about light pole bases being damaged by dogs.
• Frustration that lighting changes (like LED rollouts) become

“moving targets” with neighborhood disputes.

Overall sentiment: Residents want safe, well-placed lighting that uses modern, shielded technology while preserving neighborhood character, reducing light pollution, and avoiding overly bright fixtures near homes.

Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from the additional comments:

1. Safety first – Add lighting at dark spots (e.g., Walter Reed/16th St S, 16th St S near the park) and focus on sidewalks, steps, and bus
2. Shield and focus lights – Fixtures should direct light onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or upward (reduce glare and light pollution).
3. Neighborhood-friendly design – Favor warm, softer lights in residential areas; keep brighter, cooler lights on main
4. Preserve character – Models like Arlington Village and Columbia Pike’s old-style LEDs are preferred over harsh “cobra” lights.

Practical improvements – Easier way to report outages, use durable light poles, and avoid overly

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the Columbia Heights streetlight project. The survey closed on September 15, 2025, and we greatly appreciate the thoughtful input we received from residents. Your comments will help us identify where lighting is most needed and guide decisions about the type of fixtures that best balance safety, livability, and neighborhood character.

Next steps: The input from the survey and the July 27 community walk will be used to update the project plan. The final proposal will be reviewed by the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC) later this fall or winter.

We’ll keep you informed as the project moves forward. Thank you again for helping to shape this important improvement for our community.

Sincerely,
Columbia Heights Civic Association

Street Light Project on South Edgewood and Cleveland – Community Input Needed

Dear Neighbors,

The street light project that the Columbia Heights Civic Association applied for several years ago is moving forward this fall. Originally, the plan was to install streetlights along South Edgewood—from Columbia Heights to 13th Road—turning east for one block, then continuing down Cleveland Street back to Columbia Heights, forming a U-shaped route.

Since the original proposal, Arlington County has installed some lighting along parts of this route. Before the project proceeds, we need to assess the current conditions and identify any remaining gaps.

We are inviting you to join us for a community evening walk on Sunday, July 27, at 7:30 p.m. We will meet at the corner of South Edgewood and 11th Street. This walk will help us identify areas that may still need additional lighting.

Your input is essential to ensure this project reflects the community’s needs. The final plan will be reviewed by the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC) this fall or winter.

Please let us know if you have any concerns about street lighting in this area—even if you can’t attend the walk.

Thank you for helping us move this important safety and neighborhood improvement project forward.

Sincerely,
Sarah McKinley (email: sarah.mckinley1952@gmail.com)

Columbia Heights Civic Association

1. Public Transportation

Issues:

• Lack of Fixed-Rail Transit: After the cancellation of the streetcar project in 2014, residents have expressed frustration about the lack of a high-capacity, fixed-rail transit option, especially given population growth.
• Bus Congestion and Reliability: Columbia Pike is served by several Metrobus and ART routes, but buses are often delayed due to traffic congestion and a lack of dedicated lanes.
• Insufficient Bus Infrastructure: Some stops lack shelters, real-time information, or ADA-compliant features, which affects usability, especially for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Connectivity Gaps: There are limited direct transit connections to other key areas of Arlington or to Metrorail stations without transfers.

2. Traffic and Road Congestion

Issues:

• High Vehicle Volume: Columbia Pike carries a significant amount of east-west car traffic, often leading to backups at intersections, especially during peak hours.
• Limited Turn Lanes and Signal Timing Issues: Poor signal coordination and insufficient turn lanes slow traffic and create safety hazards.
• Cut-Through Traffic: Side streets see increased use as drivers avoid congestion on the Pike, raising concerns in residential neighborhoods.

3. Pedestrian Infrastructure

Issues:

• Inconsistent Sidewalk Coverage and Width: Some areas have narrow or missing sidewalks, especially near construction zones or older developments.
• Crossing Safety: Long distances between crosswalks, inadequate lighting, and a lack of pedestrian signals at some intersections endanger walkers.
• Snow and Ice Clearance: After storms, sidewalks on the Pike often go uncleared for days, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
• Construction Disruptions: Ongoing redevelopment can block sidewalks or force unsafe pedestrian detours.

4. Biking

Issues:

• Lack of Protected Bike Lanes: Most of Columbia Pike lacks protected or even painted bike lanes, making it unsafe for cyclists to use the corridor directly.
• Poor Connectivity to Trails: While there are nearby bike trails (e.g., W&OD Trail), connections to and from Columbia Pike are not well-marked or safe.
• Driver Behavior: Fast-moving traffic and limited cyclist visibility create hostile conditions for biking.

5. Electric Scooters and Micromobility

Issues:

• Sidewalk Clutter and Accessibility: Dockless scooters are often parked haphazardly, blocking sidewalks and ramps, especially near bus stops.
• Safety and Regulation: Riders often use sidewalks due to fear of sharing lanes with fast-moving vehicles, endangering pedestrians.
• Lack of Clear Lanes or Rules: There is confusion among users and drivers about where scooters are allowed, and enforcement is minimal.

Summary of Needs and Opportunities

• Dedicated Transit Lanes and improved bus infrastructure
• Protected bike lanes and safe trail connections
• Wider, well-maintained sidewalks with safe crossings
• Traffic calming and pedestrian-first signal timing
• Designated scooter parking zones and clearer regulations
• Year-round maintenance, including snow clearance for pedestrians and cyclists

A Great Day at the Arlington Blues Festival!

The 2025 Arlington Blues Festival was a true celebration of music, community, and cultural diversity. We were honored to be joined by Arlington County Board member Takis Karantonis, festival volunteer Ron Haddox, and blues legend Rick Franklin, who helped make the event unforgettable.

Their shared passion for the blues and dedication to the local arts scene reflect the spirit of this festival, bringing people together through the power of music. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this day so special!