Neighborhood Network News

Tax season is here, learn how to sign up for the Arlington Public Library’s free tax preparation assistance, Arlington approved nearly $145,000 in new Neighborhood Matching Grants, check your mailbox for the annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey, and mark your calendars for the 5th annual Fish Creek Cleanup in this week’s Neighborhood Network News.

Free Tax Assistance at the Arlington Public Library

The 2022 tax season is here, and the Arlington Public Library is here to help. They’re partnered with Tax-Aide from AARP to offer free tax preparation assistance. Tax-Aide will be available at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library and the Southwest Branch Library starting Wednesday, February 1, through Tax Day, April 18, 2023.

Patrons must go in person to their preferred location to schedule appointments. Staff will be unable to schedule them over the phone. Sign-ups will open on Thursday, January 26 at both locations. An appointment binder will be available for the public at each location for patrons to fill in their name in an appointment slot. Visit the Arlington Public Library website to learn more.

Arlington Invests $144,620 in Neighborhood Matching Grant Projects

The City continues to invest in neighborhoods throughout The American Dream City, with the Arlington City Council approving nearly $145,000 in new Neighborhood Matching Grants for seven projects across the City. For a project to be considered, it must be submitted by neighbors, serve a public purpose, have a detailed timeline and meet all City codes. Each neighborhood must also contribute 20% grant match towards the project through cash, in-kind donations and/or volunteer hours. The projects selected to receive funding in 2023 include:

• Homeowners Association of River Legacy Estates, Inc. - $18,900 for entryway, lighting and beautification project
• Wildwood Estates Owners Association - $14,470 for sidewalk installation and mulch replenish
• Bay Club Homeowners Association – $22,150 for Bay Club beautification project
• Glenbury Court Association - $7,690 for Glenbury Court entrance improvements
• River Bend - $20,500 for neighborhood signage project
• Wimbledon on the Creek Homeowners Association, Inc. - $24,400 for Bardin Road landscape improvements
• Creekside Park Residential Association - $21,890 for Creekside Park beautification project
• Glen Meadows Owners Association - $14,620 for GMC beautification

Click here to learn more about the Neighborhood Matching Grant program.

Check Your Mailbox or Email Through Feb. 28, 2023, for Arlington’s Annual City Survey Invitation

Be on the lookout for the annual City Services Satisfaction Survey. This year, the survey will be offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The anonymous and confidential online survey is designed to gather residents' opinions about city services. Those who are randomly selected to complete the survey will be contacted, either by post card or email, with instructions and login information. The survey will be sent out around January 26, 2023 and will close on February 28, 2023. Learn more about the survey.

Volunteers Sought for 4th Annual Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge on Jan. 28, 2023

Organizers for the upcoming 5th annual Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge are seeking volunteers to collect discarded cans, glass and plastic bottles, paper and other debris littering the banks of the southeast Arlington creek. This year's cleanup challenge will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

The cleanup is a family friendly event. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed toe shoes or waterproof boots and any preferred tools, such as trash grabbers. Event organizers and supporters are providing gloves, trash bags, hand sanitizer and a limited number of tools. This year’s cleanup will start at Cravens Park, 400 Cravens Park Drive.