Arlington Could Spend $4.3M Improving These Neighborhoods

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County leaders will consider spending more than $4.2 million on neighborhood improvements, including new sidewalks, streetlights and pedestrian safety upgrades, while also weighing changes to zoning rules that could make it easier for churches and nonprofits to develop affordable housing.

The proposals are among the items scheduled for the Arlington County Board's meeting Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

$4.26 Million In Neighborhood Improvements

The board will consider approving $4.264 million for five projects recommended by the Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee through the Arlington Neighborhoods Program.

The proposed improvements would affect several neighborhoods:

• Douglas Park: New sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, street trees and streetlights along 18th Street South between South Nelson and South Quincy streets. The project also includes a proposed all-way stop at 18th Street South and South Quincy Street.
• Penrose: Streetlighting improvements along South Courthouse Road and 6th Street South, including solar-powered bus shelters, new streetlights and adjustments to existing lighting.
• Clarendon-Courthouse: New sidewalks, curbs and gutters along the west side of North Cleveland Street between 12th Street North and Fairfax Drive, along with tree plantings.
• North Highlands: A new neighborhood identification sign, with its location and design to be determined by residents working with county staff.
• Bellevue Forest: A new neighborhood sign intended to strengthen neighborhood identity and improve visibility for residents and visitors.

County officials said the street improvements are intended to make neighborhoods safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The Douglas Park and Clarendon-Courthouse projects would improve sidewalk connections and pedestrian crossings, while the Penrose improvements would increase nighttime visibility.

The board must approve the funding before the projects can move forward.

Affordable Housing Zoning Changes

The board will also consider beginning the process of updating Arlington's zoning ordinance to comply with recently adopted Virginia legislation intended to make it easier for religious organizations and nonprofits to develop affordable housing on property they own.

The legislation, House Bill 1279 and Senate Bill 388, allows qualifying affordable housing projects on properties owned by religious organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to receive administrative approval, also known as by-right approval.

That means qualifying projects could move through an administrative approval process rather than requiring the same discretionary zoning approvals that other developments may need.

Saturday's proposal would not immediately change Arlington's zoning rules or approve any housing developments.

Instead, the board would consider adopting a resolution allowing county staff to begin studying and drafting potential amendments.

The resolution is also intended to comply with a 2024 Arlington County District Court opinion requiring the county to formally initiate work on zoning amendments before advertising proposed changes.

County officials emphasized that beginning the process does not guarantee the board will ultimately adopt the amendments.

How To Attend Or Comment

The Arlington County Board's regular meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

Residents can attend in person, watch the meeting online or participate virtually through Microsoft Teams.

Submit written comments to CountyBoard@arlingtonva.us. Residents who want to speak during the meeting can register through the county's website or contact the County Board Office at 703-228-3130.

The board will also hold a recessed meeting on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. to review Arlington's proposed legislative priorities for the 2027 Virginia General Assembly session.