Pentagon City Planning Study – ARCA Comments

ARCA continues to engage with Arlington County on the Pentagon City Planning Study, which aims to build the vision and plan for the future of Pentagon City. The ARCA Board conducted a special members meeting on October 27th, soliciting verbal and written inputs from members, which were used to convey feedback to the County Planning Staff in person (virtually) and in writing.

The ARCA Board’s feedback included the opinion that developments like RiverHouse would serve the community better as medium density transition areas, a compromise between the existing plan and the zero up-zoning described in the 2013 Arlington Ridge Neighborhood Conservation Plan. We expressed approval of greener and walkable elements, a new elementary school, and improved transit/walkability to a vibrant Pentagon and Crystal City— but also the belief that benefits should not come at the expense of public services and facilities, diversion of traffic through neighborhoods, congestion, and security concerns.  We suggested the plan include clear performance metrics and risk mitigation plans to address the heightened demand for public and private transit and other public facilities and infrastructure. We also requested the plan clearly define community benefits/infrastructure to support the needs of 22202, to include schools, a community center/library, parks, public and private transportation improvements, and access to medical facilities.