Arlington Discusses Metro Development with FC
By Stephen Hiscott
Photo: An aerial view of the East Falls Church Metro Planning Area.
Despite the recent slow down in commercial and residential development, Arlington County is planning for future development near the East Falls Church Metro station.
Last month the Falls Church City Economic Development Authority hosted Richard Tucker, senior planner for the Arlington County Planning and Zoning Office, who presented an update on the scope and status of the East Falls Church Metro study. All development discussed was said to be contingent on developers having conforming plans, financially viable projects and appropriate approvals.
Arlington County is working with the East Falls Church Civic Association, the City of Falls Church, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and Virginia Department of Transportation to examine transportation issues such as pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access to the Metro station, as well as infrastructure, streetscape and other improvements to create an urban, walkable and accessible mixed-use environment within the study area.
Tucker, with a well prepared presentation and thoughtful Q&A responses, pointed to Clarendon and Shirlington as possible areas of emulation. Developments there, he said, have created an inviting and pedestrian friendly atmosphere with features such as upper-floor setbacks from the street, opening sidewalks to more light.
Arlington County is anticipating development on all corners of the Washington Street intersection of Interstate 66, similar to the mixed-use buildings on Westmoreland near La Cote D’Or restaurant. Further, it was noted that the parking at East Falls Church Metro will not be expanded, as Arlington County is particularly interested in encouraging pedestrian traffic and bus transportation, rather than more cars on the road.
Tucker also conveyed that Arlington County has a position of discouraging redevelopment of existing residential property, suggesting that the homes surrounding East Falls Church Metro will likely remain long into the future.
Some in attendance from Falls Church noted that it would be critical to consider anticipated plans for Falls Church City Center and other parts of North Washington, and what effect these developments would have on their success.
Following are several links providing perspective on work to date.
Forum link from Arlington County, which lays our activities and resources
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/CPHD/forums/columbia/current/CPHDForumsEastFallsChurch.aspx
Study Area
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/CPHD/Documents/12137East%20Falls%20Church%20Map.pdf
Purpose
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/CPHD/Documents/12138EastFallsTFcharge_draft.pdf
Phase One, over Hwy 66, Arlington County Seeking Funding; note that this plan would enable community area over Hwy 66 and would create an entry to East Falls Church metro from the Washington Blvd exit off of Lee Hwy, creating two Kiss-and-Rides
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/CPHD/forums/columbia/current/pdf/file67865.pdf
By (see byline)
December 2, 2009
Mr. Tucker’s presentation was outstanding. I think the component of the plans that is most interesting (and potentially beneficial to Falls Church) is the idea of a western entrance to the East Falls Church Metro stop. The concept is to build a platform on the Washington Blvd overpass where it crosses the metro tracks. The platform would support pedestrian, bicycle, and bus traffic as well as a small kiss and ride area.
If such an entrance was built it would instantly make part of the North Washington corridor in the City much more Metro accessible – which could have a big impact on commercial development. The platform would also allow for much more efficient bus routes which could extend easy metro access further into the City.
Thanks Andy, great point. I also failed to mention the discussion regarding re-routing the bike path to the side of the fire station and directly across Washington Street. The group acknowledged that the current crossing at Washington Blvd is challenging, but wasn’t certain how re-directing bike traffic would help, given that cyclists must cross Washington Street regardless. It was a relatively short piece of the discussion, but Mr. Tucker acknowledged that the group is seeking feedback from cyclists who use W&OD for recreation and commuting to DC/Arlington County and is interested in making it more functional than it is currently.