Town Hall Meeting Tonight on North Washington Streetscape

A Town Hall meeting tonight will discuss the appearance of North Washington Street (US Route 29) beginning at 7:30 pm in the Community Room of the Falls Church Community Center.

Although few people live on North Washington, its appearance should be of concern to all citizens as the roadway and adjoining sidewalks are the gateways that their town presents to returning residents, newcomers, and all those just passing through.

Essentially, Falls Church has four gateways, two on Washington and two on Broad Street.  Although many streets access the City from Arlington and Fairfax Counties, the two thoroughfares serve as the primary entry points.  People driving or walking into town inevitably make their initial impressions based upon what they observe on and alongside these roads.

What the drivers and walkers see is known as streetscape.  The word was coined in 1924 but has only recently come into everyday use, though probably only urban planners use it every day. 

The urban and landscape architecture firm retained by the City recommends a “green” streetscape from the intersection at Broad Street to the Arlington County line, using low-impact development techniques, such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bio-retention cells.

Those attending the Town Hall will be able to participate in discussions and provide feedback concerning North Washington’s future sidewalks, lights, pavement, and other aspects of the streetscape design.

Additional information on the Town Hall may be obtained from Ms. Wendy Block Sanford at wblocksanford@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5040 (TTY 711).

A slide show on the project is available here at the City’s website.