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Visions for Vacancies: Empty Lot Next to Whole Foods

In this new column, Patch wants your ideas for developing vacant spaces in Arlington.

 
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This overgrown parking lot is located next to the Whole Foods in Clarendon.
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By most measures, business is booming in Arlington.

As County Board Chairman Mary Hynes said last month at the State of the County address, "If cranes are any measure of economic wealth…we’re doing pretty darn well."

Here and there, though, there are a few empty spaces — maybe old parking lot that is undeveloped, a closed business that didn't quite make it. So what should be done?

That's where you (and this new column) come in.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.

Each week we'll present a new vacant building or an empty lot and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use for it.

Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?

This week, we're turning out attention to an overgrown parking lot at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and North Danville Street, just east of the Whole Foods Market in Clarendon.

What would you like to see on this lot? More parking? Maybe another condo building? A bookstore? How about a doctor's office or a day spa?

Be sure to weigh in with your ideas in the comments section.

About this column: In highlighting vacant businesses in Arlington, we aim to help residents take a proactive role in planning and developing their community. Know of a vacant building we should highlight? Email lauren.sausser@patch.com. Related Topics: Visions for Vacancies

Jason Foodgeek

9:28 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012

Additional metered parking. Or better yet, free parking.

An unemployment office so people don't have to go to an office in Alexandria that is far away and not metro accessible.

Ross or TJ Maxx.

Reply

Lisa Buzzelli

1:07 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012

I think repairing the lot for parking again would be nice, as long as the prices are similar to what the other lots and street parking cost.

Reply

Relax-Be-Happy!

12:11 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012

How about a small park (green space) with an outdoor amphitheater / stage for community theater, open mic performances, Friday night movies, etc...

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