Arlington Board Approves Master Transportation Plan

The county board meeting opened with public comments on a number of issues in the county. One citizen recommended that the county institute a lighting ordinance, another raised awareness of a parking issue on Edgewood Street and another praised the county for its lawsuit regarding the HOT lanes on I-395.

The board responded that lighting is covered to some extent in the current signage ordinance but acknowledged that the county could include a lighting ordinance as part of a zoning ordinance rewrite. Regarding the parking issue, the board noted that since many streets were built, there are now more cars, larger cars and larger houses, all of which can make older streets more cramped.

 The 20-year street plan adopted by the board is the final piece of a six-year effort to revise the master transportation plan that was last updated in 1986. The five overall objectives of the plan were to have a well-designed street network, complete streets to accommodate all users, safe streets for all users, an efficient design with minimal long-term expense and to enhance the human and natural environments. Traffic safety was an important part of the plan, including designing streets with realistic speed limits. Creation of alleys and service areas in commercial districts to ease the use of commercial vehicles in those areas was also deemed important. One area of intense focus was the creation of pedestrian-oriented streets that would have little or no vehicular traffic, as part of the county board's continuing commitment to creating a walkable Arlington. There was also an emphasis on integrating motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians in a safe and efficient manner. The plan also calls for a 15-year re-pavement cycle for most streets.

The 20-year street plan was adopted unanimously by the board; however, there are likely to be some minor amendments in response to citizen comments. One of the areas of concern for citizens was the width of sidewalks, especially in neighborhoods where widening the sidewalks could adversely impact the width of the street and thus the availability of street parking. The board's final piece of business was the approval of a use permit for Arlington Mill Residences, an affordable housing project to be located at Columbia Pike and S. Arlington Mill Drive.

Board meetings are broadcast on local television and online and are a good way for residents to learn what is going on in the county. Meetings are held at 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 300. Further information on the County Board can be found here:

 http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/countyboard/countyboardmain.aspx