The County Board was busy in May. We took action on an affordable housing site, began consideration of the County's plan for investing in capital infrastructure over the next ten years, resolved Metro funding for the next two years through the state budget, and officially opened of Boundary Channel Drive improvements. I also spoke on affordable housing to a small group of national leaders of large urban counties and am happy to share with you that we are accepting applications for a new round of food security/hunger mini-grants.
I joined the National Association of Counties for a discussion of affordable housing and Arlington's historic investment in the Barcroft Apartments on May 2.
Affordable housing continues to be one of my top priorities and our May Board meeting included an opportunity to engage on it. Melwood, a non-profit that serves those with developmental disabilities, is interested in redeveloping a parcel of land in the Aurora Highlands Neighborhood on 23rd Street South, near Crystal City. The Board accepted a proposal of a Special GLUP study that will enable us to further consider approximately 100 affordable apartments in a 5-6 story building.
Final consideration and a site plan is still ahead of us, but this was a step forward. 30 people spoke at the Board Meeting and 25 were in favor. I engaged with the neighborhood and those opposed felt strongly that the site should not consider the level of density identified in the Special GLUP study. Ultimately, I feel the immediate surrounding area can reasonably accommodate 5-6 stories and believe that Melwood will engage with neighbors. This is truly affordable housing and I believe our community must be willing to change in the ways this particular project will consider.
Metro funding for the next two years was finally resolved. The Governor compromised with the Legislature and approved over $130 million in additional funding to address Metro's shortfall for the fiscal years that start this July 1 and next July 1. The Budget approved for the Commonwealth reached common ground and the results are great news for Arlington.
As Chair of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) this was a major priority of mine, since Metro is the backbone of Arlington's economy. Credit goes to the Democratic majorities in the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, our strong economy, and, on this issue, to the Govenor, for seeing that Metro funding was not worth arguing over. I am proud to have contributed to the effort as well. Now, we must work on to how to fix the long-term funding challenges Metro faces.
With Dave Snyder, Falls Church City Councilmember, Senator Adam Ebbin, NVTC Executive Director Kate Mattice, and Delegate Paul Krizek, accepting a Virginia General Assembly Resolution honoring 60 years of NVTC.
Another transportation project, improvements to Boundary Channel Drive near Long Bridge Aquatic Center and the Pentagon, was finalized this month. The project significantly improves access to 395 and the bike and pedestrian network to the Aquatic Center. It is an example of regional collaboration as we received funding for the project from a second critical regional transportation organization I serve on, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. To learn more, go here: Boundary Channel Drive Interchange Project – Official Website of Arlington County Virginia Government (arlingtonva.us)
Our County's infrastructure and capital investment is addressed every two years through our Capital Improvement Plan. On May 28th we began consideration of that plan for the next ten years, with what we will ask voters to approve in a bond for the next two years part of what we will adopt over the next 6 weeks. County Manager Mark Schwartz proposed a $4.5 billion plan that we will work on and eventually adopt on Saturday, July 20th or Tuesday, July 23rd. To learn more, go here: County Manager Proposes $4.5 Billion, 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan – Official Website of Arlington County Virginia Government (arlingtonva.us)
I spoke at the Ribbon Cutting for Boundary Channel Drive Improvements on May 30th.
For context, homelessness is up across the region this year over last year with the exception of Fairfax County. I am working with colleagues and our Department of Human Services on this critical challenge--eviction prevention and additional affordable housing for those earning less than 30% of the median income are part of the response we must bring to this. Supportive housing--services to help those in need stay housed--and additional shelter investment is also needed. I am working on this pressing issue.
Brooke, Evelyn and I found time to go to the Quarterdeck for a friend's birthday party.
Last but not least, I want to share with you one piece of very good news, and I also want to remind all of us of the work that continues on racial equity and justice.
Since I last wrote you, we have had the 4th anniversary of George Floyd's murder. The Washington Post reporters who wrote the book, "His Name is George Floyd" wrote a thoughtful article reflecting on the work. Four years later, has the racial-justice movement lost the fight? - The Washington Post I recommend reading the article and the book as we continue the work we must do to move our nation, Commonwealth, and community forward.
