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February 1, 2017

WILLIAMSBURG

Neighborhood Conservation Plan

1 Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. History of the Williamsburg Neighborhood 6 3. Neighborhood Goals 12 4. Neighborhood Demographics 15 5. Zoning, Land Use and Housing 20 6. Infrastructure 23 7. County Services 30 8. Schools 33 9. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety 44 10. Commercial Establishments 52 11. Parks 55 12. Urban Forestry 64 13. Urban Agriculture 68 14. Aging in Place 70 Appendix 1 Zoning Map 73 Appendix 2 Infrastructure Details 75 Appendix 3 Williamsburg Survey 84 Appendix 4 Census Data (Williamsburg 2010) 100

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1. Introduction The Williamsburg Civic Association (WCA) was established in 1951 to promote the general welfare of the residents of the Williamsburg community. With approximately 1100 households, Williamsburg is an attractive neighborhood in North Arlington bounded by Sycamore Street, North 27th Street, North Trinidad Street, North 37th Street, and North Kensington Street. The community of Williamsburg is composed primarily of single-family residences, with two small strip shopping centers containing a variety of commercial retail establishments. Williamsburg is served well by arterial roads, public transportation, and other community services. With close proximity to the District of Columbia, award-winning schools, as well as quiet and safe neighborhoods, Williamsburg remains an extremely desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The residents of Williamsburg are committed to maintaining the community’s beauty and appeal and working with County staff and officials to influence its future development. The WCA Neighborhood Conservation Plan (NCP) captures the community’s vision for its future and also provides a rationale for potential requests for funding for community capital improvement programs. Published first in January 2001, the WCA NCP is credited with numerous successful improvement initiatives, including major neighborhood traffic calming measures. The WCA NCP is credited most recently with the Sy- camore Street median project, with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2017. Rapid growth in Arlington County and Northern Virginia has necessitated an update to the WCA NCP, however. The last 15 years have brought significant changes to our community and to the interests of the residents. Moreover, Arlington’s growth and increasing urbanization present new challenges surrounding development, traffic and pedestrian safety, and the community’s overall quality of life. The WCA NCP is the written document that will help us, as a community, evaluate civic association-wide conditions, establish long-term planning goals, and make recommendations to Arlington County about improvements to preserve and enhance neighborhood quality of life. Some of the issues discussed in the NCP involve physical conditions that can be addressed through ordinary County infrastructure budgeting as well as the County’s Neighborhood Conservation Plan funding (curb and gutters, sidewalks, park improvements, traffic calming, and lighting). Our analysis of other issues such as housing, development, land use and zoning, will help the neighborhood and the County better understand long-term challenges and opportunities and improve our long-term planning. The WCA first established a Working Group in September 2014, to begin the process of developing a revised NCP. With guidance from the Arlington County staff, the Working Group first began the design and distribution of the WCA NCP Survey. The survey incorporated earlier work developed by the WCA Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Committee

3 intended to explore community-wide concerns about traffic issues. The survey was distributed to all WCA residents to obtain an overview of neighborhood likes and dislikes, needs and wishes, and a general vision for our community. The NCP surveys were made available to residents electronically through SurveyMon- key and paper copies of the survey were also hand-delivered to all WCA residences in September 2015. Announcements of its availability were made on the neighborhood listserv, in the WCA newsletter, and at regularly scheduled WCA meetings. All neighborhood residents were urged to complete the survey and submit their responses. Frequent reminders to submit survey responses were made on the listserv, at general meetings, and in the WCA newsletter. The Working Group ultimately received 184 completed surveys, a response rate of approximately 17%. The responses provide, we believe, a very good sampling of community opinion and desires and a sound basis on which to work with the County on community improvement measures such as traffic calming, street and sidewalk repairs, and neighborhood beautification. Overall, the survey responses reflect a strong desire on the part of WCA residents to maintain and enhance the positive characteristics that make our community so attractive. These include community cohesion, valued green space and tree canopy, safe and walkable neighborhoods, convenience to shops, schools, and public transportation, and a healthy quality of life. In general, the residents of Williamsburg want to preserve and enhance their peaceful residential community, minimize the negative effects from development, and ensure the neighborhood streets and sidewalks are safe for all residents, commuters, and visitors. The WCA NCP Working Group was expanded in January 2016, and additional residents joined to draft the sections of the NCP. Various residents took the lead on such sections as neighborhood history, land use (existing and future development), traffic and transportation, street conditions/utilities, urban forestry, parks and recreation, schools and other topics. The WCA NCP Working Group met monthly and collaborated closely with the County Staff and others. This draft of the WCA NCP was completed in November 2016, and the draft WCA NCP was distributed to the residents of the WCA in December 2016.

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38 TH S OLD DOMINION DR. T. N. H R . Arlington County, Virginia 7T D. N. T 3 S N Williamsburg O S I D T. N. E . N. H S . ST 7T N H 3 T 37

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. N. RD. 35TH . N S D R N. JEFFERSON ST. O L ITTL ALLS S M E F T S . E R SET T. N. ROCHESTER ST. 31ST ST. N. 28TH ST. N. 27TH N. TRINIDAD ST. N. TA N C . O . N . M RD T A T. N 30TH ST. N. H S TH S . 2 7T T 29 O . 33RD ST. N. R 29TH ST. N.

O JOHN 27TH RD. N. N 29TH ST. N. 28TH ST. N. T N. SYCAMORE ST. O Four Mile S N. TACOMA 32ND ST. N. T. Run Park 27TH ST. N. 31ST ST. N. 28TH ST. N. N. TUCKAHOE

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POCOMOKE N. TUCKAHOE ST. Feet 23RD ST. N. N. ST. 27TH ST. N. . N Pursuant to Section 54.1-402 of the Code of Virginia, any determination of topography . 25TH ST. N. 27TH ST. T 24TH ST. N. or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundaries N. LITTLE FALLS S is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification, or H JOHN MARSHALL DR. 6T construction of improvements to real property or for flood plain determination. 2 24TH RD. N. 22ND RD. N. 23RD Aerial Photography © 2015 Commonwealth of Virginia 22ND ST. N. 6 6 TUCKAHOE S 23RD ST. N. Map prepared by Arlington County GIS Mapping Center T WASH- INGTON BLVD. 24TH ST. N. N. . Produced and © November 2016 .ROEETST N. ROOSEVELT N N. 25TH ST. N. . (U.S. 29) ST. RD. 22ND RD. N. 22ND ST. N.

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2. History of the Williamsburg Neighborhood

Located at the northwest boundary of Arlington County, the Williamsburg neighborhood has a rich history dating to the Native American era. Its most prominent feature, a promontory named Minor Hill by the earliest European settlers, has played an important and lasting role in the history of what became Arlington County. With an elevation of 484 feet above sea level, the hill’s prominent elevation made it an excellent location for observation and defense purposes. A plentiful water supply from numerous natural springs, deposits of pottery clay and soapstone, large trees for dugout canoes, and plentiful fowl and game also attracted indigenous, and then European, settlement. Today, Minor Hill sits above the busy intersection where Williamsburg, Sycamore, and Little Falls boulevards meet. Hundreds of years ago, Little Falls was a Native Ameri- can trail and later a “rolling road” on which hogsheads of tobacco were rolled to a loading location at what is presently Chain Bridge. Native Americans, most probably of the Doeg and Necostin tribes (related to the Algo- nquians and part of the Powhatan chiefdom), maintained a continuous presence on Minor Hill for hundreds of years until they moved south in the late 1600s. The early explorer John Smith had arrived in the area in 1607, and other Europeans soon followed, putting pressure on the indigenous people.

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By the 1730s, European colonists were cultivating corn, wheat, oats, and tobacco in what is now Williamsburg, using both indentured workers and African slave labor.1 The George Minor family, after whom the hill was named, arrived in the area around 1753. Patriarch George Minor had acquired a substantial amount of acreage from the

Minor Hill was named for the George Minor family that came to what is now Williamsburg in the middle of the 18th century. The Minors owned much of the surrounding countryside. For more than two centuries the Minor homestead sat on the summit of Minor Hill. The original part of the house—the middle section in the pic- ture below—was a log and brick structure. The house was pulled down in September 2016 to make way for development. descendants of Simon Pearson, the original recipient of a land grant from the Propri- etors of the Northern Neck. A simple house of brick and logs, built presumably by en- slaved or indentured persons working for one of these earlier settlers, sat on the summit of the hill.2 The elder George Minor later served as a justice of the peace in Fairfax and as a colonel in the Fairfax Militia. His land titles stretched from present-day Falls Church through Williamsburg to present-day Seven Corners. En- slaved Africans worked the extensive Minor farmlands. Sparsely populated but thick with trees, Williamsburg was a strategic location during the Civil War. It was held first by Confederates and then became part of the Federal defensive ring around Washington. On May 24, 1861, Confederates dug in on Minor Hill were some of the first combat fatalities of the Civil War, as Federal forces marching to First Manassas (also known as Battle of Bull Run) engaged and routed the southern- ers. The Federals then built an observation fort and signal tower atop Minor Hill, as well as a spot for signal fires that were used to warn of the approach of rebel forces. The signal fires, along with those on other Arlington hills, were occasionally lighted at

1 Slave traders had brought the first Africans into Virginia in 1619, and by 1800 slaves made up half the population of what is now Arlington.

2 The house was brought down by a developer in 2016 following a failed attempt by preservationists to save it. Before the house was destroyed, Preservation Virginia wrote a report concluding that the original cabin may have been intended as a slave dwelling.

7 night, inspiring Julia Ward Howe to write in her Battle Hymn of the Republic, the words “I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps.” A Small Community Between the Lines of War Despite the tight Federal defenses at Williamsburg, rebel forces were able to pene- trate the Union lines on occasion, perhaps abetted by a number of slave-holding families in the area, including the Minors, some of whom openly harbored Confederate sympathies.3 There were several incidents of Federals and Confederates bumping into one another, as they foraged for food and water or tried to court the young women of the area. Between Williamsburg Boulevard and Little Falls Road where John Marshall Drive now splits at a grove of mature trees stood a lovely spring house serving the local community. The spring was one of three in the area in the mid-1800s.4 Because it was nestled in a ravine feeding a tributary of Pimmit Run, this spring, which belonged to John Mi- nor, became a respite from the summer heat for nearby families. Nearby was John Mi- nor’s home, at what is now 3018 John Marshall Drive. From June to September 1861, Union forces were camped from Halls Hill to Fort Ethan Allen to shield the Capital from the threat of Confederate guns. All through that summer, skirmishes broke out between Union scouts supporting General Hancock’s forces at Falls Grove and Confederate scouts supporting Virginia militiamen camped on Minor and Upton Hills under General Longstreet. Many soldiers were captured and wounded and some were killed. John Minor’s spring became a no-man’s land, as residents feared being arrested as Confederate spies or Union loyalists. The spring finally fell under Federal control in early October 1861 when Union forces took and occupied Upton and Minor hills. From then until the end of the war, the spring was used to water Union cattle. Neither the house nor the springhouse survived, having been demolished in the 1920s when development of modern homes came to this area. A few remnants of the spring house reportedly were still visible until the 1970s. The site today is an Arlington Coun- ty Park, but its Civil War history is unmarked.5 Like much of what is now Arlington, Williamsburg was ravaged by the war and the oc- cupation that followed. Many of the majestic birches and elms that once lined Minor

3 One Minor descendant sued the U.S. government after Emancipation for the loss of his slaves.

4 The other two springs were on Minor Hill—above what is now the small shopping center on the west side of Sycamore street—and on land belonging to the Saegmuller family, respectively. The Knights of Columbus meeting house currently stands on the latter site on Little Falls Road.

5 Note: The Williamsburg Civic Association recommends that appropriate documentation of this site be undertaken so than an historic marker can be erected at the site of the John Minor spring.

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Hill had been cut down, fields were untended, and undergrowth ran rampant. One Union soldier described the Williamsburg area in 1862: “The country between here and Washington is in a sorry condition, the fences are burnt up, houses damaged or occupied by soldiers, crops annihilated, larders empty, and everything showing the footprints of war.” Reconstruction and Recovery After the war, the Minors still held small parcels of property here and there, but most of the various Minor homes that once dotted the landscape disappeared over time. These included a farmhouse that stood at what is now 5600 North 35th Road, a cul-de- sac. Several Williamsburg residents of the 18th century, including the Minors, were buried in family plots that no longer exist. A small Minor graveyard at what is now 2450 North Powhatan Street was destroyed when major development came in the 1950s. Another descendant of the original George Minor, also named George, who married Annie Birch, is buried in the Birch-Payne Cemetery, now an Arlington Parks and Recre- ation property at Sycamore and North 28th streets. The Birches were also prominent landholders in the county prior to the Civil War. Samuel Birch, who served as a colonel in the War of 1812 and his two wives and several descendants were buried here. Sev- eral African-American slaves reportedly were also buried in the cemetery. In her will, one of the Birch daughters set aside the one-acre burial ground, and it was duly recorded in County archives. The last burial was in 1930; the graveyard held approximately 20 graves at the time. Development of the area eventually shrank the cemetery to 1/3 acre. It has been vandalized, and only one tombstone is marked.6 In 1867, most of Minor Hill was leased to Eugene Crimmins, an Irish immigrant and Union combat veteran who had fought at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. Crimmins built an imposing house near the crest of Minor Hill, adjacent to the Minor homestead, and maintained a large pig farm where Rockingham Street now runs. The Crimmins house as well as many other prominent homes of the post-Civil War period long ago fell to developers. However, Crimmins’ son Francis preserved one of the original Dis- trict of Columbia milestones, Northwest Number One.7 During the early 1900s, Williamsburg residents would occasionally enjoy the sight of President Teddy Roosevelt riding to a preferred spot on Minor Hill that featured a

6 Please see further information about this cemetery in the Parks and Recreation section of this document. The Civic Association is requesting that improvements be made to this park in order to accord it more respect as a cemetery. One Williamsburg family is interested in researching the history of the slaves buried here; pending further documentation, an appropriate historic marker could be designed.

7 Northwest Number One reportedly is adjacent to 3611 North Powhatan Street, but it is no longer visible from public property.

9 stone-lined well of sweet, cool water shaded by ancient oaks belonging to the Birch family. This spot of sylvan beauty and tranquility was lost in 1950 to the development of new homes. It overlooks the small shopping center on the southwest side of Sycamore Street. Well into the 1920s, small frame houses and cottages, together with a few remaining farmhouses, characterized the Williamsburg area. Limited bus service began in 1921 and improved in 1928 following the paving of Lee Highway. During the Depression, Williamsburg donated substantial quantities of garden vegetables to the soup kitchens of Alexandria, Arlington, and the District of Columbia. The growth of the area during World War II led to dramatic changes in the Williams- burg neighborhood. Many women found full-time employment, household incomes soared, and residents had more disposable income. Many local roads were paved, and Arlington County officials began to plan for a post-war population boom in Williams- burg,one of the last Arlington neighborhood to be developed. Indeed, pressures for single-family housing surged with the rapid population growth of the Washington metropolitan area at the end of the War. Within five years, the Williamsburg area was transformed from open farmland into a community of nearly 600 single-family homes. Development Pressures, Civic Activism The construction in 1951 of nearly 200 homes on the slopes of Minor Hill transformed the hill into a middle-class subdivision, characterized by dozens of essentially identical small homes on small lots of land, framed by greatly reduced numbers of elms, oaks,and birches. Construction was briefly halted during the Korean conflict, when the availability of bricks was limited. According to local residents, large bricks were used to build Fort McNair. The builder finished the project with small bricks. Many of the houses on Minor Hill, too, feature bricks of two different sizes.8 With the threat of unplanned commercial development on their doorstep, residents in 1951 organized the Williamsburg Civic Association to retain “the desirable residential community.” In the 1950s, the Civic Association successfully opposed plans for commercial development including several gasoline stations on Minor Hill. The community ultimately was required to bring a civil action opposing development and prevailed in the Arlington Supreme Court. The Civic Association has also been very active in promoting traffic and pedestrian safety. Its efforts began in the mid-1960s, when a local child was seriously injured by

8 Note: The Civic Association has expressed interest in exploring whether owners of remaining 1951-era homes on Minor Hill are interested in a historic designation, given the large-scale demolition of most of these homes since 2000. Many of the homes and their surrounding tree canopy have been removed to make way for large single-family homes that now occupy most of the lots.

10 an automobile crossing from Sycamore Boulevard onto Williamsburg Boulevard. At the time, there were no traffic lights in the Williamsburg traffic circle. The Civic Associa- tion helped residents organize petitions that eventually led to the county adding traffic crossings, guards, and lights in the circle. The Civic Association has continued to work closely with County staff to plan and implement a host of traffic-calming measures. These efforts intensified in the wake of the death of a Williamsburg resident who was struck by a construction vehicle in front of Nottingham School in the fall of 2014. The Civic Association repeatedly has advocated with regard to the Bishop O’Connell private high school that is adjacent to Williamsburg but lies within the boundaries of the East Falls Church Civic Association. Residents of Williamsburg, along with their neighbors in East Falls Church, weighed in with Arlington County officials to mitigate the effects of expansion of Bishop O’Connell’s sports facilities. During 2010-11, the Civic Association opposed O’Connell’s application for a special use permit to light its athletic fields for night-time games and practices. In a January 2011 resolution, the WCA expressed unequivocal opposition to field lights. The resolution was instrumental in the County Board’s ultimate decision to deny the permit application. (See School section.) Another successful Civic Association advocacy effort involved a proposal to build a cell phone tower atop Minor Hill. Concerned residents worked with the Civic Association to persuade the County to put an end to the tower project — much as they had stopped gasoline stations decades earlier. More recently, the Williamsburg Civic Association was successful in promoting a plan — funded with Neighborhood Conservation funds — to re-engineer the Sycamore Street median. When completed sometime during the next few years, this project will reduce the number of traffic lanes on Sycamore from four to two, add dedicated bicycle lanes, include pedestrian islands to facilitate walkability, and greatly enhance storm water management. (See Traffic and Pedestrian Safety section.) The Civic Association believes that the project will markedly enhance traffic and pedestrian safety on Sycamore and adjoining streets. The Civic Association also supported the effort to create a park at the base of Minor Hill, which was planted with azaleas and other flowers as a memorial to the late Emi- ly L. Sharp, a Williamsburg resident. As one of the only truly “green” spaces left in the neighborhood, this park needs more careful attention from both residents and Ar- lington County (See Parks section). Several of the mature trees in the park are threatened by invasive ivy growing up their trunks. The Williamsburg toddlers of 1951 have grown up, married, and raised families of their own in the area. Meanwhile, the original 1951 homes and lots, which sold for about $6,000, are drawing bids of more than $700,000. The area is being transformed into a community affordable by only a relatively small segment of homeowners. In

11 the face of these pressures, Williamsburg Civic Association continues, as it has for more than six decades, to advocate for maintaining the neighborhood as a desirable residential area. * * * In the 1950s residents of Williamsburg feared commercial encroachment. Today they express concern at the loss of the small ranch-style homes that once covered the neighborhood. (See Land Use and Zoning Section). An example is shown below at left. The neighboring house on the right was torn down to make way for a much larger home currently under construction. Several mature trees were also lost in the demolition of the two homes on this block.

3. Neighborhood Goals Below, we provide a brief overview of the goals set forth more fully in the narra- tive portions of this NCP. County Services Residents express very favorable opinions on a range of County Services, with particularly high marks given to such core services as schools, libraries, police and fire res-

12 ponse. Residents do, however, express continuing concern about traffic and pedestrian safety. Similar to concerns raised by Arlington residents generally, increasing urbanization has led to more traffic with a direct effect on neighborhood quality of life. Among key recommendations in this Plan are needed improvements in overall neighborhood traffic and pedestrian safety, directed at improving walkability and reducing local traffic risks. Schools Civic Association residents express very high levels of satisfaction with the quality of the local public schools — Nottingham and Tuckahoe Elementary Schools and William- sburg Middle School. Similar to their concerns about neighborhood quality of life generally, they are concerned, however, about traffic and pedestrian safety issues near the schools and include in this Plan recommendations for improved traffic safety. Neighbors living near the only private school bordering the Civic Association — Bishop O’Connell High School — report significant problems ranging from athletic field noise, parking and traffic safety issues, littering, nighttime disturbances and crowds, and aesthetics. This NCP identifies a number of recommendations intended to improve school/neighborhood relations, including a Complete Streets program to improve walkability, enhance traffic and pedestrian safety, beautify the streets surrounding the school, and incorporate modern streetscape engineering standards. Land Use and Zoning The Williamsburg neighborhood consists almost entirely of single-family homes. Deve- lopment pressure — particularly over the past 15 years — has replaced many of the smaller modest ranch homes with much larger structures. The Plan recommends that the County consider potential amendments to its zoning ordinance to better control the heights and size of newly constructed homes, preserve the tree canopy, and encourage the building of housing that is harmonious with its setting yet is also responsive to consumer tastes and compatible with the relatively high land values in north Arlington. Infrastructure In general, our neighborhood survey found that the infrastructure within the Civic As- sociation is in quite good shape and reflects, overall, a responsible and conscientious County maintenance presence. The report identifies some streets with poorly located or hazardous street signs and utility poles; some cracked and deteriorated sidewalks; some poorly secured utility lines; and some missing curbs and sidewalks. Specific problems are tagged for County attention.

13 Parks There are only two very small parks within Civic Association boundaries — Minor Hill and Sharp Park. Residents recognize that the size and location of the parks limit access and use and have identified some improvements intended to improve safety at the parks, facilitate access, and enhance their natural beauty. They include recommended design and landscaping changes to integrate the two contiguous parcels more fully and enlarge the area of use; ornamental fencing surrounding Sharp Park to provide additional separation from the very heavy adjacent vehicle traffic; and improved plantings and landscaping consistent with small suburban green areas. This Plan also contains recommendations for improvements to the small privately-owned Birch-Payne Cemetery located at the junction of North Sycamore and North 28th Streets. This small neglected Cemetery is currently maintained by the County and the Plan recommends that the County consider purchasing the Cemetery and introduce appropriate landscaping, benches for contemplative seating, and historical markers. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Residents of the WCA clearly value and cherish their community, and the community continues to be an attractive place to live and raise a family. With this popularity comes transportation, traffic and pedestrian safety challenges. Survey results reveal that the largest number of survey respondents cited poor “walkability” as the most important aspect of the community they would like to change. The second largest number of responses related to excessive traffic speeds on the arterial, as well as on the residential streets. The WCA NCP recommends reduced speed limits in and around the schools, as well as electric speed displays, increased police surveillance, and better crosswalks. It also recommends additional traffic calming measures to enhance the walkability of our community and improve pedestrian safety. Commercial Establishments The Civic Association hosts two small 1950s-era strip malls at the junction of North Sycamore, Little Falls, and Williamsburg Boulevard. In general, residents are satisfied with the mix of service and convenience stores (dry cleaner, bank, Seven-Eleven store, CVS drug store, casual restaurants). Recommendations include summarizing survey responses for the landlords of the shopping centers to advise them of resident opinions, discussing the neighborhood’s desire for a coffee shop/bakery as vacancies allow, and their interest in enhanced landscaping and beautification at this key neighborhood intersection.

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Urban Forestry One common concern expressed by Civic Association residents is the decline in the tree canopy occasioned by residential development and tear-downs. Residents are troubled that the green and leafy ambiance of the neighborhood is threatened and recommend that steps be taken to enhance the tree canopy where possible. Recom- mendations in the Plan include working with the County urban foresters to identify public spaces (Sharp Park, Minor Hill, Birch-Payne Cemetery) for the planting of large deciduous shade trees; working more closely with the Tree Canopy Fund to promote the planting of trees on private property; and assisting in the removal of invasive species (English Ivy, Japanese honeysuckle etc.) on both private and public lands within the Civic Association. Urban Agriculture Civic Association residents are generally supportive of steps taken by the County to encourage food sustainability and urban agriculture — urban garden plots, for example. They strongly oppose, however, possible County initiatives to promote urban animal husbandry such as “backyard chickens.” Although vacant or underutilized land in the Civic Association (as in all of north Arlington) is extremely limited, recommendations advanced in this Plan include working with the County and Urban Agricul- ture groups to learn more about locating, developing, and maintaining urban gardens. Aging in Place The Williamsburg Civic Association contains, relative to the Arlington population as a whole, a high percentage of elderly residents (nearly 27%). Residents express an interest in learning more about Arlington’s Neighborhood Villages; working with the County to ensure that WCA streets, sidewalks and parklands are in compliance with the Americans for Disability Act; and examining ways to improve neighborhood walkability through canopied bus stops, wider sidewalks, benches for relaxation and resting, and shade trees for comfortable passive recreation. In addition, residents are interested in learning more about granny flats and accessory dwellings and other ap- proaches to increase the housing options in Arlington that could allow the elderly to continue to live in their homes. 4. Neighborhood Demographics The Williamsburg Civic Association is an irregularly shaped neighborhood located in the northwest corner of Arlington. It is bounded on the west by Trinidad Street, on the north by 36th and 37th Streets North and the Fairfax County line, on the east by North Kensington Street, and on the south by North 27th Street. The population of the Civic Association has grown slightly over the past 20 years, from 2,571 in 1990 to

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2,875 in 2010 — an increase of approximately 12% (1990 and 2010 Census Data). Cen- sus Data from 2010 is attached as Appendix 4. Residents: The tables below show the ages and races of Civic Association residents and those of Arlingtonians as a whole. The tables indicate, for example, that the Ci- vic Association is considerably less diverse than Arlington, with nearly 85% of Civic As- sociation residents reporting themselves as “white.” This compares to 64% for the County as a whole. Arlington’s overall African American population (2010 Census) was 8.2%, compared to 1.7% in the Civic Association. Similarly, less than 5% of WCA residents self-identify as Hispanic or Latino, compared to 15% in Arlington as a whole. As- sociation residents also are considerably older than the average Arlingtonian, with more than 27% reported as 55 and older, compared to 18.7% for Arlington as a whole. In addition, far fewer Civic Association residents fall within the young adult 25-34 age category (7.5%) compared to Arlington as a whole (27.6%).

Race Williamsburg Civic Arlington County! Association (2010 Census) (2010 Census)

White 85% 64%

African American 1.7% 8.2%

American Indian or Alaska 0.2% 0.2% Native

Asian 4.5% 9.5%

Native Hawaiian or Paciﬁc 0.3% 0.1% Islander

Other Race 0.3% 0.3%

Two or more races 3.2% 2.6%

Hispanic or Latino 4.8% 15.1%

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Age Distribution of Residents Williamsburg Civic Arlington County! Association (2010 Census) (2010 Census)

Under 5 years 7.4% 5.7%

5 to 17 years 21.7% 10.0%

18 to 24 years 4.9% 9.8%

25 to 34 years 7.5% 27.6%

35 to 44 years 14.3% 15.8%

45 to 54 years 16.9% 12.4%

55 to 64 years 13.2% 9.9%

65 to 74 years 7.3% 4.9%

75 to 84 years 5.0% 2.5%

85 years and above 1.9% 1.4% Data on household type, shown below, depict how Civic Association residents compare to the overall County population on “household type.” Twice as many Civic Associa- tion households are reported as “husband/wife” families compared to Arlington as a whole. More than 66% of Civic Association residents reported being in “husband/wife” families compared to 33% for County households as a whole. The Civic Association has relatively fewer households in which the resident lives alone (17.9%) compared to Ar- lington as a whole (41.3%).

Household Types Williamsburg Civic Arlington County (2010 Association (2010 Census) Census)

Husband-wife Family 67.9% 33.9%

Other Family 7.3% 8.6%

Householder living alone 17.9% 41.3%

Householder not living alone 6.9% 16.2%

17 All of our survey respondents report that they principally speak English at home. Housing: The neighborhood consists almost entirely of single-family homes, with two very small strip shopping centers. The housing is a mix of styles, with 1950s small brick ramblers and colonials predominating, some Cape Cods, and a smattering of larger colonials, Craftsman, and contemporary homes. Although many of the older homes are architecturally similar, many have had extensive renovations and additions over the years. In recent years, in particular, smaller homes are being demolished and much larger homes are being constructed on the same lots. Our survey respondents report that they own their own homes (97%) with only 5 respondents reported as renters. (Census data from 2010 report that 87% of residents in the Civic Association own their own homes, with 10% reported as renters). Similarly, virtually all respondents (96%) report living in single-family homes, with one respondent living in an apartment and six in townhouse/row-houses. Schools: A great majority (89%) of respondents report that their school-age children attend public schools (See Schools section) with only 9 respondents reporting the use of private schools. No respondent reportedly makes use of home schooling. Work: As shown in the chart below, more than one-third of survey respondents report that they work in the District of Columbia (38%). Approximately 17% work in Arling- ton and 28% work elsewhere in Virginia. Only 6.25% work in Maryland, with another 9.7% reporting that they work elsewhere.

Where Survey Respondents work

Arlington 17.38%

Elsewhere in Virginia 28.47%

District of Columbia 38.19%

Maryland 6.25%

Other 9.72% What Residents Like and Dislike about Living in the Neighborhood Survey respondents were asked to identify generally “the reasons you like living in the neighborhood.” As shown below, the most commonly mentioned favorable neighbo-

18 rhood trait was — overwhelmingly — the quality of Arlington’s public schools (see Schools section). Seventy-percent of respondents mentioned the quality of Arlington’s schools as a significant positive neighborhood feature. (Some respondents did, however, express concern about school overcrowding). More than half of respondents also referenced the neighborhood’s “location” as a positive feature — proximity to work, easy commute, access to local cultural attractions and sporting venues, and easy travel to the metropolitan District of Columbia. One- third of respondents mentioned qualities of the neighborhood itself — an urban/suburban climate with the best of both settings; modest comfortable homes with good resale value; attractive streetscapes. (Note that the percentages below add up to more than 100%, because many respondents mentioned more than one reason for li- king the neighborhood).

Reasons I like living in the neighborhood

Quality of Arlington County Public Schools 70%

Convenient location (proximity to work, 62% cultural and sporting attractions)

Quality of life (urban/suburban mix; 38% comfortable housing; attractive streets capes)

Available transportation options, Metro, ART 35% bus, bicycle trails

Nearby amenities — good hospitals, doctors, 14% mix of convenient shopping, close-by library, banking

Safety and security (low crime; safe for 13% children to grow up) Survey respondents were also asked to identify the things “they would change” about the neighborhood. Although “likes” received far more mentions than “dislikes” in our survey, many respondents raised concerns. The biggest complaint, by far, was directed at various transportation issues. More than half of respondents mentioned growing traffic and pedestrian safety issues as the biggest local irritant. They raised such concerns as heavy commuter “cut-through” traffic, increased speeding, dangerous intersections, limited walkability and cycling (absence of separated bike lanes), drivers ignoring stop and yield signs and other traffic-related issues. Interestingly,

19 however, approximately 5% of respondents opposed traffic-calming measures and complained about the reduction of lanes to facilitate bicycling, the introduction of traffic circles, and the construction of speed bumps. (See section on Transportation). Approximately 18% of respondents expressed concerns about increasing development, particularly the construction of larger homes on small lots and the denudation of lots during development and loss of architectural harmony. (See section on Zoning and Land Use). Another 21% identified a related concern —the loss of green space and diminution of the neighborhood’s tree canopy. (See section on Urban Forestry). Fifteen per cent of survey respondents raised miscellaneous concerns — the growing cost of housing in the neighborhood; infrastructure needs (potholes, deteriorating curbing); ignoring of parking restrictions; growing urbanization with congestion and noise.

Things I would change about the neighborhood

Trafﬁc and pedestrian safety issues (speeding; 51% ignoring stop signs; cut-through trafﬁc; poor walkability).

Loss of greenspace; trees, principally through 21% increased development

Overdevelopment generally; construction of 18% large homes on small lots; loss of architectural harmony

Miscellaneous (growing urbanization with 16% more noise, parking problems, housing affordability; sidewalk, potholes needing repair). The various sections of this revised NCP discuss these issues in greater detail, together with recommendations intended to improve neighborhood quality of life. 5. Zoning, Land Use & Housing Most of the development and construction in the Williamsburg community occurred before Arlington County adopted its first General Land Use Plan (GLUP) in 1961. Un- der the current GLUP, the neighborhood is primarily zoned residential, but there is some commercial and special use zoning as well. See, GLUP Map, Dec. 2015, Ap- pendix and Zoning Boundary Map, Appendix 1. The current residential zoning designa-

20 tions for Williamsburg are R-6, R-8 and R-10, and S-3A. Of the approximately 1,000 homes in Williamsburg, nearly all are single-family detached homes, with a few scat- tered town homes. There are no multi-story or high-density apartments in Williams- burg.

38 TH S O T. L N. D D TH R . Arlington County, Virginia 37 D. N. T O S M N IN Williamsburg O S I I O D N T. N. E . N. GLUP H S . ST D T N 37 TH R 37 .

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. S S T S N N S N T P N County Line T H . N . . . / . T O 9 V . O 2 A P W N N O TCivic AssoHciation 26TH ST. N. O T T 25 B . H N H A U N Q T

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. N R R . . . R T C . W N T R S . N A T. . O S O O I T S Public R S N C . H O N. T O C T. 28 Y A T D S S O . D K . C L D N S R E Semi-Public 23 I L . S A N T N V S V N T M . A S . G E . E T . S N L T O H H L . T A M L T S . R A B S 0 800 N N A L A E M S R . E P . . D A N F H T T. N S O S S P N . D Feet I T . M . T 3R O S T 2 E . N C N N O 7 . . O . T . S T T T L . O . 2 S U S T T W N . T T H C M S N H . I T H T Pursuant to Section 5N4.1-402 of the Code of Virginia, any determinaN tion of topography T 5 K S 7T . 2 4 O H I G 2 2 H A T . T . K or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundaries N L A N H . H S O . E is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification, or D O T J H R construction of improvements to real property. or for flood plain determA ination. E A . N . T . H D M N 6 T . D R T. 2 N 4 S . N N 2N S 2 . T 2 D . . N T ) D S Aerial Photography © 2015 Commonwealth of Virginia S 2N T . R 2 T 23RD 3 T 6 S S T 9 S 2 S Map prepared by Arlington County GIS Mapping Center . H U 2 T H T . T 6 4 C N . Produced and © November 2016 W 2 S . T N 5 K . . N N. A 2 A U . . ( S S H R D. H T R - . O 22 O . N. E ND RD. N. O ST ND IN S 22 G E T V O E

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B L S V T D . Consistent with the GULP’s goal to “preserve and enhance” residential neighborhoods and to limit intense development to certain “defined spaces,” survey responses also express a desire to preserve the current neighborhood characteristics. Approximately 84% of respondents want the neighborhood to remain one of mostly single-family detached homes rather than allowing building with higher density or commercial devel- opments. In addition, relatively strong majorities expressed opposition to the subdi-

21 vision of lots into smaller lots (75%) and the potential development of multi-unit dwellings or apartments (70%). Interestingly, although a majority of respondents also expressed concern about the replacement of existing homes with larger structures (50%), a substantial minority said that was not a concern (41%) with 8 percent expressing no opinion. The split on this question likely reflects the complexity of the issue in the minds of respondents. Some respondents feel that large homes are developed without adequate regard for existing trees, appropriate setbacks or heights, or neighborhood character. Other respondents, however, appear to acknowledge modern consumer expectations about the size and amenities expected in contemporary suburban homes and the larger tax re- ceipts and property values that often accompany such development. There is currently one small neighborhood shopping area (zoned C-1) in Williamsburg near the Williamsburg Circle, which consists of a small shopping center to the South- west of the circle and another just east of the circle. Together, these two shopping centers house restaurants, a convenience drug store, banks, dry cleaners, hair salons, barbershop, a fabric store, a Tae Kwon Do studio, and a gift shop, among others. Six- ty percent of survey respondents stated that the commercial establishments met their shopping needs. While survey results do not indicate a strong desire for additional commercial development, many respondents would like to see a coffee shops or cafe at which neighbors could gather. (See Commercial Establishments section). There are only four designated public spaces (zoned S-3A) in Williamsburg: Sharp Park and Minor Hill Reservoir, which are the only parks; Nottingham Elementary School; and the circle on John Marshall Street between Little Falls Road and Williamsburg Boule- vard. Numerous survey respondents cited the desire for more green space in the neighborhood (see Parks section). As has been the case since the last time Williamsburg revised its NCP in 2001, there is increasing pressure for redevelopment in Williamsburg. There are 1,000 homes in the neighborhood. Since 2000 there have been 190 single-family detached home demoli- tions and scores more home renovations that substantially changed the size and style of the home.9 Older, smaller single-family homes are being demolished or renovated and replaced with much larger single-family homes that use the maximum allowable lot coverage, and this was the largest concern for those responding to the survey. In-fill development brings concerns about the increased number of disproportionately large homes on small lots, loss of trees, and the unaffordability of houses which many feel adversely affects the character of the neighborhood. Some residents are also concerned about houses which are larger and higher than current zoning allows.

9 Source: Arlington County, CPHD, Planning Division, Urban Design and Research Section, Development Tracking Database, September 2016.

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Recommendations • Modify the County’s Zoning Ordinance to require developers to consult with civic associations on “by-right” construction, including issues such as maintenance of mature trees on site and other impacts of construction. Initiate new procedures for notifying adjacent neighbors of “by-right” development. • Re-examine the county’s Zoning Ordinance on allowable heights for the construction of new residential housing and the renovation of existing homes, balancing the interests of nearby neighbors with the need for the Williamsburg area to adapt to changing consumer needs. • Re-examine the county’s Subdivision Ordinance on access requirements for pipe-stem and in-fill development and minimum street coverage to ensure that the property values of nearby homes are not adversely affected. • Re-examine the county’s Zoning Ordinance for residential zones in terms of lot coverage for buildings (including decks and detached structures), balancing the goal of preserving open spaces with the need to create housing responsive to consumer needs and compatible with the high land values in this part of North Arlington. • Improve the procedures for notifying civic associations and community residents about variance applications. 6. Infrastructure In general, our neighborhood survey found that the infrastructure within the Civic As- sociation is in quite good shape and reflects, overall, a responsible and conscientious County maintenance presence. For example, a majority of survey respondents (nearly 60%) felt that the neighborhood did not need more or different street lighting. Nine- ty-four percent of respondents said that their street had a sidewalk in front of their home. Nearly 2/3rds of respondents who reported the absence of a sidewalk did not want a sidewalk installed. In addition, very few respondents (4%) expressed a need for additional curb cuts, ramps or other modifications to accommodate handicapped persons. Nearly all respondents (93%) reported a curb and gutter in front of their home and more than 70%

23 of those reporting curbs or gutters said that the structures did not need to be repaired or replaced. Ten per cent of respondents, however, reported a need for repair or replacement of the gutter or curbing. Nearly all respondents (more than 85%) said that they were not aware of any signs in the neighborhood (street signs, stop signs, yield signs) that needed to be added, removed or repaired. Despite the generally positive neighborhood reviews of neighborhood infrastructure, the survey identified some streets with poorly located or hazardous street signs and utility poles, cracked and deteriorated sidewalk, poorly secured utility lines, and missing curbs and sidewalks. They are depicted in the figure below.

24

The infrastructure issues are grouped under nine categorizes, shown on the left side of the figure, with the total number of issues for each category shown in parenthesis. The specific locations are identified in Appendix 2.

The top four infrastructure issues are damaged curbs and sidewalks, poorly secured utility wires, sidewalk obstructions, and missing curbs and sidewalks. Representative photographs of all these issues are shown below. Their timely repair will help to promote the neighborhood’s safe walkability, as desired by all neighborhood residents.

Hazardous Placement of Street Signs/Utility Poles: At various places within the Civic Association, street signs, traffic signs, and telephone/utility poles are placed close to or within sidewalks, sometimes restricting pedestrian passage (particularly wheel- chairs and strollers) and presenting a potential hazard.

Cracked or Deteriorated Curbing or Sidewalks: Some neighborhood sidewalks and cur- bings are cracked or deteriorated and need repair or replacing.

25

Poorly Secured Utility Wires: Utility wires attached to poles sometimes are poorly secured and loose, encroach on the sidewalks, and present a hazard to pedestrians and curious children.

26

Missing Curbs and Sidewalks: — several streets within the Civic Association have full sidewalks/curbing on one side of the street, but only partial sidewalks and curbing on the other side. (As noted above, however, some survey respondents who reported missing curbs or sidewalks stated that they were not needed in front of their homes).

Missing/damaged street signs: At several places within the Civic Association, street signs are missing or need repair:

27

Inadequate Storm Drainage: At several places in the Civic Association, the streets have poor drainage with storm drains either missing entirely, or insufficiently graded to capture storm water. Accumulated water collects debris, and accelerates the deterioration of asphalt and concrete.

Diseased or Dangerous Trees on County Property: County-owned street trees are sometimes poorly maintained or in poor health, and require an evaluation for potential pruning or removal.

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Recommendations: 1. That the WCA follow up with the County to ensure the timely inspection and repair of the infrastructure issues set forth in Appendix 2. 2. That the WCA provide specific guidance to residents about how to report infrastructure problems to the County for prompt inspection and repair. 3. That the County meet with utility and communication companies to design guidelines that will help prevent the chronic dangling and poorly-maintained utility lines on neighborhood streets. Some utility and communication providers have placed poorly- located or inadequately-maintained junction boxes and other devices on utility poles, or deposit substantial lengths of cable spooled or tangled on the ground. The WCA requests that the County work more closely with utility and public service companies to ensure that poles, utility lines, and other equipment are maintained properly and do not pose a safety hazard or an attractive nuisance to small children. 4. That the County devote more resources to the maintenance of County-owned street trees in the medians or along sidewalks, to promote their vigor and sound pruning.

29 7. County Services Arlington County has, for years, taken pride in the quality of the services it provides to its residents. The County’s own surveys demonstrate, for example, that residents express (overall) highly favorable opinions of the County’s services. In Arlington’s 2015 Residential Satisfaction Survey, for example, Arlington residents reported consistently high levels of satisfaction with the vast majority of County services. Over 90% of respondents reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the County’s library services. Approximately the same percentage reported high levels of satisfaction with the County’s fire services, emergency services, police, and parks and recreation services. The only area in which a majority of County respondents reported relatively low levels of satisfaction (less than 50%) was for traffic flow and street maintenance. Inter- estingly, the survey data for the census tract in which the Civic Association is located reported some of the lowest levels of satisfaction in North Arlington for traffic flow and enforcement of local traffic laws. The 2015 Survey noted that “investments in County streets will have the most impact on overall satisfaction with County” and identified “Maintenance of County Streets and Management of Traffic Flow” as the two most important categories of services needing improvement within the next two years. Data from the Williamsburg Civic Association Survey largely confirm the findings from the County’s own surveys. Across a wide range of services, respondents of the Civic Association’s survey rate County services quite highly. For example, of respondents expressing an opinion about police, 60% rated the police services as excellent and another 33% rated the service as good. Only 7% of those with an opinion rated police services as poor or fair. Fire and ambulance services are rated equally highly. Of those with an opinion, two-thirds rated services as excellent and another 30% rated services “good.” As noted in the “Schools” section, WCA residents fully praised the public schools. Of respondents rating the schools, 99% rated the public schools excellent or good with only a single respondent rating the schools as fair. No respondent gave the public schools a rating of “poor.” Libraries are similarly praised. Interestingly, of 177 respondents to the question, only 7 had no opinion — suggesting broad use of the public libraries by WCA residents. Of respondents with an opinion, nearly 70% rated the libraries as “excellent” and another 29% rated the libraries as “good.”

30

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WCA residents are also pleased with County trash pick-up, with more than 90% of residents rating the service as excellent or good. Several services did not fare as well in our survey. With respect to street and sidewalk maintenance, for example, of those respondents expressing an opinion, nearly 30% rated the services as fair and another 13% rated services as poor. Similarly, for “snow removal,” 23% rated services as fair and another 11% rated services as poor. Some residents also expressed concern about park maintenance, with more than 20% rating the service as fair or poor. Still, for virtually all of the County services, a substantial majority of residents rated the services as either excellent or good. Some services appear to be rarely used by WCA residents. For example, more than 40% expressed no opinion on “adult education” services; more than 75% expressed no opinion on County “day care” services; and more than 69% had no opinion on the quality of the County’s social services. Survey respondents’ responses to questions raised about specific neighborhood conditions also reflect — with some exceptions — their satisfaction with County services. For example, in their responses to the question whether “crime is a problem in the neighborhood,” only 12 respondents said “yes.” Nearly 85% of respondents did not feel that crime was a problem. Survey responses also suggest that County staff are effective in preventing zoning violations, with very few respondents reporting fire or public health hazards (less than 15%); noise problems, except for those relating to the O’Connell High School (less than 30%); litter and graffiti (less than 15% report problems); dog and cat problems (approximately 20%). In contrast, however, respondents report serious traffic and pedestrian safety issues throughout the WCA. Nearly two-thirds of respondents report safety hazards to pedestrians in some areas of the WCA; nearly 42% report problems with traffic volume; more than 62% report that speeding is a problem in the neighborhood; and nearly one- third report violations of stop and yield signs. Recommendations: 1. Although survey respondents report high levels of satisfaction with the bulk of County services, it is clear that traffic management and pedestrian safety remain serious concerns to Association residents. The “Traffic and Pedestrian Safety” portion of this document provides, in some detail, an overview of the problem within the neighborhood and a description of traffic calming measures that may ameliorate it. 2. Snow removal also remains a concern to WCA residents, and members would support efforts by the County to improve snow management. The WCA does understand that the County’s first priority for snow removal is to address arterial streets, particularly to allow the movement of emergency vehicles. Following major snow events, however, neighborhood streets may remain impassable for many days. The WCA would support, therefore, efforts by the County to better communicate with its resi-

32 dents — in real time — about snow removal progress and estimated times and dates when snow removal equipment are expected on specific streets. It would also support efforts by Arlington to explore additional snow removal practices, such as removing snow to parking lots, mulch piles or vacant lots, and training snowplow drivers how best to avoid burying previously cleared driveways. 8. Schools Although only one public school — Nottingham Elementary School — lies within the WCA's boundaries, three schools in addition to Nottingham are discussed below because so many WCA children attend those schools due to their close proximity to the WCA, and because of their impact on neighborhood life. They are: (1) two public schools — Tuckahoe Elementary School and Williamsburg Middle School (the adjacent Discovery Elementary School had not opened at the time of our survey and is not discussed here) — and (2) a parochial school, Bishop Denis O’Connell Catholic School. Of survey respondents with school age children, approximately 90% report that their children attend public schools. (Ten per cent of respondents report that their children attend private schools and no student was reported being “home schooled”). By far, the most commonly cited “Reason You Like Living in the Neighborhood” by survey respondents was the quality of Arlington’s public schools. Seventy per cent of respondents praised the quality of Arlington Public Schools as one of the reasons why they liked living in Arlington — the most frequently mentioned positive aspect of life in Ar- lington. Despite residents’ obvious respect for and appreciation of Arlington’s public schools, our survey also sought to understand whether any of the four schools created problems in the neighborhood — litter, parking, traffic safety, pedestrian safety, noise, crowds, nighttime disturbances, or landscaping/beautification needs — and to make recommendations for mitigation or improvements. Of the survey respondents, 114 noted problems associated with one or more schools (approximately 62%). The remaining 38% skipped the question, either because they were unaware of any problems or had no opinion. Responses to this question are likely location-dependent. Many residents of the neighborhood live many blocks from the schools, and the “problems” referenced likely originate from residents whose homes abut or are located close to the schools.

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Nottingham Elementary School: Nottingham Elementary School is located at 5900 Little Falls Road and currently serves approximately 469 students (September 2016 data), down from about 750 students due to recent redistricting. The opening of the nearby Discovery Elementary School in 2015 helped to alleviate overcrowding at Nottingham, and the expansion of McKinley Elementary School in late 2016-17 will further help to alleviate overcrowding. Arlington Public Schools are generally recognized for their academic excellence and Nottingham is no exception. Most recently (in 2016), Nottingham was recognized by the state Board of Education as a “Board of Education Excellence” winner — a Vir- ginia school that meets all state and federal benchmarks and has made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities. Nottingham received similar recognition in 2015. Currently, the ethnic makeup of Nottingham is 79% white, 7.7% Asian, 4.8% Hispanic, and 0.9 % black, with 7.2% reporting multiple ethnicities. In their responses to the 2015 Arlington Public Schools Site-Based Survey (essentially a school “satisfaction” survey conducted by Arlington County), Nottingham parents rated the school as 4.4 on a scale from 1 to 5 (where 5 is “outstanding”). The average score for elementary schools County-wide is only slightly lower (4.3). At the time the survey was distributed, overcrowding at Nottingham was a serious concern because there were about 750 students at the school, many of whom were housed outside the school in relocatable trailers. This problem has been alleviated due to the opening of Discovery Elementary School. Neighbor Concerns: In response to the question about “problems” created by the presence of Nottingham Elementary in the neighborhood, relatively few respondents identified any problem — except for traffic and pedestrian safety. Fifty-seven respondents reported a problem with traffic safety and a nearly identical number (56) reported a problem with pedes-

34 trian safety. These relatively high levels likely derive, in part, from the death of a Nottingham parent in February 2014. She was struck by a dump truck and killed on Little Falls Road in front of Nottingham when the dump truck driver drove too far to the right and crossed over the line separating traffic from on-street drop-off parking. The death heightened neighborhood concerns about traffic congestion on Little Falls during school drop-off and pick-up, and traffic and pedestrian safety generally on the streets surrounding the school. This Plan’s discussion of Traffic Safety provides recommendations for needed traffic calming and safety improvements at Nottingham. Recommendations: See Traffic and Pedestrian Safety section for recommendations for further traffic calming on the streets surrounding Nottingham. Tuckahoe Elementary School: Tuckahoe Elementary School is located at 6550 26th Street North and currently serves 563 students (September 30 data). Like Nottingham, Tuckahoe Elementary School also has been recognized for its academic excellence. In 2016, Tuckahoe was given the highest award from the Virginia Board of Education — the Governor’s Award for Educa- tional Excellence. Only eight schools state-wide received the award, and Tuckahoe was the only Arlington school so honored. In 2015, Tuckahoe received a Board of Edu- cation Excellence Award (the state’s second-highest award). In their responses to the County’s 2015 Arlington Public Schools Site-Based Survey, parents rated Tuckahoe as a 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5. Tuckahoe’s ethnic make-up is 81% white, 6.3% Asian, 4.8%

Hispanic, and 1.6% black, with 5.8% reporting multiple ethnicities

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Tuckahoe has, in recent years, suffered from serious overcrowding and currently houses a large number of trailers. With the opening of Discovery Elementary School in 2016 and with the new renovations and enlargement of McKinley Elementary School in 2016-17, some of the overcrowding is expected to decrease. Neighbor Concerns: As with Nottingham School, relatively few respondents reported “problems” associated with Tuckahoe School. The School grounds are very well maintained and policing for trash and litter appear to be quite effective. No respondent reported a concern with litter. Similarly, few respondents reported concerns with crowds or nighttime disturbances or landscaping/beautification needs. Indeed, the ornamental garden located at the school entrance is enjoyed and admired by school parents and neighborhood residents alike. Not surprisingly, however, given the growing size of the school, the limited carrying capacity of adjacent streets, the narrow sidewalks leading to Tuckahoe, and the very small dedicated school parking lot, respondents express concern about parking (21 respondents), traffic safety (25 respondents), and pedestrian safety (29 respondents). The WCA acknowledges and appreciations the traffic calming measures introduced by the County at North 26 Street and North Trinidad Streets over the past decade. The traffic circle at North Trinidad and Little Falls, together with curb enhancements, traffic signals, caution signs, and speed bumps on North 26th street, Trinidad, and North Sycamore represent major neighborhood improvements and have slowed traffic considerably and improved school safety. Nevertheless, the survey responses continue to raise concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety on neighborhood streets surrounding Tuckahoe School. This Plan’s Traffic Safety section provides recommendations for traffic and pedestrian safety improvements at Tuckahoe. One final “problem” is worthy of note. As mentioned above, Tuckahoe Elementary School is badly overcrowded and hosts a number of relocatables (trailers). Many of the trailers occupy space formerly used for outdoor play equipment. Adjacent Tucka- hoe Park — managed by the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) — provides some additional green space for school recreation activities. In recent years, however, many Tuckahoe parents have expressed concern about the relative scarcity of field time at adjacent Tuckahoe park for school activities. Field space is allocated by DPR, and parents have complained abut the relative lack of after-school field use for the large and growing Tuckahoe Elementary extended day and enrichment programs. Although Tuckahoe Park adjoins the School, very little after- school time is allocated to Tuckahoe students. For decades, the bulk of the after- school field time has been allocated to near-by Bishop O’Connell High School, for use by the school’s softball teams for practices and games.

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These concerns have grown over the past several years with the re-development of Tuckahoe Park and the current improvements in the two softball fields. With the in - troduction of major hardscape additions to the Park’s softball fields (bleachers, dug- outs, backstops, batting cages and associated features) many parents express concern that Tuckahoe students will receive an even lower priority for after-school use. Bi- shop O’Connell’s financial contribution to the renovation project and the County’s ac- quiescence in a shared County/O’Connell softball field scoreboard have served only to increase neighbors’ concerns about the Diocese’s proprietary interest in Tuckahoe Park. In July 2016, the County and O’Connell entered into a Memorandum of Agree- ment (MOA) to share field space. The MOA allocates nearly all of the after-school field space at Tuckahoe Park to O’Connell. It also provides for some as yet unspeci- fied community use of the O’Connell track. Recommendations: 1. See Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Section for traffic calming recommendations on the streets surrounding Tuckahoe Elementary School. 2. Use of Tuckahoe Field: Representatives from Tuckahoe Elementary School, the De- partment of Parks and Recreation, the Tuckahoe Parent Teachers Association, and the two affected Civic Associations — Williamsburg and East Falls Church — should meet and discuss recreational use of Tuckahoe Park and a fair and equitable time-share with other users. In addition, Tuckahoe parents, PTA, and School Administrators should meet to identify useful and feasible after-school enrichment/extended day outdoor activities for Tuckahoe students. Williamsburg Middle School: Williamsburg Middle School is located at 300 North Harrison Street and currently houses 1,215 children in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades (September 30 data). It is the principal middle school serving students within the WCA. The ethnic break-down of the student body currently is 71% white, 11.5% Hispanic, 6.7% Asian, and 5.4% black, with 5.3% reporting mixed ancestries. Like Tuckahoe and Nottingham, Williamsburg also has been recognized by the State of Virginia for its academic excellence. In 2015, Williamsburg received the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence. In Ar- lington’s 2015 school survey, parents awarded Williamsburg a score of 4.2, slightly above the average score of the County’s middle schools (4.1). Like nearly all of Arlington’s public schools, Williamsburg also suffers from over-crow- ding — particularly in recent years. Currently, five relocatable trailers are on the Williamsburg site, and more are expected. The trailers likely will be needed until the opening of the new middle school at Stratford, in 2019. Despite its recent growth and

37 overcrowding, Williamsburg still receives relatively high marks from survey respondents.

Neighbor Concerns: Only 4 respondents expressed any concern with litter, and few respondents expressed concern with noise (3) or with nighttime disturbances (1 respondent). Respondents do express a mid-range concern about parking congestion (12 respondents), traffic safety (25 respondents), and pedestrian safety (25 respondents). A relatively high percentage of those expressing concerns about landscaping/beautification (one-third) identified problems at Williamsburg. These concerns reflect, in part, the relative age of the school and its relatively uninspiring grounds. Currently, the County has appointed a Working Group — the Williamsburg Field Site Evaluation Work Group — to examine whether sports lighting should be installed on two new synthetic turf soccer fields at Williamsburg. The adjacent Rock Spring Civic Association strongly opposes sport lighting, arguing that installation of lights will seve- rely and irreparably affect neighborhood quality of life. A representative from the WCA serves on the Working Group and will help determine whether field lighting can be installed in a way that “preserves the character of the neighborhood” and continues to provide a reasonable quality of life for those who live within it. In light of the WCA’s own battle on field lights (discussed below), its representative will play an active role in Working Group deliberations.

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Recommendations: 1. Consult with Arlington County DPR and APS on ways to better landscape/beautify the grounds of the Middle School, with special attention to landscaping that provides a natural transition of shrubs and trees from the newly-constructed adjacent Discove- ry Elementary School. (We note that, during the construction of Discovery, some additional plantings were added to the Williamsburg campus). 2. The WCA representative on the Williamsburg Lights Working Group will continue to work actively to evaluate whether the Williamsburg soccer fields can be lighted in a way that maintains reasonable peace and quiet in the affected neighborhood. Bishop O’Connell Catholic School: O’Connell High School is a Roman Catholic-affiliated school located at 6600 Little Falls Road with a student population of approximately 1100. It is accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association and has a faculty of both religious and lay staff. The great majority of its student body (more than 80 %), originates from counties outside of Arlington. For that reason, it is considered a “commuter school,” and virtually all students drive to or are driven to school. The School campus was constructed in the 1950s, in the then-popular “modernist” style. It consists of an instructional building, connected housing for Catholic sisters, and a sports complex consisting of a synthetic surface rectangular field for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, a natural turf baseball field, an all-season competitive running track, and a stadium accommodating 1,200 spectators.

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Neighbor Concerns: Relative to the generally high marks given to Arlington’s public schools, O’Connell fares poorly in our survey. To some extent, the relatively large number of “problems” associated with O’Connell may be explained by its status as the sole high school near the Civic Association. Compared to elementary and middle schools, high schools are inevitably characterized — because of their older population — by higher levels of ac- tivity, particularly in the nighttime; automobile use by young, inexperienced students; and associated levels of noise, litter, and traffic and pedestrian safety issues. By nearly every standard, however, O’Connell stands out as a problematic site that cannot be explained simply by reference to its teenage student population. The large number of complaints about O’Connell is particularly noteworthy because it is located within the East Falls Church Civic Association and abuts the WCA only on its western boundary. Thus, only a very few Civic Association neighbors live adjacent to or across from the school. On categories of litter, parking, noise, crowds, nighttime disturbances, and need for landscaping and beautification, respondents report far more problems with O’Connell than with the neighborhood public schools. For litter, for example, 24 respondents reported problems at O’Connell— twice the total for all three public schools combi- ned. For noise, 28 respondents reported problems at O’Connell — representing nearly 90% of school noise problems. Noise has been a particular problem following the athletic field renovation and Marymount’s use of the baseball field for its home games. Both O’Connell and Marymount use amplified music to excite players and spectators. Now that batter’s “walk-up” music is commonly played during baseball games, amplified music can be heard throughout the neighborhood for hours before and during baseball games. At the request of the neighbors, Arlington County has worked with O’Connell to identify noise levels that comply with Arlington’s new noise ordinance. That ordinance — enacted in 2015 — establishes quantitative noise limits (in decibels) for all noise sources during the day and nighttime. It also absolutely prohibits noise from amplified sources that can be heard within any dwelling — an inevitability given the proximity of residences to the two O’Connell sports fields. Despite the County’s help in establishing “baseline” levels for O’Connell’s sound system, problems continue and neighbors continue to experience serious noise pollution. For problems related to “crowds,” O’Connell accounts for approximately three- fourths of reported problems; for “nighttime disturbances,” nearly 92% of total problems; for “landscaping/beautification,” about 55% total problems; and for parking (more than 56% of reported problems). Despite O’Connell’s construction of larger parking lots (very minimal green space remains on the O’Connell campus), students continue to park on residential streets, often ignoring parking restriction signs.

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O’Connell/Neighborhood Controversy Involving Sports Field Lighting: The relatively low marks given to O’Connell by respondents may be, in part, an artifact of efforts by WCA , the East Falls Church Civic Association, and the neighborhood opposed to the Diocese’s proposal to light the O’Connell sports fields for nighttime sports activities. In the summer of 2011, the Diocese applied for a special use permit to renovate its athletic fields (rectangular and baseball fields) and to light them for athletic practices and events. The neighborhood opposed the permit and submitted to the County Board evidence that the lights would result in unacceptable lighting impacts, noise, litter, parking congestion, and pedestrian and traffic safety problems. The Civic Asso- ciation, by a vote of 56-2, passed a resolution stating “the installation of field lights will have a substantial adverse impact on the quality of life” and requested that the County Board deny the application. The Arlington East Falls Church Civic Association, within which the school is located, also requested the County Board to deny the application. Fortunately for the neighborhood, in March 2012, the County Board rejected the permit application and concluded that sports lighting would cause an impermissible and unjustifiable diminution in neighborhood quality of life. Nevertheless, O’Connell was permitted (at its own risk) to install underground conduits and above-ground stan- chions to support future sports lighting and has continued to identify sports lighting as an important goal. During 2012-13 O’Connell renovated its athletic fields (without lights), and use of the fields (synthetic turf was installed on the rectangular field) has increased markedly. Marymount University shares use of the baseball field. Following the field renovations, complaints from neighborhood residents about noise increased proportionately — particularly complaints of loud music played during field events. Most of all, the field renovation confirmed the neighbors’ worst fears — that nighttime use of the athletic fields by the numerous O’Connell and Marymount sports teams would destroy neighborhood nighttime peace and quiet. Recommendations: 1. With the encouragement and participation of Arlington County, Bishop O’Connell and the neighbors have convened a group to meet periodically to discuss some of the “quality of life” issues associated with the School. This group has been helpful in raising and discussing — if not resolving — some of the chronic issues arising from the School’s presence — student driving and field noise, among others. We recommend that this group continue its work, on a quarterly basis, to try to better understand each other’s views and interests. 2. Noise Abatement: The Civic Association should work with the County to ensure that O’Connell/Marymount understand and comply with the noise limitations in the

41 new noise ordinance. To many neighbors for whom amplified music from the sports fields is plainly audible in their homes, the school’s noise sources are plainly in violation of Arlington law. In the coming year, it is inevitable that the neighbors will turn to Arlington’s Bureau of Code Enforcement for a definitive opinion on permissible sound levels from the Marymount/O’Connell field speakers. 3. Speeding: Residential concerns for traffic and pedestrian safety in the neighborhood differ, in some respects, from traffic and pedestrian safety concerns expressed elsewhere. The principal concern in the neighborhood is with speeding student drivers and their frequent disregard for neighborhood stop signs. Particularly when exiting the parking lots at the end of the school day, young drivers frequently accelerate very rapidly on neighboring streets and fail to slow at stop signs. The Civic Associa- tion has long felt that an enhanced police presence is necessary during school let-out in the afternoon and also to educate each year’s new drivers on the need for safety and civility when driving on neighborhood streets. We recommend that the County Police increase its traffic patrols at the end of the school day and also give a brief annual presentation to O’Connell students on driver safety, particularly where — as here — an elementary school is located across the street from a high school. 4. Parking: WCA residents generally believe that Arlington County Police respond qui- ckly to parking violations and promptly ticket offenders. Nevertheless, given the large numbers of students driving to O’Connell, parking violations are chronic — particularly for parking near intersections where the presence of parked vehicles restricts driver and pedestrian visibility. Curb extensions on intersections of neighboring residential streets would help reduce the crossing distance and protect pedestrians (particularly children). They would also allow approaching vehicle drivers to see each other when vehicles parked in a parking lane would otherwise block visibility. Such improvements can also slow and calm traffic. We recommend the construction of curb extensions at the intersections of Trinidad and North 27th Streets, where student drivers typically park so as to obstruct visibility and also frequently use excessive speed when exiting the O’Connell parking lots. 5. Opposition to Lighting: The increased use and associated increased noise, parking problems, litter, and student speeding associated with the newly-renovated athletic fields confirm the fears expressed by the neighbors in their opposition to field lighting. The extension of these problems into the night-time would increase both their duration and intensity and greatly diminish neighborhood quality of life. The William- sburg and East Falls Church Civic Associations will continue to oppose efforts by O’- Connell to install lights on the athletic fields and so their members can continue to enjoy neighborhood peace and quiet in the evening hours. 6. Beautification/Landscaping: The Civic Association cannot easily urge a private ins- titution such as Bishop O’Connell to beautify its campus. Nevertheless, to many neighbors, the grounds of the school are badly in need of a facelift. We understand

42 that O’Connell may undertake major school renovation projects during the next several years. Among other projects, it may demolish the sister’s housing wing and create new administrative and classroom space. As part of any permit that may be needed from Arlington County, we urge the County to include — if feasible — reasonable landscaping/beautification measures as permit conditions. 7. Reducing Vehicular Traffic. The County has been a strong advocate of multi-modal transportation and has developed and implemented modern traffic management plans at the public high schools to reduce vehicular traffic. At O’Connell, in contrast, virtually all students drive to or are driven to school and the school, has not made efforts to encourage other modes of transportation. We recommend that the County transportation staff meet with O’Connell to help promote multi-modal transportation, including ways to encourage use of the Metrorail and Metrobus. In addition, the installation of a BikeShare station on Trinidad adjacent to O’Connell may help to encourage students to bike to and from the East Falls Church Metro, as well as encourage local residents to commute to their workplaces by bike. Neighborhood Complete Streets Project for Streets Surrounding O’Connell: The results of the survey demonstrate considerable concern within the neighborhood about activities and conditions at Bishop O’Connell. As discussed above, those concerns run the gamut, from litter to traffic and pedestrian safety to beautification/ landscaping. During 2015, Arlington developed a program — the Neighborhood Complete Streets Program — to address many of these problems in an integrated and comprehensive way. The Complete Streets Program is intended to identify areas of Arlington that could benefit from walking connectivity (particularly within school walking areas), better management of vehicular speeds, minimization of vehicle/pedestrian conflicts, enhancement of neighborhood aesthetics, and general integration of modern transportation infrastructure with Arlington’s streetscape standards. In preliminary discussions with Arlington County and with Bishop O’Connell’s administration, the neighbors have proposed (in outline) a Complete Streets project that would include such elements as wider sidewalks and medians and narrower streets to calm traffic on Trinidad and Little Falls; planting of shade trees and ornamental benches to beautify the school/neighborhood boundaries and provide a buffer between the school and the neighborhood; installation of curb extensions at the intersection of North Trinidad and North 27th and 28th streets to slow traffic exiting the school and to ensure better visibility for pedestrians and drivers at those intersections; placement of a BikeShare station on North Trinidad adjacent to O’Connell to encourage students to bike to and from the East Falls Church Metro and to encourage resident commuters to do the same; as well as other measures to enhance civic life.

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The County has expressed preliminary interest in such a proposal, particularly because — if achieved — it would represent an agreement and working partnership between civic bodies (O’Connell and the Williamsburg and East Falls Church Civic Associa- tions) that have been very much at odds over the years. O’Connell officials have expressed tentative informal interest but have not discussed the issue with the Diocese. The neighbors, for their part, are hopeful that such a project could defuse tensions that have simmered in recent years and help bridge a growing school/neighborhood divide. Our survey informed residents of the informal discussions with O’Connell and the County regarding potential future neighborhood improvements on the streets surrounding O’Connell. The survey also asked whether respondents supported such improvements. Nearly all respondents answered the question (178 respondents) and nearly two-thirds (65%) expressed support for the proposal; 23% had no opinion; and only 12% opposed it. Recommendation Initiate discussions with the County and with Bishop O’Connell to prepare and submit a Neighborhood Complete Streets application to enhance walkability and civic life on the residential streets surrounding the high school.

9. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Residents of the WCA clearly value and cherish their community, as evidenced by survey responses. Survey results captured consistent themes related to positive characteristics of the community, including great schools, a high quality of life, and convenience and proximity to work and community. The community continues to be an attractive place to live and raise a family. With this popularity and the influx of residents attracted by Arlington’s strengths, however, come transportation, traffic, and pedestrian safety challenges. The survey revealed a relatively high proportion of residents who drive alone to work. More than three-quarters of survey respondents drive alone; approximately 6 carpool; 25% use Metrorail; about 12% of the respondents use Metro or ART bus service; nearly 7% walk to work; approximately 9% bike; and over 14% of the respondents telework.

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Commuting Methods of Respondents

Drive Alone 79.39%

Carpool 6.25%

Metrorail 25.00%

MetroBus/ART 11.81%

Bike 9.03%

Walk 6.94%

Telework 14.58%

Other 6.25% The survey results repeatedly highlighted the community’s persistent concerns related to traffic and the safety of pedestrians in our community. The remainder of this section describes those issues and contains recommendations to address or mitigate them. The WCA has worked closely with Arlington County staff to implement traffic calming measures through the WCA. These measures have addressed several particularly challenging traffic and safety problems, including the intersections of North 26th Street and Sycamore Street, the intersection of North 26th Street and North Trinidad Street, and the intersection of Little Falls Road and North 26th Street. In addition, the construction of the Williamsburg Boulevard median resulted in substantial reduction in traffic speeds and improvements to pedestrian safety. The WCA also commissioned a Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (T&PS) Committee to conduct surveys of the community and solicit input from the residents on current issues related to traffic and pedestrian safety. Williamsburg Civic Association Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (T&PS) Committee The Williamsburg Civic Association Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (T&PS) Committee, commissioned in Spring 2011, conducted the first WCA Traffic and Pedestrian Survey and reported the results at the December 2011 WCA Membership Meeting. The Com- mittee used the survey results, together with other information, to develop recommendations to address the highest priority issues. The T&PS Committee provided Its recommendations to the Arlington County Police Department, as well as to the Deputy County Manager and several County staff members. Many of the recommendations were adopted and the measures were implemented by the County in 2012 or were added to traffic and pedestrian safety improvements work

45 in our community in the spring of 2013. In 2012, the County implemented the following traffic and pedestrian safety improvements:

1. Intersection of North Trinidad Street and 26th Street North – Installed crosswalk pavement markings across North Trinidad Street and across 26th Street North

2. Intersection of North Underwood Street and 26th Street North – Installed crosswalk pavement markings across 26th Street North

3. Intersection of North Underwood Street and Little Falls Road – Installed lad- dered crosswalk pavement markings across North Underwood Street and Little Falls Road, as well as signs at the existing raised crosswalk

4. Intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard and Little Falls Road - Installed crosswalk warning signs with downward pointing arrows on both sides of a crosswalk on the right turn exit lane from northbound Williamsburg Boulevard/Sycamore Street to eastbound Little Falls Road

5. Intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard and Little Falls Road - Installed crosswalk warning signs with downward pointing arrows on both sides of a crosswalk on northbound Williamsburg Boulevard north of Little Falls Road (northbound side only)

6. Intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard and Little Falls Road - Installed crosswalk warning signs with down pointing arrows on both sides of a crosswalk on right turn lane from westbound Little Falls Road onto Williamsburg Boulevard

7. Intersection of Little Falls Road and North John Marshall Drive – Installed back to back school crossing warning signs with downward pointing arrows in median on east and west sides of the intersection

8. Intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard at North Ohio Street - Installed two school crossing warning signs with downward pointing arrows on east side of the crosswalk on Williamsburg Boulevard at North Ohio Street

9. Intersection of Little Falls Road and North Trinidad Street – Updated signage on the traffic circle

10. Intersection of Little Falls Road and North Trinidad Street – Installed in-street pedestrian bollards on both sides of intersection

11. Intersection of North Trinidad Street and 26th Street North – Installed school crossing signs with downward pointing arrows on both sides of the crosswalk on east leg of the intersection

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12.Intersection of North Trinidad Street and 26th Street North – Relocated a speed limit sign from west of intersection closer to Sycamore Street. Relocated a speed hump warning sign west of the intersection.

The County implemented the following traffic and pedestrian safety improvement measures in the spring of 2013:

1. Intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard and North John Marshall Drive – A lad- dered crosswalk was installed across Williamsburg Boulevard between existing curb ramps, and a 30-foot long concrete refuge island (approximately 8’ wide) was installed. 2. Intersection of Yorktown Boulevard and North Kensington Street – An ADA accessible curb ramp was built in the south-east corner of this intersection. Cross- walk pavement markings were installed across Yorktown Boulevard after the ramp was completed. 3. Restriping project for Little Falls Road (from Williamsburg Boulevard to York- town Boulevard) – This project includes reinstallation of the existing pavement markings (centerline, bike lanes, parking lanes, crosswalks) with minor adjust- ments to the existing on-street parking around transit stops and fire hydrants. These improvements demonstrate how citizen involvement can make our community a safer place. Recognizing that traffic and pedestrian safety continue to be a problem, however, the WCA T&PS Committee continued to engage with the County on numerous traffic and safety issues. Following the tragic accident that took the life of of a WCA resident in 2014, the WCA T&PS Committee focused on the traffic and safety issues relevant to Nottingham Elementary School. Working with County staff and the Arling- ton Police Department, the Committee identified numerous issues that required im- mediate action, including broken school flashing beacons, malfunctioning pedestrian push buttons, obstructed signage, and clear crosswalk markings. All of these issues were resolved in March 2014. Several key traffic operations studies were initiated to assess speed, parking, restrictions on commercial and construction vehicles, all-way stop signs, and raised crosswalks. Short-term solutions were implemented, as well as longer term projects. For example, the traffic study to address Little Falls Road & North Ohio Street speeding concerns resulted in a commitment by the Arlington County Police Department to enhance police enforcement of speeding in this area, especially during key school hours. Also, the T&PS Committee, Nottingham Elementary School personnel, and Arlington Public Schools (APS) staff requested additional parking restrictions along the east side of North Ohio Street during arrival and dismissal times. Ultimately, the WCA T&PS Committee developed a follow-up Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Survey (2014), which was incorporated into the 2015 WCA NCP survey.

47 Recommendations: Long term policy recommendations include the following: - Reduce posted speed limit to 15 MPH near schools – According to guidelines adopted by the Federal Highway Administration and the Commonwealth of Vir- ginia, speed limits can be reduced after a detailed engineering study has evaluated existing conditions and determined that the speed limit needs to be low- ered. The WCA recommends that the County amend the school zone speed limit requirements to 15 mph in the vicinity of schools. - Change criteria for stop signs near schools – The current all-way stop sign criteria are based on engineering studies, industry expertise, and Federal guidelines. Two of the six criteria consider the increased pedestrian volumes and increased potential for conflicts between motorized and non-motorized modes common to school zones, and specific considerations for schools are included within the Crossing Safety warrant. The recommendation to change the criteria for stop sign criteria is also noted in the 2001 WCA NCP. - Nottingham School zone signage and raised crosswalk – The WCA T&PS Com- mittee requested raised crosswalks on Little Falls Road. The County is investi- gating the availability of alternative funding sources, such as a Safe Routes to School grant, to underwrite that work. Traffic Management The WCA survey revealed that the largest number of survey respondents cited poor “walkability” as the most important aspect of the community they would like to change. Over 80% of the respondents cited pedestrian/traffic safety/walkability (in response to one or more questions) as a significant challenge for our community. The respondents also commented that the County could be doing more to improve the walkability of the community, which directly and negatively impacts pedestrian safety and traffic related concerns. The second largest number of responses related to excessive traffic speeds on arterial, as well as on residential streets. Over 63% of the respondents cited complained about neighborhood speeding. These problems have persisted in the community and were the highest priority traffic-related issue in the 2001 WCA NCP (over 75% of the respondents cited speeding as a serious problem). Several trends exacerbate this issue at the present time. These include: 1) increased commuter traffic; 2) increased cut through traffic; and 3) a significant increase in commercial traffic. The problems

48 related to excessive speeds are common on the arterial streets (Williamsburg Blvd, Little Falls Road, Sycamore Street, and North Powhatan Street) at all hours of the day. The problems related to excessive speeds are cited also on the streets that surrounding Bishop O’Connell High School (North 26th Street, North 27th Street Little Falls Road, North Underwood Street, and North Trinidad Street) during morning and afternoon arrivals and departures. However, the survey results also indicate that, for general traffic calming topics across the Civic Association as a whole, the majority of residents are not always supportive of additional measures to further mitigate traffic challenges. Thus, many WCA residents do not like such measures as reduction in speed limits, electronic speed displays, one-way streets, traffic lights, street narrowing, traffic circles, and bicycle lanes. For example, nearly half of the respondents do not support the installation of additional turn lane restrictions. Nevertheless, residents do report problems with traffic lanes and recommend specific lane restrictions at particular locations, e.g., North Lexington Street and Little Falls Road, the intersection of North Ohio Street and Little Falls Road, and the intersection of Sycamore Street and North 26th Street. The recommendation to add a turn lane at the intersection of Sycamore Street and North 26th Street was approved by the County and included in the traffic calming measures implemented in 2015. While many respondents do not favor general traffic calming measures in the ab- stract, they often do support traffic calming in specific areas of the WCA. Traffic and pedestrian safety issues around the schools (Tuckahoe Elementary School, Nottingham Elementary School, Bishop O’Connell High School, Discovery Elementary School, and Williamsburg Middle School) in or adjacent to the WCA present critical concerns for the community. For example, the majority of respondents advocate better student pick-up and drop off systems to reduce street crossings for children at all school. Respondents indicated that Little Falls Road, between North Sycamore Street and Yorktown Blvd. presents significant safety issues, especially for students, staff, and parents at Nottingham Elementary School. Over 40% of the respondents support reducing speed limits on Little Falls Road, as well as the streets around the school. Over 28% of the respondents support the modification of the parking restrictions to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in this area. Over 50% support the installation of signage (permanent and flashing) to warn drivers to reduce their speed. Over 32% of the respondents support an increased police presence, especially during drop off and pick up periods. Similarly, the respondents indicated that the streets in the areas of Tuckahoe Elemen- tary School and Bishop O’Connell High School (Little Falls Road, North 26th Street, North 27th Street, North Trinidad Street, and North Underwood Street) present significant safety issues. Over 23% support the installation of signage (permanent and flashing) to warn drivers to reduce their speed. The majority of the respondents, however, were not supportive of reducing speed limits, modification of the parking restrictions to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, or an increase police presence during

49 drop off and pick up periods. In light of their experience with the traffic safety issue and familiarity with the neighborhoods in the WCA, however, the WCA NCP Working Group strongly suspects that residents living close to the Schools overwhelmingly favor all of the traffic calming measures mentioned. The problems with traffic congestion, speeding, and disregard for stop signs were identified in the WCA NCP 2001, and continue to be problematic for the residents in the vicinity of the Schools. The increasing presence of commuter traffic compounds the problem and is only expected to worsen in the future. Over 40% of the respondents anticipate significant traffic and pedestrian safety issues resulting from the Williamsburg Middle School and Discovery Elementary School construction projects and operation. Although the Discovery project is complete, respondents cited concerns related to an increase in traffic volume, worsening problems with speeding, inadequate parking, and dangerous pedestrian crossings on Williams- burg Blvd. The respondents overwhelming support evaluation of options for drop off and pick up times that offer relief from the congestion and safety hazards for pedestrians. The respondents’ concerns echo the recommendations from the WCA T&PS Committee 2014 traffic and safety efforts. These include traffic calming measures for North Kensington Street between Yorktown Blvd and Williamsburg Boulevard, which will be recommended for the Neighborhood Complete Streets program, since it is considered a high-priority corridor and near and within school zones. The WCA T&PS Committee also recommended submission of a traffic signal request for the intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard & North Kensington Street. The intersection was evaluated by the County for a traffic signal as part of an existing conditions analysis of the area near Williamsburg Middle School, but it did not meet the warrants for a traffic signal. Other traffic calming and safety measures have been included in Sycamore Street Median Project. Although only 34% of the respondents cited the disregard for stop signs as a problem, these problems are noted in very specific locations. The principal locations of traffic volume problems include the streets that converge at the traffic circles (Williamsburg Blvd, North Powhatan Street, Little Falls Road, Sycamore Street), and the streets that surround Bishop O’Connell High School (North 26th Street, North 27th Street, Little Falls Road, North Underwood Street, and North Trinidad Street). Although only 43% of the respondents cited traffic volume as a problem, these problems are also noted in very specific locations. The principal locations of traffic volume problems include Williamsburg Blvd, Little Falls Road, Sycamore Street, and streets that surrounding Bishop O’Connell High School (North 26th Street, Little Falls Road, North 27th Street, North Underwood Street, and North Trinidad Street). Cut- through traffic is a major problem for Williamsburg Blvd, Little Falls Road, and Sycamore Street.

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Recommendations: - Install signage (permanent and flashing) to warn drivers to reduce their speed in the vicinity of Tuckahoe Elementary School and Bishop O’Connell High School (Little Falls Road, North 26th Street, North 27th Street, North Trinidad Street, and North Underwood Street) during school pick-up and drop-off. - Lower speed limits on Little Falls Road between North Sycamore Street and Yorktown Blvd., as well as the streets around the school. Request increased police presence on streets surrounding Nottingham Elementary, Tuckahoe Elemen- tary, and Bishop O’Connell during student pick-up and drop-off. - Modify the parking restrictions to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety on Little Falls Road, between North Sycamore Street and Yorktown Blvd., as well as the streets around the School. - Install signage (permanent and flashing) to warn drivers to reduce their speed on Little Falls Road, between North Sycamore Street and Yorktown Blvd. - Lower posted speed limit to 15 MPH near schools. According to guidelines adopted by the Federal Highway Administration and the Commonwealth of Vir- ginia, speed limits can be reduced after a detailed engineering study has evaluated existing conditions and determined that the speed limit needs to be low- ered. The WCA recommends that the County amend the school zone speed limit requirements to 15 mph in the vicinity of schools. - - Change criteria for locating stop signs near Schools – The current all-way stop sign criteria are based on engineering studies, industry expertise and Federal guidelines. Two of the six criteria consider the increased pedestrian volumes and increased potential for conflicts between motorized and non-motorized modes common to school zones, and specific considerations for schools are included within the Crossing Safety requirements. This recommendation is also noted in the 2001 WCA NCP. - Nottingham School zone signage and raised crosswalk – The WCA T&PS Commit- tee requested raised crosswalks on Little Falls Road. The County is investigat- ing the availability of alternative funding sources, such as a Safe Routes to School grant. Pedestrian Safety Approximately 63% of the respondents indicate there are areas in the neighborhood that present a safety hazard to pedestrians. These often result from lack of side-

51 walks, inadequate handicap access, poorly designed crosswalks, missing traffic lights, deteriorated or missing curbs or other infrastructure issues, but respondents overwhelmingly cite speeding and inadequate traffic calming measures as the principal hazard to pedestrians. Crossing the arterials in our community (Sycamore Street, Williamsburg Blvd, Little Falls Road, and John Marshall Road) continue to be risky for pedestrians. Over 43% of the respondents indicate problems crossing Sycamore Street; approximately 40% of the respondents indicate problems crossing Williamsburg Blvd; approximately 30% indicate problems crossing Little Falls Road; and approximately 8% indicate problems crossing John Marshall Drive. The Sycamore Street Median Project — a pending traffic calming measure — promises to significantly reduce the speeds on Sycamore Street and provide critically needed pedestrian safety measures. The project will reduce the lanes of traffic from two lanes to one each way from the Williamsburg Circle and North 26th Street, providing bike lanes, and enhancing safety for pedestrians. The project will promote slower traffic, enhance walkability, improve storm water management, and add to the neighborhood tree canopy. The Arlington County Board approved $1.2 million in funding for the median in October 2013, and WCA members participated in the design phase. The WCA looks forward to its completion, which has been delayed until 2017. 10. Commercial Establishments The Williamsburg Civic Association hosts two small shopping centers — both named the Williamsburg Shopping Center. Although identically named, each is owned and managed separately. One is located on the 2900 block of North Sycamore Street and the second is located across the street, with an address on Little Falls. Each is a 1950s- era single-floor retail establishment of brick construction. The Williamsburg Shopping Center located on Sycamore Street contains several restaurants (Peking Pavilion, Deli Italiano, Backyard Barbecue, Williamsburg Deli), a Se- ven-Eleven convenience store, a Zinga frozen yogurt store, a dry cleaner’s, several hair salons and barber shops, a United Bank, a gift shop (Two the Moon), and — most recently — a water/electric vapor retail store selling e-cigarettes and inhaled flavored

52 nicotine products. The second establishment houses a large CVS drug store, Calico Corners (fabric store), a Cardinal bank, and a martial arts studio.

In general, respondents to our survey felt that the stores “met their needs” for neighborhood commercial establishments. Sixty per cent of respondents agreed that the stores met their needs; 34% said they did not; and 6% expressed no opinion. Among respondents who said that the stores met their needs, many noted that the larger and more varied Lee-Harrison Shopping Center on Harrison Street was sufficiently nearby to easily supplement the more limited selection of retail stores within the Civic Asso- ciation. Despite expressing general satisfaction with the mix of stores in the Williamsburg Shopping Centers, nearly half of respondents included suggestions for “kinds of commercial establishments” they would like to see added. The most commonly expressed suggestion (38 respondents) was for a coffee shop/bakery. Another 30 respondents sought a better mix of restaurants, including a bistro, cafe, gourmet sandwich shop, fast casual restaurant, or a delicatessen. A few respondents complained that the two Centers provided duplicative services — 2 banks, 2 dry cleaners, multiple barber/hair salons. Other respondents wanted to see a variety of additional services — an ice cream store, card shop, bookstore, neighborhood tavern, small hardware store, or yoga studio, among many other suggestions. Some respondents felt that both Shopping Centers were unsightly and needed improvements and beautification.

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Recommendations: 1. The survey was distributed and completed before retail space was leased to an electric cigarette/vapor store. Given the substantial controversy in recent months about significant adverse health effects arising from e-cigarettes and battery-ope- rated inhalers producing flavored nicotine, it is possible that the neighborhood feels that the store is an unwelcome addition. 2. The Civic Association may wish to communicate with the landlords of each shopping center about the types of retail establishments survey respondents said they would like to see at the shopping centers so that the landlords could better meet the neighborhood's needs.

Many survey respondents express a desire for a coffee shop, cafe, bakery — both for fresh morning coffee and as a neighborhood meeting place. Although parking at both shopping centers may make such a coffee shop impracticable, the Civic Association may wish to meet with the proprietors to discuss the possibility for such a change — in the event of future space availability and an interested tenant. 3. Both shopping centers were constructed in a simple 1950s utilitarian design that — to some respondents — has not aged well. Both centers were renovated in the late 1990s, with awnings, updated signage and some landscaping. Nevertheless, landscaping of both shopping centers is minimal and often poorly maintained. The Civic As- sociation may wish to provide specific recommendations about face-lifts, aesthetic improvements, and landscaping to soften and beautify the aging centers — particularly given their prominent siting at the top of Sycamore Street and at the junction of

54 neighborhood arterial streets. In particular, the Civic Association might wish to express its support for efforts by the property owners and tenants to improve the overall appearance of the two centers. 11. Parks As documented in the respondents’ identification of “Things We Like About The Neighborhood” discussed earlier, residents of the Williamsburg Civic Association (WCA) value the quiet leafy streets and express concern about over-development and diminution in the tree canopy. Not surprisingly, respondents also express disappoint- ment in the relative scarcity of parklands and open spaces in the neighborhood. Parks and open spaces provide valuable habitat for wildlife, opportunities for active and passive recreation, and a buffer from street noise and traffic and the hard-edged built environment generally. Unfortunately, the two parks located in the WCA (described below) are very small, difficult to access, and could benefit substantially from beautification efforts and improvements designed to further a sense of safety and quiet en- joyment. In addition to the two Arlington parks, the WCA also has several small open grassy areas that, given their very small size and difficult locations, present some of the same problems and could be better used. 38 TH S O T. L N. D D TH R . Arlington County, Virginia 37 D. N. T O S M N IN Williamsburg O S I I O D N T. N. E . N. Parks H S . ST D T N 37 TH R 37 .

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. N R R . . . R T C . W N T R S . N A T. . O S O O I T S Civic AssocR iation S N C . H O N. T O C T. 28 Y A T D S S O . D K . C L D N S R E Parks 23 I L . S A N T / N V S V N S T M . A . G E . E T . S N L T O H H L . T A M L T S . R A B S 0 800 N N A L A T E M S R . E P . . D A N F H u T T. N S O S S P N . D Feet I T c . M . T 3R O S T 2 E . N C N N k O 7 . . O . T . S T T T L . a O . 2 S U S T T W N . T T H C M S N h H . I T H T Pursuant to Section 5N4.1-402 of the Code of Virginia, any determinaN tion of topography T 5 K S 7T . 2 o 4 O H I G 2 2 H T A or contours, or any depiction of physical improvements, property lines or boundariesT . . e K N L A N H . H S O . E is for general information only and shall not be used for the design, modification, or D O T J H R P construction of improvements to real property. or for flood plain determA ination. E A . N . T . H D M N 6 T a . D R T. 2 N 4 S . N N 2N S . r T 2 D . 2 S S N T k ) D Aerial Photography © 2015 Commonwealth of Virginia 2N T . R 2 T . 3 T 9 23RD S 6 S S T S 2 Map prepared by Arlington County GIS Mapping Center H 2 . T U T T H . 6 4 C N . Produced and © November 2016 W 2 S . T N 5 K . . N N. A 2 A U . . ( S S H R D. t H T R Parkhurs A. O O - Charles . 22 . N. E ND RD. N. O ST ND Park IN Stewart Park S 22 G E

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Minor Hill: Minor Hill Park, with an elevation of 460 feet, is the highest point in Arlington. It lies on the northwest side of Little Falls Road near the intersection of North Powhatan Street. During the 1940s and 1950s, Minor Hill was chosen by Arlington County as the site of a reservoir to provide drinking water to residents in north Arlington. The original two storage tanks each hold 5 million gallons of water and are covered by about 18 inches of soil and grass. A newer tank, installed in the early 1970s, contains two cells holding 12 million gallons and is only partially buried. The supporting wall for the two cells extends out of the side of Minor Hill Park on the East side of the Site above adjacent Sharp Park.

With the urging of the WCA and with the involvement of County agencies, landscaping was installed at the site during the 1980s, and the underground reservoirs were covered with asphalt so that the reservoir surface could be used as tennis and basketball courts. The addition of the recreation facilities was viewed, by many in the WCA, as a significant community enhancement and represented the only dedicated active recreation center within the Civic Association. The tennis courts and associated recreational facilities were abandoned during the 1990s when repairs were made to the concrete/asphalt surface of the tanks. The County concluded that chronic maintenance problems (ponding of water on the courts, surface water leaking into the subsurface tanks, the dangerous condition of expansion joints exposed on the courts) were no longer manageable. During the mid-1990s, Arlington Department of Public Works, Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation, and other departments explored potential future uses of the

56 storage reservoir site. Among possible uses identified were soccer fields to be installed on a new grass cover of the tanks, re-engineered tennis and basketball courts, a tower for scenic overlook of Arlington, a windmill for power generation, and solar panels. Ultimately, the County decided that active recreation above the water tanks presented significant risks to critical water infrastructure and presented continual and largely intractable maintenance and structural problems. The tennis courts and recreation areas were removed and the top of the storage tanks restricted to public access. The County installed some modest landscaping elsewhere on the parcel, with small benches, a paved trail, ornamental trees, and birdhouses. More recently, as concerns for energy independence and global warming began taking on greater urgency nation-wide, Arlington County began to re-examine the potential for solar power arrays on the asphalt reservoir surface. Although Arlington County apparently has abandoned a proposal to partner with Dominion Power for the installation of solar panels on Minor Hill Park, it continues to explore the possibility of a small County-owned solar array. Recently, much of the Minor Hill Park was disturbed by a major construction project underway to improve water quality in the reservoir. In general, the goal of the project is to improve water transmission and storage and minimize the levels of disin- fection byproducts delivered to residents throughout the north Arlington service area. The $5 million construction contract was awarded in April 2015 and the work was completed during 2016-17. Much of the surface of the parcel has been disturbed by the construction and plans for restoration of the landscaping and amenities are unclear. Neighbor Concerns: During recent years (following the closure of the tennis courts), Minor Hill received relatively little use from community residents. Only a slight majority (52%) of WCA residents have ever visited Minor Hill. Of those who have visited Minor Hill Park most (60%) visit it fewer than 5 times annually. Survey residents are generally critical of its accessibility and visibility (many residents who have never visited it report that they were unaware of its existence). As the highest point in Arlington, it presents an ob- stacle to casual walkers. Because it is located at the confluence of several major roads with heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure, access is doubly difficult. In general, survey respondents are critical of the amenities at Minor Hill Park. Among words and phrases commonly used to describe the park are “ugly,” “uninviting,” “un- shaded and very hot,” and “dominated by unsightly concrete/asphalt pads.” Follow- ing the removal of the tennis courts and prior to the ongoing construction, Minor Hill Park provided a small grassy area for visitors, together with benches for resting near small ornamental trees. Absent shade trees or other protected amenities (pavilion, covered park structure), visitors in the summer are exposed to unmitigated heat. In

57 addition, much of the site is dominated by the massive concrete walls of the reservoirs and little effort has been made to screen or visually reduce their bulk. Some respondents regret the loss of the tennis courts and urge their restoration or the introduction of other active recreation such as a soccer field or mini-golf (15 respondents). The majority of respondents, however, acknowledge the site’s limitations and express a strong preference for continued passive use. In general, respondents appear to understand the special nature of the site, the need for infrastructure security for critical water supplies, and the limitations placed on the site by the four large water storage tanks located near the ground surface. They recommend efforts to make the site more inviting and attractive through landscaping that encourages a pause during neighborhood walks, provides a modicum of shade, disguises the concrete/asphalt pad and other large structures, and encourages quiet contemplation at a high point in Arlington. A substantial majority (68% of respondents overall and more than 81% of those expressing an opinion) also support efforts to install a solar array on Mi- nor Hill, both to provide a use for the unsightly reservoir surface, and an educational focus to the park supporting clean energy generation. Recommendations: 1. That the County continue to explore opportunities for the installation of a solar array on Minor Hill, together with educational placards and displays explaining the array and its place in fulfilling Arlington’s community energy needs; 2. That the County work with Arlington’s urban forester to develop a landscape plan for Minor Hill Park, taking into consideration the need to protect the subsurface from excessive disturbance, with trees and shrubs that provide shade to users/visitors and also adequately screen the reservoir/pumping station; 3. That the County make efforts to tie Minor Hill Park and Sharp Park together, both visually and in terms of access, to create a more user-friendly contiguous park. Ef- forts could be made to widen the sidewalk along Powhatan Street to connect the two contiguous parcels, together with decorative lighting (Carlyle fixtures) at the park periphery to increase park visibility to residents, invite use, and establish a clear, noticeable Park entrance. Tree planting and landscaping efforts at Minor Hill, to the extent possible, could incorporate some of the specimens and varieties found at contiguous Sharp Park, to further define the two small spaces as a single park. 4. That the County explore ways to improve pedestrian access to Minor Hill Park (and Sharp Park) through traffic calming measures at the foot of Minor Hill (the confluence of Sycamore, Little Falls, and Williamsburg Boulevard) and the Williamsburg Circle; 5. That the County consider installing a Bike Share station on Minor Hill, together with a water fountain and air hose station to encourage bicycle access and to promote bicycle commuting to the East Falls Church Metro;

58 6. That the County consider installing (see Sharp Park below) decorative fencing and railing along Powhatan Street, connecting Sharp Park and Minor Hill to improve safety and accessibility, particularly for children, the elderly and the disabled; and 7. That the County consider constructing a small shelter (covered picnic table, small gazebo) to provide some relief from the intense sun, from rain, and to encourage use of the area.

Sharp Park: Sharp Park was originally part of Minor Hill. It is located on the eastern side of Minor Hill and bounded by Little Falls Road and North Powhatan Street. In the early 1980s, the Sharp family approached Arlington County and requested that it dedicate a portion of Minor Hill in the name of Emily Sharp, an azalea lover and prominent Arling- tonian. Arlington agreed, and the Sharp family donated 600 azaleas to beautify the small (approximately 1.5 acres) parcel. The Sharp family also provided a modest trust fund, which has since been exhausted, to maintain the azaleas. The park provides a welcome quiet refuge at a very busy intersection of north Arlington. The heavily wooded acre provides a small haven for wildlife and passive use. For visitor use, it has a few benches, and some gravel pathways. Neighbor Concerns: As is the case with Minor Hill Park, relatively few WCA residents have visited Sharp Park. Fewer than half of WCA survey respondents (48%) report ever visiting the Park and few of those (about 32% of visitors) visit more than 5 times annually. This usage seems quite low in light of the relative stability of the WCA — many residents have lived in the neighborhood for 30 years or more — and the Park’s prominent location at the Williamsburg Circle. As with Minor Hill, the reasons for the relative low levels of use of the Park are fairly obvious. Like Minor Hill Park, pedestrian access to Sharp Park is very difficult. The Park has no off-street or on-street parking, and interested visitors must navigate the very difficult crossings at North Sycamore, Williamsburg Boulevard, and Little Falls. Once in Sharp Park, users have no sense of separation from the busy arterial roads. For mothers with children, in particular, the park does not provide an adequate sense of place or personal safety because of the proximity of heavy vehicular traffic. Sur- vey respondents complain that the site is unsafe and uninviting and entirely surrounded by busy streets.

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Although the Park does provide some public green space in a civic association with virtually no such space elsewhere, respondents also complain that there is no reason to

stop at the Park, because “there is nothing there.” Many of the pathways are under- lain with deteriorated filter fabric mixed with gravel, and the current condition of the paths makes walking difficult — particularly for less able walkers. The upper boundary of Sharp Park consists of a large concrete retaining wall serving as one of the supports for the Minor Hill reservoir. It is unsightly, heavily marred with graffiti, and periodically surrounded by trash and debris left, apparently, by tres- passers during the late evening and early morning hours. Much of the Park’s ornamental shrubs are surrounded by invasive plants (particularly English Ivy) and no longer further the vision of its original sponsor and namesake.

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Recommendations: 1. That the County explore ways to provide a “sense of place” and separateness from the busy surrounding roadways. An ornamental fence surrounding the Park, together with decorative lighting, could provide a welcome aesthetic enhancement and also identify the park as a safe suburban haven for mothers and children to rest while visiting the two nearby shopping centers; 2. That the WCA, with the support of the County, schedule a Work Day at the Park to remove graffiti, trash and debris, and invasive plants; 3. That the County improve the pathways at the Park to make access and movement less hazardous, by replacing filter fabric, regrading walkways, replacing deteriorating wooden steps, and renewing gravel walks; 4. That the County, as discussed above, develop a plan to integrate Minor Hill and Sharp Park more closely, visually and in its landscaping and passive use; 5. That the County devote additional police resources to reduce the late night and early morning trespassing, carousing and underage drinking along the reservoir retaining wall in the back of Sharp Park. Birch-Payne Cemetery: Although listed by the County as a Park, the Birch-Payne Cemetery is a privately owned family cemetery that is maintained by Arlington County. The cemetery is located at the southeast corner of North Sycamore and North 28th Streets. It was established during the 19th Century as a cemetery for members of the Birch and Payne families. Originally, the graves included those of Colonel Samuel Birch (who fought in the War of 1812), his two wives, their children and grandchildren, and other members of several generations. In addition, five or six of the Birch family’s slaves (referred to as colored servants in some of the more “Southern-sympathetic” histories of the day) were buried in one corner of the graveyard. For many years, the cemetery was attractively landscaped with firs, holly, boxwood and other trees and shrubs. The last burial reportedly took place in 1930 and, with the increasingly dense residential development of north Arlington, the acreage restricted for cemetery purposes has been reduced to less than one-third acre. Many of the headstones have been vandalized or stolen over the decades. The cemetery is privately-owned, although maintained by Arlington County.

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Neighbors’ Concerns: Many residents of the WCA appear to be unaware of the existence of this County- maintained grassy area, or of its history. Half of respondents, however, favor beautification of the area (35% had no opinion, which likely represents their lack of aware- ness of this tiny site). Residents generally have no understanding of the site’s history and are unclear whether the site is accessible to the public. Currently, the parcel ap- pears abandoned, with an old and poorly maintained chain link fence separating the parcel from sidewalks and passers-by. The fence contains a single worn sign, installed by DPRCR, stating “No Dogs Allowed in this Area.” Recommendations: 1. Work with Arlington County’s Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board to explore historic preservation options; consider ways to better preserve the cemetery, including erection of a historical marker; consider requesting Arlington County to pur- chase the cemetery and fund improvements; 2. Identify and mark the locations of the known graves and consider construction of a serenity garden to encourage respectful use of the site; 3. Install appropriate landscaping and seating. Given the County’s on-going and increasingly difficult search for County-owned parcels in which to improve the tree canopy, this site provides a valuable opportunity to install shade trees and other land-

62 scaping to soften the now-barren site and invite visitors. Shade trees would greatly improve the appearance of the parcel, particularly if specimens chosen mirror those to be planted as part of the adjacent Sycamore Street median project; 4. Remove the old chain link fence and replace it with a decorative fence and appropriate signage indicating permissible uses of the site, and times of use. Williamsburg Traffic Circle: Although not designated as an Arlington park, the Williamsburg Traffic Circle at the junction of Williamsburg Boulevard and Sycamore Street represents one highly visible grassy area within the WCA. (This parcel has been designated as the Street Island Park in some of Arlington’s early historical documents). Arlington County has invested resources in beautifying and maintaining the Williamsburg Circle. The Circle now contains a sign designating the Williamsburg Civic Association and large flag pole and flag. Over the years, the Circle has been landscaped and contains several large mature American hollies and numerous ornamental trees and shrubs. In past decades, the two holly trees at the ends of the Circle were lighted for the winter holidays and provided a welcome and cheerful greeting to residents and visitors at this high point of the WCA.

As part of its 2001 Neighborhood Conservation Plan, residents recommended that the County work with the WCA to improve the Circle by (1) providing more harmonious and thoughtful plantings; (2) restoring the electrical supply that had been severed; and (3) providing a water source to allow residents easy access to water to help main-

63 tain the plantings. The County has made these improvements and the Circle is, as a result, more attractive and useful. Recommendations: 1. Work with the County to consider the practicality of resuming the winter holiday lighting of the large American hollies on the Circle, with seasonal decorations that do not raise Constitutional Establishment Clause issues. Based on preliminary conversa- tions with the Urban Forester and the Department of Parks and Recreation, Arlington County does allow trees on County land to be lighted for the holidays and believes that these trees — in particular — could be safely lighted. The location of the trees, however — close to busy arterial streets — could make tree lighting difficult, and may require traffic controls during lighting and removal of lights. 2. That the County consider additional traffic calming measures, consistent with those planned during the Sycamore Street median project and that may be possible at Sharp Park and Minor Hill Park, to promote walkability and biking at this busy intersection of Sycamore, Williamsburg, and Little Falls. 12. Urban Forestry As noted elsewhere in this NCP, residents of the Williamsburg Civic Association generally praise the leafy suburban feel of the neighborhood. They are also aware of the significant environmental benefits of a healthy and diverse tree canopy — lower car- bon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone levels with a consequent reduction in global warming; storm water runoff protection and reduction in stream channel erosion; energy savings through shading of homes and yards; and preservation of habitat for wildlife. Trees also represent a significant aesthetic improvement in the neighborhood and markedly increase property values. Survey residents express concern about growing urbanization and loss of trees. In responding to the general question about “things that you would change about the neighborhood,” 35 residents mentioned loss of trees and green space. The “trees- green space” issue represented the second largest “negative” category of responses, second only to increased traffic and pedestrian safety issues on neighborhood streets. Based on the most recent (2011) data on tree canopy coverage, the Williamsburg Civic Association has approximately 39% coverage — one of the lowest rates of tree coverage among north Arlington civic associations. (Total tree coverage in the Civic Asso- ciation is, however, only slightly below the County-wide average of 40%). Between 2008-2011, tree coverage in the Civic Association declined modestly — by about 0.8%

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Some Civic Association members are concerned that the tree canopy declined more rapidly in recent years, particularly given the increase in residential “tear-downs,” where developers routinely remove all trees from a targeted lot.

Tear-down in cul-de-sac at Pocomoke St. and N 35th Street County data indicate, for example, that — during 2015 — residential demolition permits were issued at a rate much higher than recorded since development tracking was first introduced in 2000. (As reported by one local historian in September, 2015, demolition permits rose from 91 applications in the first half of 2013 to 129 in the same period in 2014) . Residents’ observations of neighborhood streets reinforce the data — tear-downs have become commonplace and the loss of tree canopy has accelerated. Unlike some neighboring jurisdictions, Arlington does not have an ordinance requiring the preservation of mature trees during development. Accordingly, the least expensive and most convenient course of action for developers of residential properties — particularly tear-downs — is the removal of all vegetation. Even where tree replacement is required for certain properties pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (site disturbance affecting greater than 2,500 square feet), the replacement trees are invariably small and will not reach mature size for decades. In addition, the soil compaction and removal of top soil common to renovation activities typically degrades soil quality and makes plant survival less likely. Young trees also provide a tiny percentage of the environmental benefits formerly provided by large mature specimens. And many long-time homeowners find themselves living next to de- nuded lots hosting large tract mansions.

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Arlington has introduced some programs intended to enhance, at least in modest respects, the existing tree canopy. Concerned about the declining tree canopy on private property, the County Board approved in 2009 the establishment of the Tree Ca- nopy Fund. Arlington’s Tree Canopy Fund, managed by Arlingtonians for a Clean Envi- ronment (ACE), provides grants to individuals and community groups to plant and maintain trees on private property. Funding is provided by developers who pay into the fund to compensate for trees lost or destroyed through development. Since its in- ception, the fund has assisted with the planting of more than 1,200 trees. The Williamsburg Civic Association has, in the past, secured funding for the planting of a number of trees on private property within Association boundaries. Arlington also has enacted a tree preservation ordinance that helps to safeguard trees designated by homeowners as Heritage, Memorial, and Specimen trees. Chapter 67 of the County Ordinances provides that such trees cannot be removed or damaged absent a showing of severe hardship in pursuit of reasonable uses. Arlington also works with the Civic Associations by distributing hundreds of trees on designated Neighbo- rhood Days, for planting on private property. Arlington is also actively managing trees on public lands, particularly in its public parks, and the Department of Parks, Recrea- tion and Cultural Resources seeks to plant more than 1,000 trees annually on County property, although these trees largely replace those lost yearly to storms, disease, and other causes. In spite of these County programs, the number of trees lost exceeds the number being planted. Given that County land is primarily residential, survey respondents suggest that more should be done to preserve neighborhood trees. The County’s Urban Fores- try Commission currently is exploring ways to better protect trees. For example, developers in Arlington must now submit plans demonstrating 20% tree canopy coverage will be achieved within 20 years. Other jurisdictions require a 30% canopy within 10 years. Similarly, while in Arlington developers can achieve tree canopy through any

66 mix of existing or new trees, laws in other jurisdictions require that the canopy be achieved using a fixed percentage of existing, mature trees. Recommendations: 1. Work with the County urban foresters to identify possible planting locations in the Civic Association. Preliminarily, respondents have recommended that the County consider planting shade trees on Minor Hill, within the Birch-Payne Ce- metery, within the planned Sycamore Street median, and at Nottingham Ele- mentary School. Survey respondents also recommended tree planting within the public medians on Trinidad Street, adjacent to O’Connell High School, although such planting may be more profitably performed as part of a broader Neighborhood Complete Streets program. 2. Promote Urban Forestry Commission efforts to strengthen the County ordinance on preservation of tree canopy on residential lots. Help bring Arlington’s ordinance in line with more progressive ordinances in neighboring jurisdictions. 3. Work with the County to educate Williamsburg Civic Association residents about the Tree Canopy Fund, Heritage Tree program, and Neighborhood Day plant gi- veaways, to increase participation. 4. Urge the County to work closely with Dominion Power and other energy providers, as well as with telecommunications companies, to promote pruning practices that preserves the urban canopy and the overall health of trees. 5. Urge the County and its urban foresters to work closely, during early review of development plans, to promote tree preservation rather than tree replacement, where feasible. Urge the County to consider adopting additional incentives to encourage developers to preserve and protect trees during “by-right” development, where site denudation is common. Support the Urban Forestry Commission’s efforts to enact ordinance revisions to better preserve the tree canopy. 6. Because the great majority of Arlington’s urban forest is on private property in low-density residential neighborhoods, the County should continue to work with Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment and the Arlington Tree Stewards to promote the preservation and planting of trees on private property. In addition, the Civic Association should explore ways, working with other County and private groups, to encourage the planting of native species and to control invasive plants throughout the Civic Association. 7. Ensure that the update of the County’s Urban Forest Master Plan, now under development, fully considers how to better balance the oft-competing goal of

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tree preservation and protection with that of sensible and cost-effective development of residential property. Encourage the development and preservation of connecting wildlife corridors throughout the County (as done in Boston with its “Emerald Necklace Conservancy”) to better protect local flora and fauna. 8. Work with the County to encourage the mapping and removal of invasives, particularly in Sharp Park. Urge the planting of native species, instead of exotics, on County lands. 13. Urban Agriculture Many members of the Williamsburg Civic Association are active, or have been active, in such County-wide groups as the Arlington Master Gardeners, Arlington Master Natu- ralists, Arlington Tree Stewards, and Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. They are interested in plants and plant husbandry, including efforts to enhance sustainable urban agriculture in the County. Members have monitored the activities of the Arlington Urban Agriculture Task Force and support its recommendations about ways to expand the availability of low cost, nutritious food and reduce both hunger and obesity in our community. Although survey respondents were not asked to opine on each of the recommendations of the Task Force, they were asked whether they supported a revision to Arling- ton’s zoning ordinance that would allow “backyard chickens” or other animal husbandry. Currently, that ordinance largely prohibits backyard chickens because of the ge- nerous set-back requirements. In its report, the Task Force generally supported amen- ding Arlington’s zoning ordinance to permit the housing of small numbers of hens, sub- ject to specific standards for husbandry and permitting.

Respondents were quite clear in their reaction to that question — 73% of respondents opposed backyard chickens as well as other agricultural animal husbandry; 14% favo- red backyard chickens; and 12% had no opinion. In opposing backyard chickens by a margin of more than 6 to 1, respondents expressed such concerns as the small size of the typical Civic Association lot; the odor, noise, animal waste and overall sanitation concerns presented by chickens; the difficulty of regulating backyard chickens and coops effectively; and the contentiousness and incivility likely to be prompted when neighbors hold very different views of the propriety of hens in an urban setting. Those favoring backyard chickens praise the better taste and higher quality of loca- vore foods; their freedom from industrial produced eggs and commercial agriculture; and the successful introduction of backyard chickens in other jurisdictions.

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Respondents opposing backyard chickens also expressed caution about the “external costs” of such a zoning change. Many believe that regulation will be expensive and difficult to enforce, and will require additional full-time County inspectors in a time of fiscal strain. In addition, the manure created daily by hens will need to be compos- ted or otherwise managed to prevent significant storm water concerns. Compliance with proper waste management techniques requires care, training, and diligence. Gi- ven the ever-increasing legal obligations imposed under the Chesapeake Bay Ordi- nance, some respondents feel that the County should be very hesitant to add yet another potential source of e-coli to County waterways, particularly where Four Mile Run has been listed, by environmental agencies, as an “impaired stream” resulting, in large part, from e coli from wildlife. Finally, some residents are also concerned about the cost of managing abandoned birds. Novice chicken farmers are often surprised to learn that hens are no longer productive after 2 years or less, but may live an additional decade or more. It is for that reason that a number of shelters nation-wide are experiencing large increases in the numbers of abandoned hens brought to the shelters. Prince William County, which approved a measure allowing the raising of hens on residential properties several years ago, has seen a marked increase in the number of chickens deposited at its Ani- mal Shelter. (Arlington’s Animal Welfare League does not have the capability to ma- nage abandoned hens). Recommendations: 1. The WCA opposes backyard chickens. Survey respondents overwhelmingly oppose an amendment of the current zoning ordinance to allow backyard chickens. They believe that backyard chickens will create numerous health and sanitation problems, raise difficult permitting and regulatory challenges, and impose significant costs on County taxpayers. 2. Work with the County to inventory potential sites for the establishment of a community garden. All of Arlington’s seven community gardens are located south of Route 66. Although spaces in North Arlington, and particularly within the WCA, are in high demand for use by multiple constituencies and user- groups, there may be under-utilized spaces that could accommodate — particularly when in a transition stage to new development — small community gardens. 3. Consider inviting staff of Arlington County’s Urban Agriculture Program (Parks and Recreation), to talk to the Civic Association members about how to extend urban agriculture into everyday Civic Association life and the activities of the newly-formed Friends of Arlington Urban Agriculture.

69 14. Aging in Place! Available survey data show a relatively stable aging population within the Williams- burg Civic Association. Census data from 1990 report 797 persons in the 55-older category in our Civic Association (31% of the total population). Census data from 2000 show a slight decline to 731 persons (28%) of the total Civic Association population. Most recent census tract data (2010) show a continuing slight decline in the overall percentage of aging Civic Association residents — 27% of the total Civic Association population. Of our survey respondents, about 27% of the Civic Association population was reported to be in the 55+ category. Although the 55 and older category has declined slightly within our Civic Association over the past 25 years (as a percentage of the Civic Association population), the abso- lute number of residents in that category has remained relatively constant because of the growth in Arlington’s population overall. In addition, the percentage of residents in the 55+ category has consistently remained higher than the Arlington average overall in that category — measured at 18.7% in the 2010 census. In response to our survey question asking whether respondents “plan to stay in the neighborhood after they retire (age in place),” 42% said that they did, 13% said they did not, and the largest percentage (45%) had no opinion. The large number of those expressing no opinion is not surprising, as many Arlingtonians are young, starting ca- reers, uncertain about future job prospects, or anticipating career moves in the mili- tary, government, or private sector. “Aging in place” is likely not something to which they give much thought. Nevertheless, it is likely that the Civic Association houses a significant block of Baby Boomers, who have lived in the neighborhood for decades and plan to stay here and “age in place.” Beginning in 2014, Arlington Neighborhood Villages has been helping older Arlington residents continue to live in their own homes — safely, independently, and with an enhanced quality of life. The Neighborhood Villages are a network of neighbors helping neighbors by providing support services, resources, and social and educational programs. The Neighborhood Villages offer members transportation and shopping assistance, access to social and cultural activities, household and home maintenance, and information on a host of professional and social services. Specifically, volunteers at the Neighborhood Villages organize rides to grocery stores or doctor’s appoint- ments, provide emergency care during storms and outages, provide help with snow shoveling and lawn maintenance, and assistance with professional services. Our survey asked respondents whether they supported the Neighborhood Villages concept and, not surprisingly, nearly three quarters of respondents said they did. Less than 3% opposed the concept, with the remaining 23% expressing no opinion. (Because the Villages program had been implemented in the year prior to our survey, many of the “no opinion” respondents likely were unaware of it).

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Our survey also asked respondents whether the neighborhood provides “adequate support for those intending to age in place (e.g. walkable streets, accessible transportation, affordable housing, and handicap accessible services)”? Responses were evenly divided. Approximately 31% reported that services were adequate; 33% said they were not; 35% had no opinion. If we can assume that the “no opinion” group is disproportionately younger and with little interest in aging services, then the responses could be characterized as divided almost evenly between those who feel services are adequate and those who feel they are not. Among those who feel that services are inadequate, two principal themes emerge — (1) the high cost of housing in Arlington and (2) poor walkability. A number of respondents expressed concerns about their ability to walk around the neighborhood easily, and access other parts of Arlington through the transportation network. They did not feel that the neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly and complained about growing traffic congestion and transportation hazards. Some expressed concern that the transportation system did not adequately facilitate mobility within and outside the neighborhood. A second group of respondents expressed concern about the growing cost of housing in Arlington, the need for mortgage and property tax assistance, and their fears about being priced out of the neighborhood in the future. Recommendations: 1. Invite representatives from Arlington Neighborhood Villages to attend a meeting of the Civic Association to determine whether and how the WCA can participate in the program, either as clients or volunteers. Consider joining with other neighboring Civic Associations (East Falls Church, Rock Spring, Yorktown) to explore cooperation in providing assistance to the elderly within a broader geo- graphical region. 2. Work with the County to ensure that WCA streets, sidewalks, and park lands are in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act. Consider ways in which to make Sharp Park and Minor Hill more elder-friendly, with toilet facilities and walking trails. The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety section of this NCP provides further guidance on recommendations to increase neighborhood safety. 3. Consider ways in which to work with the County to encourage greater “walkability” in the neighborhood, through canopied bus stops, wider sidewalks, benches for relaxation and resting, and shade trees for comfortable passive recreation. 4. Consider working with Arlington planning authorities to explore ways to ease the limitations on accessory dwellings or granny flats — i.e., separate living space in homes or buildings on the same property — to enhance the likelihood

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that “equity-rich” but “cash-poor” elderly homeowners can continue to live in their homes.

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Appendix 1 — Zoning Map The General Land Use Plan (GLUP), with amendments through December 31, 2015, is Arlington County's primary policy guide for future development. It allows the following land use and zoning within the Williamsburg civic association (CA): • Residential low density of 1-10 units per acre with zoning R -20, R -10, R -10T , R -8, R -6, R –5

• Commercial and Industrial of service commercial for personal and business services with zoning C-1-R , C-1, C-1-O , C-2, C-O -1.0

The map below shows the current zoning for the Williamsburg CA.

It consists of six zoning boundaries, three residential, one commercial, and two special districts. The density and dimensional standards are shown in the table below, as defined in the Arlington County Zoning ordinance.

Arlington County Zoning ordinance.

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Zoning Description\Purpose Minimum lot Minimum Lot Maximum area: lot width Height (ft) area and lot average (ft) area per dwelling unit R-6 One-family dwelling district 6,000 60 35 6,000 R-8 One-family dwelling district 8,000 70 35 8,000 R-10 One-family dwelling district 10,000 80 35 10,000 S-3A Special District\The purpose 3 acres for 60 35 of the S-3A, Special District one-family 45 for all is to encourage the retention dwelling, other uses of certain properties in a 6,0000 ft2 relatively undeveloped for all other state. Land so designated uses may include publicly or privately owned properties which have distinct and unique site advantages or other features so as to make them desirable to retain as active or passive recreation or for a scenic vista. Also stream valley floodplains could be included in this district.

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C-1 Local Commercial District 6,000 One- 60 for One- 35 \The purpose of the C-1, family family Local Commercial District is dwelling dwelling to provide locations for low No minimum No minimum intensity development where for all other for all other retail and personal service uses uses uses predominate and where there is also limited opportunity for office uses and business service uses. C-1 district should be located and developed as unified shopping centers consisting primarily of small individual shops of a linear or cluster design. Furthermore, development of C-1 district should result in commercial centers which are compatible with the surrounding development in terms of scale and character. The two special districts are Nottingham Elementary School and Sharps Park. The C-1 zoning boundary is the Williamsburg Shopping Center and the strip of commercial spaces. Appendix 2 – Section 6 Infrastructure Issues Details

The table below lists the specific infrastructure issues summarized in the map in section 6 In- frastructure Issues. Issues are associated with nine categories, listed below. All category issues are listed together in the table. Each issue is identified by map coordinates, a short description providing additional details, and the closest address or relative address to the issue.

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1. Damaged Curbs\Sidewalks – 25 6. Missing\Damaged Street Signs – 8 identified issues identified issues 2. Poorly Secured Utility Wires – 24 7. Crosswalk Re-stripping – 5 identified identified issues issues 3. Sidewalk Obstructions – 22 identified 8. Inadequate Storm Drainage – 5 issues identified issues 4. Missing Curbs & Sidewalks – 16 9. Tree Maintenance on County Property identified issues – 1 identified issue 5. Miscellaneous Infrastructure Issues – 9 identified issues

Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 1 38.895173, Damaged Curbs two sidewalk segments 6516 N. 26th Road, Arling- -77.158399 \Sidewalks cracked ton, VA 22213 2 38.894941, Damaged Curbs sidewalk lifted by tree roots 2604 N. Sycamore Street, -77.157572 \Sidewalks creating a pedestrian hazard Arlington, VA 22213 3 38.898974, Damaged Curbs hole in concrete curbing 6522 N. 29th Street, Ar- -77.158042 \Sidewalks near driveway lington, VA 22213 4 38.899611, Damaged Curbs broken sidewalk segment 6547 Williamsburg Blvd., -77.159421 \Sidewalks Arlington, VA 22213 5 38.899331, Damaged Curbs cracked and broken side- 6554 Williamsburg Blvd., -77.159580 \Sidewalks walk Arlington, VA 22213 6 38.898496, Damaged Curbs broken sidewalk and curbing 6568 Williamsburg Blvd., -77.160753 \Sidewalks Arlington, VA 22213 7 38.896872, Damaged Curbs sidewalk uneven & protrud- NW corner N. 28th St. and -77.158246 \Sidewalks ing 2 inches above level N. Somerset St., Arlington, VA 22213 8 38.902222, Damaged Curbs tree roots raising sidewalk, 6519 N. 36th St., Arlington, -77.160047 \Sidewalks difficult passage for wheel- VA 22213 chairs and strollers 9 38.897464, Damaged Curbs deterioration in sidewalk 6492 Little Falls Road, Ar- -77.158188 \Sidewalks presents hazard to pedestri- lington, VA 22213 ans, should be evaluated by county

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 10 38.897373, Damaged Curbs Tree roots cracking sidewalk N Roosevelt St before 27th -77.155391 \Sidewalks in multiple areas and 28 St, Arlington, VA 22207 11 38.898135, Damaged Curbs Tree roots cracking sidewalk N 28th St & N Ohio St, Ar- -77.151408 \Sidewalks lington, VA 22207 12 38.897857, Damaged Curbs Tree roots cracking sidewalk 6207 N 28th St, Arlington, -77.152734 \Sidewalks VA 22207 13 38.899633, Damaged Curbs Buckled sidewalk on inside N 31st St, Arlington, VA -77.155684 \Sidewalks of curve 22207 curve by back of CVS 14 38.898167, Damaged Curbs Buckled sidewalk N 29th St & Sycamore St, -77.156902 \Sidewalks Arlington, VA 22207 15 38.898227, Damaged Curbs Root structure causes dam- East side of N Ohio be- -77.151291 \Sidewalks age in sidewalk. Repair done tween N 28th St and N 29th with asphalt is uneven. St, Arlington, VA 22207

16 38.899554, Damaged Curbs Root structure causes dam- To the left of the drive way -77.149758 \Sidewalks age in sidewalk and planting on N 29th St for 2900 N encroaches in width of Nottingham St, Arlington, sidewalk. VA 2220 17 38.898800, Damaged Curbs Uneven sidewalk surface 6008 28th S, Arlington, VA -77.149065 \Sidewalks due to root structure. 22207 18 38.898492, Damaged Curbs Path between N Kensington Path between N Kensington -77.144809 \Sidewalks and 27th Street is cracked and N 27th St and warped. Repair done with asphalt is uneven. 19 38.898343, Damaged Curbs Uneven sidewalk levels. Between 6000 and 6006 N -77.147741 \Sidewalks Abrupt 2-3 inch drop in 27th Rd, Arlington, VA sidewalk elevation. Sidewalk 22207 is also cracked in adjacent areas. 20 38.902941, Damaged Curbs Sidewalk cracked at water 6207 N 35th Street, Arling- -77.155484 \Sidewalks meter ton, VA 22213 21 38.903586, Damaged Curbs Uneven sidewalk and hole at 3514 N Potomac St, Arling- -77.155762 \Sidewalks driveway ton, VA 22213 22 38.906039, Damaged Curbs Crumbled pavement to left 3548 N Nottingham, Arling- -77.155063 \Sidewalks of driveway ton, VA 22207 23 38.900914, Damaged Curbs Damaged curb on island at Island on Powhatan near -77.156465 \Sidewalks Williamsburg and Powhatan, traffic circle SW side

24 38.904945, Damaged Curbs Cracked sidewalk and 3525 N Ohio, Arlington, VA -77.154530 \Sidewalks chewed-up curbing 22213

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 25 38.906484, Damaged Curbs Three large cracks in front 3612 John Marshall, Arling- -77.153533 \Sidewalks sidewalk ton, VA 22207 26 38.896648, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 2644 Sycamore St., Arling- -77.157328 Utility Wires pole ton, VA 22213 27 38.899870, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility Williamsburg Blvd exit -77.157446 Utility Wires pole from Shopping Center, Ar- lington, VA 22213 28 38.899796, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 6524 Williamsburg Blvd., -77.158042 Utility Wires pole Arlington, VA 22213 29 38.898124, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 6576 Williamsburg Blvd., -77.161243 Utility Wires pole Arlington, VA 22213 30 38.897065, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 6581 Little Falls Road, Ar- -77.159983 Utility Wires pole lington, VA 22213 31 38.896860, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 6527 N. 28th St., Arlington, -77.158899 Utility Wires pole VA 22213 32 38.898344, Poorly Secured wires at base of pole not 2843 N. Rochester St., Ar- -77.159255 Utility Wires secured lington, VA 22213 33 38.896142, Poorly Secured wires wrapped loosely 6524 N. 27th St., Arlington, -77.158350 Utility Wires VA 22213 34 38.898535, Poorly Secured group of wires on pole 3 ft. 3014 N. Toronto St., Arling- -77.162115 Utility Wires above ground ton, VA 22213 35 38.898528, Poorly Secured loose wires extend into 3008 N. Toronto St., Arling- -77.162114 Utility Wires pedestrian sidewalk ton, VA 22213 36 38.900490, Poorly Secured cord wrapped loosely 3 ft. 3538 N. Somerset St., Ar- -77.160510 Utility Wires from ground lington, VA 22213 37 38.899797, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 6206 N 31st St, Arlington, -77.153302 Utility Wires pole VA 22207 38 38.899137, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 6301 N 30st St, Arlington, -77.154411 Utility Wires pole VA 22207 39 38.899160, Poorly Secured Unsecured lines on utility 6225 N 30st St, Arlington, -77.153914 Utility Wires pole VA 22207 40 38.901157, Poorly Secured Exposed wires on utility pole 5931 Little Falls Rd, Arlin- -77.151748 Utility Wires ton, VA 22207 41 38.898983, Poorly Secured Unsecured wires on utility Near driveway to 5721 N -77.146195 Utility Wires pole 27th Rd, Arlington, VA 22207 42 38.899760, Poorly Secured Unsecured wires on utility Near NE corner of N Lex- -77.146951 Utility Wires pole ington St and N 28th St, Arlington, VA 22207

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 43 38.900026, Poorly Secured Unsecured wires on utility 2813 John Marshall Dr, Ar- -77.148304 Utility Wires pole lington, VA 22207 44 38.897685, Poorly Secured Unsecured wires on utility 6021 27th St N, Arlington, -77.149471 Utility Wires pole VA 22207 45 38.904279, Poorly Secured wires are not secured 3201 John Marshall Dr, Ar- -77.150449 Utility Wires lington, VA 22207 46 38.903521, Poorly Secured wires are not secured 3107 John Marshall Dr, Ar- -77.149906 Utility Wires lington, VA 22207 47 38.903119, Poorly Secured wires not secured and box is 3027 John Marshall Dr, Ar- -77.149721 Utility Wires dangling from pole lington, VA 22207 48 38.902504, Poorly Secured wires are not secured Little Falls Rd and N Kens- -77.148243 Utility Wires ington St 49 38.902860, Poorly Secured wires not secured and laying 3106 N Kensington St, Ar- -77.148487 Utility Wires in the road lington, VA 22207 50 38.897012, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk 6405 N 27th St, Arlington, -77.155753 tions access VA 22207 51 38.897645, Sidewalk Obstruc- Plants and trees impede 6300 N 28th St, Arlington, -77.154485 tions sidewalk VA 22207 NW corner of N 28th St and N Quantico St, Arlington, VA 22207 52 38.897120, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk 6245 N 27 St, Arlington, VA -77.154182 tions access 22207 SE corner of N 27th St & N Quantico St, Arling- ton, VA 22207 53 38.897032, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk N side of N Powhatan be- -77.151730 tions access fore 27th & 28th St S side of N Powhatan St, Arling- ton, VA 22207 54 38.896992, Sidewalk Obstruc- Flowers around street light N 27th St before N Quanti- -77.154004 tions impedes sidewalk co and N Powhatan St, Ar- lington, VA 22207 55 38.897712, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk 6216 N 28th St, Arlington, -77.153255 tions access VA 22207 56 38.898348, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk 6100 N 29th St St, Arling- -77.151482 tions access ton, VA 22207 on Ohio St side before N 29th & N 28th St 57 38.899824, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk 6112 N 31 St, Arlington, VA -77.152754 tions access 22207

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 58 38.899763, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk N 31st St, Arlington, VA -77.155742 tions access 22207 curve by back of CVS 59 38.899105, Sidewalk Obstruc- Hedges impede sidewalk 6331 N 30 St, Arlington, VA -77.155702 tions access 22207 60 38.901786, Sidewalk Obstruc- Uneven sidewalk. Abrupt 2-3 5823 Little Falls Rd, Arling- -77.149905 tions inch drop in sidewalk eleva- ton, VA 22207 tion. 61 38.899616, Sidewalk Obstruc- Planting on both sides of West side of N Ohio be- -77.151832 tions sidewalk. Passage narrows tween N 30th St and N 31st to approx. 1.5ft. St, Arlington, VA 22207 62 38.898109, Sidewalk Obstruc- Power pole set in width of NE corner of N Ohio and N -77.151241 tions sidewalk, narrows passage 28th St, Arlington, VA 22207 63 38.901324, Sidewalk Obstruc- Fire hydrant set in width of SW corner of N Nottingham -77.150335 tions sidewalk, narrows passage. St and Little Falls Rd, Ar- lington, VA 22207 64 38.900788, Sidewalk Obstruc- Attachments to power pole West side of N Nottingham -77.150002 tions reduces passage at side- between N 29th St and Lit- walk. tle Falls, Arlington, VA 22207 65 38.899324, Sidewalk Obstruc- Sidewalk curves around 6027 N 29th St, Arlington, -77.150373 tions planting bed of the house VA 22207 66 38.898876, Sidewalk Obstruc- Very steep ramp onto Ramp from sidewalk, south -77.148850 tions crosswalk side between 6000 and 6008 N 28th St, Arlington, VA 22207 67 38.898440, Sidewalk Obstruc- Utility pole obstructs side- 2700 block of N Lexington -77.146196 tions walk St, Arlington, VA 22207 68 38.898653, Sidewalk Obstruc- Utility pole obstructs side- 2700 block of N Lexington -77.146314 tions walk St, Arlington, VA 22207 69 38.900766, Sidewalk Obstruc- Utility pole obstructs side- 2900 bloc of N Lexington -77.147623 tions walk St, Arlington, VA 22207 70 38.901237, Sidewalk Obstruc- Utility pole obstructs side- 2900 bloc of N Lexington -77.147907 tions walk St, Arlington, VA 22207 71 38.901649, Sidewalk Obstruc- Utility pole obstructs side- 2900 bloc of N Lexington -77.148156 tions walk St, Arlington, VA 22207 72 38.895452, Misc. In- tel pole/wires within side- 6548 N. 27th St., Arlington, -77.159278 frastructure Issues walk/street median VA 22213

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 73 38.898832, Misc. In- metal supports & cross- 6563 Williamsburg Blvd., -77.160700 frastructure Issues pieces att. Utility pole Arlington, VA 22213

74 38.899860, Misc. In- metal support post not at- Corner North Somerset & -77.158803 frastructure Issues tached to pole & extends 6 Williamsburg Blvd., Arling- nches above ground within ton, VA 22212 median 75 38.898181, Misc. In- Wide and rounded corners Sycamore St & intersec- -77.156940 frastructure Issues promote fast turns. Square tions at N 28th and N 29th corners to slow traffic Streets, Arlington, VA 22207 76 38.899187, Misc. In- Utility pole leans 6213 N 30st St, Arlington, -77.153375 frastructure Issues VA 22207

77 38.901310, Misc. In- Very steep ramp on the Intersection at the 3000 -77.150543 frastructure Issues south side of the crosswalk block of N Nottingham St and Little Falls Rd, Arling- ton, VA 22207 78 38.903360, Misc. In- Island is very unkempt and 3101 John Marshall Dr, Ar- -77.150059 frastructure Issues overgrown lington, VA 22207

79 38.900571, Misc. In- Island is very unkempt and -77.156450 frastructure Issues overgrown

80 38.906965, Misc. In- Scrambled wires on tele- 5601-5607 N 36th St, Ar- -77.152102 frastructure Issues phone pole lington, VA 22207

81 38.897781, Missing Curbs & Missing sidewalk 2845 N. Tacoma St., Arling- -77.160088 Sidewalks ton, VA 22213 82 38.897781, Missing Curbs & Missing sidewalk 2839 N. Tacoma St., Arling- -77.160088 Sidewalks ton, VA 22213 83 38.897721, Missing Curbs & Missing sidewalk from 2838 Corner Little Falls Road & -77.159009 Sidewalks N. Rochester St to 2825 N. N. Rochester St., Arlington, Tacoma St VA 22213 84 38.900385, Missing Curbs & Missing sidewalk 2216 N. Toronto St., Arling- -77.162892 Sidewalks ton, VA 22213 85 38.896966, Missing Curbs & Curbs on both sides of N N 27th St & Sycamore St, -77.157089 Sidewalks 27th St & Sycamore St point Arlington, VA 22207 at no parking lane 86 38.897751, Missing Curbs & Curbs on both sides of N SE corner of N 28th St & -77.156987 Sidewalks 27th St & Sycamore St point Sycamore St, Arlington, VA at no parking lane 22207

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 87 38.899543, Missing Curbs & Sidewalk terminates in mid West side of N Ohio be- -77.151819 Sidewalks street. Pavers set in lawn at tween 30th and 31st, Ar- property. lington, VA 22207 88 38.9019534,-7 Missing Curbs & No sidewalk, curb or gutter East side of2900 block of N 7.1461768 Sidewalks Kensington St 2907 N Kens- ington St

West side of 2900 and 2800 block of N Kensington St until 2812 N Kensington St when sidewalk, curb and gutter continue 89 38.897721, Missing Curbs & No sidewalk, curb or gutter South side of the -77.148117 Sidewalks 5800-6000 block of N 27th St, Arlington, VA 22207 90 38.901191, Missing Curbs & no sidewalk 3200 N Ohio St, Arlington, -77.152308 Sidewalks VA 22207 to 3316 N Ohio St, Arlington, VA 22207 91 38.902649, Missing Curbs & no sidewalk 3010 N Nottingham St, Ar- -77.151253 Sidewalks lington, VA 22207 to 3032 N Nottingham St, Arlington, VA 22207 92 38.902864, Missing Curbs & no sidewalk 3036 N Nottingham St, Ar- -77.151345 Sidewalks lington, VA 22207 to 3100 N Nottingham St, Arlington, VA 22207 93 38.903390, Missing Curbs & no sidewalk 3022 John Marshall Dr, Ar- -77.150326 Sidewalks lington, VA 22207 to 3106 John Marshall Dr, Arlington, VA 22207 94 38.902436, Missing Curbs & Broken sidewalk and curb 6303 N 36th St, Arlington, -77.157281 Sidewalks VA 22013 95 38.905965, Missing Curbs & Missing sidewalk segment Between 3535 - 3551 N -77.154463 Sidewalks Nottingham St, Arlington, VA 22207 96 38.906088, Missing Curbs & Missing sidewalk segment Between 3554 - 3560 N -77.155407 Sidewalks Nottingham St, Arlington, VA 22207 97 38.899961, Missing\Damaged pedestrian crossing signal is Sycamore St. and -77.156831 St. Signs broken - no button to push Williamsburg Blvd., Arling- ton, VA 22213 98 38.900091, Missing\Damaged Yield traffic sign has fallen Sycamore St. and -77.157127 St. Signs and on ground Williamsburg Blvd. (shopping center), Arlington, VA 22213

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 99 38.899021, Missing\Damaged Foliage/branches extend 3025 N. Toronto St., Arling- -77.162514 St. Signs into sidewalk, resticting ton, VA 22212 walkability 100 38.897313, Missing\Damaged missing street sign Corner N. Tacoma and Lit- -77.159728 St. Signs tle Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22213 101 38.897750, Missing\Damaged crooked/leaning street sign Corner N. Rochester St. -77.158812 St. Signs and Little Falls Road, Ar- lington, VA 22213 102 38.896799, Missing\Damaged Bent No Parking\Handicap Sycamore St & N 27th St, -77.157138 St. Signs sign Arlington, VA 22207 103 38.896893, Missing\Damaged 27th Street sign bent N 27th St and N Roosevelt -77.155356 St. Signs St, Arlington, VA 22207 104 38.897613, Missing\Damaged Missing street sign Corner of N 27th St & N -77.151018 St. Signs Ohio St, Arlington, VA 22207 105 38.900001, Crosswalk Re- various locations close to Corner Williamsburg Blvd. -77.156738 striping shopping center and Sycamore St., Arling- ton, VA 22213 106 38.899222, Crosswalk Re- Faded cross-walk stripping Intersection of N 30th St & -77.151775 striping N Ohio St, Arlington, VA 22207 107 38.901425, Crosswalk Re- missing crosswalks 5901 Little Falls Rd, Arling- -77.150692 striping ton, VA 22207 to 3001 N Nottingham St, Arlington, VA 22207 108 38.905162, Crosswalk Re- missing crosswalks 3306 John Marshall Drive, -77.151071 striping Arlington, VA 22207 to 3313 John Marshall Drive, Arling- ton, VA 22207 109 38.900914, Crosswalk Re- crosswalk needs repainting Powhatan at Williamsburg -77.156465 striping 110 38.895839, Inadequate Storm Depression in road collects Corner N. 28th St., and N. -77.160048 Drainage water and doesn't drain Trinidad St., Arlington, VA 22213 111 38.895607, Inadequate Storm low spot collects water and 6543 N. 27th St., Arlington, -77.159101 Drainage fails to drain to storm drain VA 22213 112 38.902535, Inadequate Storm drainage hazard 3260 N Ohio St, Arlington, -77.152650 Drainage VA 22207 113 38.901584, Inadequate Storm drainage hazard 3001 N Nottingham St, Ar- -77.150703 Drainage lington, VA 22207

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Coordinates Is- Issues Description Address sue (Lattitude, Longitude) 114 38.906887, Inadequate Storm Handmade dam at drain, NE corner of N 35th St and -77.150214 Drainage broken pavement Kensington 115 38.902575, Tree Maint. on Co. evergreen hanging over 6201 Williamsburg Blvd, -77.154146 Property sidewalk enough to inhibit Arlington, VA 22207 pedestrians Appendix 3 — Williamsburg Neighborhood Survey

February 22, 2015

Dear Neighbors:

The Williamsburg Civic Association (WCA) is seeking your input to update our Neighborhood Conservation Plan (NCP). The plan provides a vision for the type of neighborhood we would like to have in the future. Also, an updated NCP is needed if we would like to receive funding for community projects via Arlington’s Neighborhood Conservation Fund, which is the principal means of funding neighborhood-level improvements. To obtain input from the people living in the WCA area, we are conducting a survey. For your convenience, we are providing two formats for the survey: 1. A web-based survey, which is hosted on SurveyMonkey. 2. A paper survey, which is attached to the current WCA newsletter. Pick whichever method you prefer, but the web-based survey saves us time, since we are able to tabulate results without manually re-coding the information put on the paper survey. Your individual responses to this survey will be kept confidential. Results from the survey will be released only in aggregate form. Data you provide will not be shared with any

84 other entities and will be used only for the purposes described above. The web-based survey is hosted by SurveyMonkey, which uses industry-standard practices for protecting data. The WCA published its original NCP in 2001, and that document can be found on the “documents” section of the WCA website. The updated NCP will allow us to evaluate existing conditions, establish community goals, and make recommendations to Arlington County about neighborhood improvements to preserve and enhance our quality of life. In essence, the Plan will serve as our community’s blueprint for managing the development of our community for years to come. In practical terms, it also helps us identify priorities for project funding through the Coun- ty’s Neighborhood Conservation Fund. In fiscal year 2014, the County dispensed several million dollars in Funds to civic associations like ours. As many of you know, the Sycamore Street project is being completed with monies from the Fund. This survey constitutes the first step in our Plan update. The purpose of this survey is to gather information from WCA residents about their likes and dislikes, community needs and wishes, and overall vision for the neighborhood. Once the results are tabulated, the WCA will draft an updated Neighborhood Conservation Plan for approval by the memberships and, ultimately, the Arlington County Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee. The Plan will then be submitted to the County Board for approval and will provide the basis for future WCA applications for funding for street and sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, park improvements, neighborhood beautification, bicycle and pedestrian safety among other goals. Instructions: 1. The survey should take between 20-25 minutes to complete. The survey is intended for only people who live within the WCA. A map of the WCA is found on page 4. 2. Please complete the survey by noon on Saturday March 21, 2015. 3. The web-based survey can be accessed by clicking the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2NX7QNX 4. If you choose the paper survey, please return the completed survey to your closest Block Captain. See page 3 for a list of Block Captains. If you have any questions about the survey or the process outlined above, please contact Jonathan Levine at [email protected]. Thank you very much! Ruth Shearer, President Williamsburg Civic Association ***************************************************************************** ______I want to join the Williamsburg Civic Association. Please contact me. ______I want to help the Working Group develop the updated Neighborhood Conservation Plan. Please contact me. Name: ______Address: ______

85 Phone: ______E-Mail ______

86 Block Captains No. FIRST LAST Street address 1 Ann & Jim Lunson 3206 John Marshall Dr. 2 Paul Cullen 3624 John Marshall Dr. 3 Tony Whitledge 3022 John Marshall Dr. 4 Bruce Gilbert 2944 John Marshall Dr. 5 Jon Stoloff 2721 N. Kensington St. 6 Ellen Jones 6052 N. Little Falls Rd. 7 Sara Anderson 3507 N. Nottingham St. 8 Pat Vinkenes 5721 N. 27th Road 9 John Howell 3514 N. Ohio Street 10 Elaine Tu c k e r 5700 N. 27th Rd. 11 Jeremy Levy 6425 N. 28th St. 12 Allan Dosik 6200 N. 28th St. 13 Louis Kluger 6407 N. 29th St. 14 Tom Garcia 6220 N. 28th Street 15 Cathy Eckbreth 5409 N. 36th Rd. 16 Julian Mansila 6107 Williamsburg Blvd 17 Eleanor Smith 6523 N. 27th Street 18 Jim Breiling 6519 N. 36th St. 19 Karen Zumstein 6542 N. Little Falls Rd. 20 Jim Ball 6506 N. Little Falls Rd. 21 Kevin Farrell 3613 N. Pocomoke St. 22 Jim Toronto 3577 N. Powhatan St. 23 Joan Pepin 3206 N. Rochester St. 24 Coral Gundlach 2801 N. Somerset St. 25 Marcia Novak 3212 N. Tacoma St. 26 Sonia McCormick 6592 Williamsburg Blvd

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27 Carrie Thomas 6547 N. 28th St. 28 Charles Lundy 6306 N. 35th St.

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Williamsburg Civic Association Map

! Extent of the Williamsburg Civic Association

Source: Arlington County, Va. (http://gis.arlingtonva.us/Maps/Standard_Maps/Civic_Associations/Civic_Maps/ Williamsburg.pdf)

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I. Residents

1. On what street and nearest cross street do you live? (e.g., N. Ohio St. and N. 26th St.)

______2. Do you _____own? _____rent?

3. In what type of residence do you live? _____Single family home _____ Apartment _____- Townhouse\Row house_____ Condominium\Cooperative

4. Indicate the number of persons in each age group in your household.

under 5 _____5 to 12 _____13 to 17 _____ 18-24 _____25-34 _____35-54 _____ 55-64 _____65-74 _____75 and older ______5. How many years have you lived in the Williamsburg neighborhood?_____

6. If you have school age children, what type of school do they attend?

____Public _____Private _____Home School _____Other 7. What language do you mainly speak at home? English___ Spanish___ Chinese___ Rus- sian___ Vietnamese___ Other___

8. Are you planning to move out of the neighborhood within the next several years?

_____yes _____no _____don‘t know 9. If yes, why are you planning to move? ______10. If you work outside your home, where do you go to work? _____Arlington _____Elsewhere in VA _____DC _____MD _____Other 11. How do you get to work? _____Drive alone _____Carpool _____Metrorail _____Bus _____Walk _____Bicycle _____Telework _____Other

II. Neighborhood Characteristics

12. Identify the reasons you Like living in our neighborhood (e.g., convenience to work; convenience to public transportation; quality of housing; quality of schools.)

______

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13. What are the things that you would Change about our neighborhood? (e.g., less commuter traffic, more green space, better walkability, decreased density, increased density.)

______

III. Zoning and Land Use

14. Do you favor our neighborhood remaining mostly single-family detached homes versus allowing the building of higher density residential or commercial properties?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 15. Do you have concerns about the following land uses in our neighborhood?

Item Concern Yes No No opinion 1 Replacing existing homes with larger structures 2 Subdividing lots into multiple residences 3 Development of townhouses 4 Development of apartments 5 Development of commercial areas 6 Other, please specify ______ 16. Do the commercial establishments in our neighborhood (Williamsburg Shopping Center; commercial establishments adjoining CVS) meet your shopping needs?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 17. Are there kinds of commercial establishments or services that do not currently exist within the neighborhood that you would like to see?

Please specify ______18. Four schools are located in or near our neighborhood: Nottingham Elementary, Tuckahoe Elementary, Williamsburg Middle School and Bishop O’Connell High School. Do the schools create any problems in the neighborhood? Check all that apply.

Item Issue Nottingham Tuckahoe Williamsburg Bishop O’Con- nell 1 Litter

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Item Issue Nottingham Tuckahoe Williamsburg Bishop O’Con- nell 2 Parking 3 Traffic Safety 4 Pedestrian Safety 5 Noise 6 Crowds 7 Nighttime Distur- bances 8 Landscaping/ Beautification 9 Other, please specify 19. Do you have suggestions for similar improvements for the other schools in our neighborhood?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 20. Civic association members, Bishop O’Connell and the County have had preliminary discussions regarding landscaping (shade trees and ornamental shrubs), streetscape improvements (widened sidewalks, larger planting strips and medians, additional benches and trash receptacles), and traffic calming measures on the streets surrounding O’Connell High School to buffer noise, improve aesthetics, improve pedestrian and traffic safety and enhance walkability. Do you support such neighborhood changes?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 21. Arlington has convened an urban agriculture task force to consider, among other issues, re- vising the County’s zoning ordinance to allow residents to raise chickens (hens but not roosters) in their backyards. Do you support a proposed revision that allows “backyard chickens” or other animal husbandry?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 22. If yes, why? ______

23. If no, why? ______

24. Do you plan to stay in the neighborhood after you retire (age in place)?

_____yes _____no _____don’t know 25. Do you support Arlington’s Neighborhood Villages concept – the new County-wide network of “neighbors helping neighbors” being developed to enable seniors to stay in their homes longer and remain active in the community?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion

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26. Does the neighborhood have adequate support for those intending to age in place (e.g., walkable streets, accessible transportation, affordable housing, and handicap accessible services.)

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 27. If no, what additional supports would be useful? ______

IV. Parks and Recreation

28. Have you visited Sharpe Park, at Williamsburg Blvd. and N. Powhatan St, the only park within our neighborhood?

_____yes _____no _____don’t know 29. If yes, how many times annually? _____

30. If not, why? ______

31. Are there any improvements you would like to see in Sharpe Park? (e.g., benches, paths/ walkways; removal of invasive plants, and improved pedestrian accessibility to park.)

______32. Have you visited Minor Hill, on Williamsburg Blvd. between N. Powhatan St. and N. Somer- set St., the grassy area above Sharpe Park?

_____yes _____no ____don’t know 33. If yes, how many times annually _____

34. If not, why not? ______

35. Are there improvements you would like to see in Minor Hill? (e.g., additional benches, landscaping, and bicycle racks.)

______36. Do you favor Arlington County’s/Virginia Power’s proposal to install an array of solar panels on the vacant concrete pad at Minor Hill to generate clean energy?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion

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37. Do you favor landscaping improvements to the Birch-Payne Cemetery, the small, private cemetery located on the corner of N. 28th St. and N. Sycamore St.?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 38. Are there other public areas within the neighborhood that would be improved through additional landscaping, or urban forestry work?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion

V. Public Health and Safety

39. Are there areas in the neighborhood that present a safety hazard to pedestrians? (e.g., due to the lack of sidewalks, handicap access, crosswalks, traffic lights, curbs or other infrastructure.)

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 40. If yes, please specify the hazard and the location of the hazard ______

41. Are you aware of any fire or public health hazards in the neighborhood? (e.g., rodents, sanitation, and trash removal.)

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 42. If yes, please specify the hazard and the location of the hazard ______

43. Is crime a problem in the neighborhood?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 44. If yes, please specify ______

45. Are there aesthetic problems in the neighborhood that should be addressed, such as eye- sores, vacant lots, abandoned cars or other structures or things that you believe present a nuisance or a zoning violation?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 46. If yes, please specify ______

47. Is noise a problem on your street?

_____ yes _____no _____no opinion 48. If yes, what is the source? ______

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49. Is litter or graffiti a problem on your street?

_____ yes _____no _____no opinion 50. If yes, please specify ______

51. Is there a problem with dogs or cats in the neighborhood?

_____ yes _____no _____no opinion 52. If yes, please specify the nature and location of the problem (e.g. dogs barking, unleashed animals, and owners failing to pick up waste.)

______

VI.County Services

53. Please rate the following County services:

Item Issue Excellent Good Fair Poor No Opin- ion 1 Police 2 Public schools 3 Adult education 4 Libraries 5 Child care 6 Social services 7 Fire/ambulance 8 Street cleaning 9 Trash pick-up 10 Hazardous waste disposal 11 Leaf collection 12 Water/sewer service 13 Street/sidewalk maintenance

14 Park maintenance 15 Snow removal 16 Pest control 17 Animal control 18 Other, please specify

______

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VII.Traffic and Pedestrian Safety

54. Is traffic volume a problem in the neighborhood?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 55. If yes, please specify ______

56. Is speeding a problem in the neighborhood?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 57. If yes, please specify ______

58. Are stop and yield signs obeyed in the neighborhood?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 59. If no, please specify ______

60. Are there intersections where additional turning lanes are needed?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 61. If yes, please specify ______

62. Is additional traffic calming necessary in the neighborhood?

Item Issue Yes No No Where opinion 1 Four-way stops 2 Reduced speed limits 3 Electronic speed display 4 One-way streets 5 Traffic lights 6 Narrowing of streets (larger medians and sidewalks) 7 Marking parking lanes 8 Turn restrictions 9 Traffic circles 10 Speed humps/rumble strips 11 Traffic nubs (curb extensions to reduce crossing distances for pedestrians) 12 Bicycle lanes 13 Crosswalks 14 Increased police presence ` 15 Other, please specify

______

96 63. Little Falls Rd. between N. Sycamore St. and Yorktown Blvd. presents significant safety issues. What improvements should the County make to increase traffic and pedestrian safety in this area?

Item Issue Yes No No Where opinion 1 Institute student pick-up and drop off system that reduces street crossings for children 2 Lower the speed limit on Little Falls and other nearby streets 3 Install speed bumps 4 Modify parking restrictions 5 Install additional traffic signals 6 Install four-way stops at one or more intersections 7 Install flashing signs to warm drivers to reduce speed 8 Assign more crossing guards 9 Increase police presence 10 Other, please specific

______ 64. There are serious concerns regarding traffic and pedestrian safety issues in and around Tuckahoe Elementary School and Bishop O’Connell High School. What improvements should the County make to increase traffic and pedestrian safety in this area?

Item Issue Yes No No Where opinion 1 Institute student pick-up and drop off system that reduces street crossings for children 2 Lower the speed limit on adjacent streets 3 Install speed bumps 4 Modify parking restrictions 5 Install additional traffic signals 6 Install four-way stops at one or more intersections 7 Install flashing signs to warm drivers to reduce speed 8 Assign more crossing guards 9 Increase police presence

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10 Other, please specify

______ 65. Do you foresee serious pedestrian or traffic safety problems arising from the construction or operation of the new elementary school on the Williamsburg Middle School property?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 66. If yes, what are your greatest concerns and how might they be addressed? ______

67. Does your neighborhood street need more or different street lighting?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 68. If yes, where? ______

69. Is there a sidewalk in front of your home? _____yes _____no ____don’t know

70. If no, do you want a sidewalk installed? _____yes _____no _____don’t know

71. Do you have trouble crossing any of the following arterial streets?

N. Sycamore St. ____yes _____no Williamsburg Blvd. _____yes _____no Little Falls Rd. _____yes ______no John Marshall Rd. _____yes ______no 72. If yes, why? ______

73. Do you feel that there are streets in the neighborhood where curb cuts, ramps or other modifications needed to accommodate handicapped persons?

_____yes _____no _____no opinion 74. If yes, where and accommodations are needed? ______

75. Is there a curb and gutter in front of your house? _____yes _____no ____don’t know

76. If yes, does it need to be replaced or repaired? _____yes _____no ____don’t know

77. If no, do you want a curb or gutter? _____yes _____no ____don’t know

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78. Is parking on your street a problem for you or your guests? _____yes _____no ___don’t know

79. If yes, what is the cause? ______

80. Do you know of any signs in the neighborhood (stop signs, street signs, and yield signs) that need to be added, removed or fixed? _____yes _____no

81. If yes, please specify ______

VIII.Neighborhood Beautification

82. Are there areas of the neighborhood that could benefit from beautification?

Item Beautification Description Yes No No opinion Where 1 Install of decorative street lighting 2 Plant additional trees or installation of other landscaping 3 Eliminate utility poles 4 Install ornamental brick- work and benches 5 Enhance commercial property streetscapes 6 Other, please specify

______ 83. For additional comments, please use the space below to address any concerns or thoughts you may have that were not addressed in the survey. ______ ______ ______Thank you again for participating. As an option, you may provide your contact information below.

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______Name (Optional) ______Address ______Phone email Appendix 4 — Williamsburg 2010 Census Data Prepared by: CPHD - Planning Division: Planning Research and Analysis Team 08/24/2011 Williamsburg 2010 Census (Summary File 1) Williamsburg Arlington Number Percent Number Percent TOTAL POPULATION 2,875 100.0% 207,627 100.0%

Total Non-Hispanic or Latino 2,737 95.2% 176,245 84.9% White alone 2,441 84.9% 132,961 64.0% Black or African-American alone 50 1.7% 17,088 8.2% American Indian or Alaska Native alone 6 0.2% 394 0.2% Asian alone 129 4.5% 19,762 9.5% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Alone 10 0.3% 133 0.1% Some other Race alone 8 0.3% 611 0.3% Two or more Races 93 3.2% 5,296 2.6%

Total Hispanic or Latino 138 4.8% 31,382 15.1%

Age Distribution Under 5 years 212 7.4% 11,782 5.7% 5 to 17 years 623 21.7% 20,844 10.0% 18 to 24 years 140 4.9% 20,315 9.8% 25 to 34 years 215 7.5% 57,402 27.6% 35 to 44 years 410 14.3% 32,868 15.8% 45 to 54 years 485 16.9% 25,717 12.4% 55 to 64 years 380 13.2% 20,645 9.9% 65 to 74 years 209 7.3% 10,086 4.9% 75 to 84 years 145 5.0% 5,153 2.5% 85 years and over 56 1.9% 2,815 1.4%

Sex Male 1,424 49.5% 103,501 49.8% Female 1,451 50.5% 104,126 50.2%

TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS 1,014 100.0% 98,050 100.0%

Household Type Family households: 762 75.1% 41,607 42.4% Husband-wife family 688 67.9% 33,218 33.9% Other family: 74 7.3% 8,389 8.6% Male householder, no wife present 24 2.4% 2,623 2.7% Female householder, no husband present 50 4.9% 5,766 5.9% Nonfamily households: 252 24.9% 56,443 57.6% Householder living alone 182 17.9% 40,516 41.3% Householder not living alone 70 6.9% 15,927 16.2%

Household Size 1-person household 182 17.9% 40,516 41.3% 2-person household 315 31.1% 31,738 32.4% 3-person household 193 19.0% 11,633 11.9% 4-person household 197 19.4% 8,793 9.0% 5-person household 92 9.1% 3,286 3.4% 6-person household 26 2.6% 1,203 1.2% 7-or-more-person household 9 0.9% 881 0.9%

TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 1051 100.0% 105,404 100.0% Occupied Housing Units 1014 96.5% 98,050 93.0% Owner-Occupied 908 86.4% 42,457 40.3% Renter-Occupied 106 10.1% 55,593 52.7% Vacant Housing Units 37 3.5% 7,354 7.0%

Notes: Civic association boundaries may not align to 2010 Census Block boundaries. This may cause the inclusion of additional population, households, and housing units for than represented by the civic association boundary.

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Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 5: Zoning, Land Use and Housing 1. Modify the County’s Zoning Ordinance to By-right zoning regulations establish the Page require developers to consult with civic development rights an owner has to his/her 23 associations on “by-right” construction, including property, and notification of adjacent property issues such as maintenance of mature trees on owners is not required. The Zoning Ordinance site and other impacts of construction. Initiate does not regulate treatment of mature trees for new procedures for notifying adjacent by-right construction. neighbors of “by-right” development. The Commonwealth of Virginia has enabling legislation allowing for local jurisdictions to regulate tree removal only in locally-designated areas, resource protection areas or through the Special Exception approval process whereby the County Board may consider and approve measures such as tree preservation to mitigate certain proposal conditions. However, Arlington County’s Urban Forestry Commission is exploring options and comparing costs and benefits of implementing legislation or incentives on tree preservation. This process is ongoing, and public input is encouraged. Contact the Urban Forestry Commission or the county urban forestry office at 703-228-6525 or [email protected] for comment. 2. Re-examine the county’s Zoning Ordinance on Study of residential height limits is not included Page allowable heights for the construction of new on the Zoning Ordinance amendment work 23 residential housing and the renovation of plan. existing homes, balancing the interests of nearby neighbors with the need for the Williamsburg area to adapt to changing consumer needs. 3. Re-examine the county’s Zoning Ordinance for The County studied lot coverage several years Page residential zones in terms of lot coverage for ago. Any additional re-examination of lot 23 buildings (including decks and detached coverage is not part of the Zoning Ordinance structures), balancing the goal of preserving amendment workplan. open spaces with the need to create housing responsive to consumer needs and compatible with the high land values in this part of North Arlington. 4. Improve the procedures for notifying civic Currently, the Zoning Office is undertaking the Page associations and community residents about following efforts to notify the community of 23 variance applications. variance and use permit applications: • Legal Notice is provided as required of the Code of Virginia by §15.2-2204. Legal ads run in the Washington Times for two consecutive weeks. • Placards are posted around the neighborhood as required by the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance §15.1.3

Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 1

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page 4. Continued Continued Page In response to citizen comments, the Zoning 23 Office implemented the following changes to the public notices in November 2016: • Public notices are mailed to the adjacent property owners at the mailing addresses listed in Arlington County Real Estate Records. • Copies of Agendas are e-mailed to the Presidents of the Civic Associations. • Agendas along with meeting locations are posted to the website in advance of the meeting. • Specific instruction on how one may speak on an item at a hearing is posted to the website; • Where and how application materials can be reviewed in advance of a meeting; is posted on the website. Chapter 6: Infrastructure 5. That the County devote more resources to the If individual trees are of concern to the Page maintenance of County-owned street trees in neighborhood, residents are encouraged to 29 the medians or along sidewalks, to promote contact the urban forestry office at 703-228- their vigor and sound pruning. 6525 or [email protected] for inspection and maintenance, if a risk is identified. The county currently has resources for emergency or high risk tree maintenance and/or removal. Chapter 7: County Services 6. The WCA would support, therefore, efforts by The County continually reviews its snow Page the County to better communicate with its operations plans and holds regular training of 32 residents — in real time — about snow removal drivers, section leaders and contract managers. progress and estimated times and dates when The County has increased its use of contract snow removal equipment are expected on resources over the last few years, and will specific streets. It would also support efforts by continue to work towards faster and more Arlington to explore additional snow removal comprehensive services. Driveways (and cars practices, such as removing snow to parking parked on streets and sidewalks) should be lots, mulch piles or vacant lots, and training cleared into private yards, not into the street to snowplow drivers how best to avoid burying reduce the impacts of subsequent plowing. previously cleared driveways. Chapter 8: Schools Tuckahoe Elementary School 7. Use of Tuckahoe Field: Representatives from • The County and Arlington Public Schools Page Tuckahoe Elementary School, the Department of (APS) have a County Board approved long 37 Parks and Recreation, the Tuckahoe Parent standing facility use process in place for Teachers Association, and the two affected Civic the school to request use of the outdoor Associations — Williamsburg and East Falls park facilities and for Department of Parks Church — should meet and discuss recreational and Recreation (DPR) staff to request use of APS facilities. Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 2

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 8: Schools - Continued Tuckahoe Elementary School 7. Continued Continued Page use of Tuckahoe Park and a fair and equitable • These requests are submitted on an annual 37 time-share with other users. In addition, basis and as needed throughout the year. Tuckahoe parents, PTA, and School • APS does receive first priority during the Administrators should meet to identify useful school day and for any after school special and feasible after-school enrichment/extended events as scheduled. day outdoor activities for Tuckahoe students. • All Enrichment and PTA special events should be funneled through the APS Principal or their Facility Use Coordinator to DPR for any scheduled needs. Tuckahoe ES has not been denied use of the field for any of their events. • Bishop O’Connell High School (BOHS) uses 1.5 hours (4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.) for practices and 2 hours for games 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.) during March, April and May. They also use the field for rectangular sport practices (4-5:30 p.m.) during September, October through mid-November. • APS special events, BOHS games and Community league games take priority over all practices. • The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the County and DPR benefits the youth and adult sports community. Access to the BOHS indoor gym, outdoor stadium and diamond field is achieved through the MOA to address the increasing demand for athletic field use. • Community use of the track during the school day can be accomplished by signing in at the school office prior to track use and then signing out when finished. • Community use of the track on the weekends is available from 7:00 a.m. – dark when not in use by the BOHS sports teams. Civic Association requests for use of the field are coordinated and handled through the Facilities Scheduling Office at (703) 228-1805. Bishop O’Connell Catholic School 8. We recommend the construction of curb Infrastructure changes would have to be part of Page extensions at the intersections of Trinidad and a Neighborhood Conservation (NC) or 42 North 27th Streets, where student drivers Neighborhood Complete Streets Program typically park so as to obstruct visibility and also project. It could also be achieved through other frequently use excessive speed when exiting

Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 3

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 8: Schools - Continued Bishop O’Connell Catholic School - Continued 8. Continued Continued Page the O’Connell parking lots. techniques, such as installing delineators, 42 striping and signage. Chapter 9: Traffic and Pedestrian Safety 9. Reduce posted speed limit to 15 MPH near This location may be considered if the County Page schools - The WCA recommends that the decides to pursue 15 mph speed limits near 48 County amend the school zone speed limit schools. Currently, no school speed limits are requirements to 15 mph in the vicinity of set at 15 mph within the County and review of schools. this policy is not scheduled at this time. 10. Change criteria for stop signs near schools. The presence of a school is one of the criteria Page for all-way Stop control evaluation. 48 11. Nottingham School zone signage and raised Little Falls Road is an arterial street in this area Page crosswalk – The WCA T&PS Committee and therefore is not appropriate for vertical 48 requested raised crosswalks on Little Falls Road. measures such as raised crosswalks. Other measures, such as curb extensions and striping, could be funded under the Neighborhood Conservation or Neighborhood Complete Streets program. Traffic Management 12. Install signage (permanent and flashing) to warn Flashing school beacons that convey a lower Page drivers to reduce their speed in the vicinity of speed limit currently exist at the entrance to 51 Tuckahoe Elementary School and Bishop Tuckahoe’s school zone. O’Connell is a private O’Connell High School (Little Falls Road, North school, but could work with the County to install 26th Street, North 27th Street, North Trinidad flashing school beacons in the right-of-way Street, and North Underwood Street) during (ROW). school pick-up and drop-off. 13. Lower speed limits on Little Falls Road between A study to lower the speed limit on Little Falls Page North Sycamore Street and Yorktown Blvd., as Road is planned but there is no current timeline 51 well as the streets around the school. Request for the study to be initiated. increased police presence on streets surrounding Nottingham Elementary, Tuckahoe Elementary, and Bishop O’Connell during student pick-up and drop-off. 14. Modify the parking restrictions to improve traffic Parking restrictions have been reviewed and Page flow and pedestrian safety on Little Falls Road, modifications made in conjunction with Arlington 51 between North Sycamore Street and Yorktown Public Schools (APS) within the past 5 years. Blvd., as well as the streets around the School. 15. Install signage (permanent and flashing) to warn Flashing school beacons that convey a lower Page drivers to reduce their speed on Little Falls speed limit currently exist at the entrance to 51. Road, between North Sycamore Street and Nottingham’s school zone. Yorktown Blvd. Chapter 11: Parks Minor Hill 16. That the County continue to explore Arlington’s Department of Environmental Page opportunities for the installation of a solar array Resources (DES) supports this passive use for 58 Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 4

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 11: Parks - Continued Minor Hill 16. Continued Continued Page on Minor Hill, together with educational placards the acres of available land, most of which have 58 and displays explaining the array and its place in good access to the sun. Unfortunately, fulfilling Arlington’s community energy needs; Dominion Power chose not to pursue such a facility when last studied in 2014/15, but if such an opportunity arises again in the future, Arlington should pursue it. If the Virginia state legislature were to act, similar to the Maryland state legislature, to support renewable energy and distributed generation, such installations would be much more realistic, but with no authority over Dominion Power to allow such a facility, it is unlikely that the County will have anything in the near future. 17. That the County work with Arlington’s urban The recent improvements to the water Page forester to develop a landscape plan for Minor infrastructure required the planting of several 58 Hill Park, taking into consideration the need to trees in this park. There is still opportunity to protect the subsurface from excessive plant more. Residents are encouraged to disturbance, with trees and shrubs that provide contact the County’s urban forestry office shade to users/visitors and also adequately to discuss additional planting with the tree screen the reservoir/pumping station; planting coordinator, for future planting seasons. Urban forestry staff can be reached by phone at 703-228-6525 or by e-mail at [email protected]. 18. That the County make efforts to tie Minor Hill Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation Page Park and Sharp Park together, both visually and (DPR) does not light its parks, outside of sports 58 in terms of access, to create a more user-friendly fields, as they close at dusk. However, the contiguous park. Efforts could be made to widen County’s Department of Environmental the sidewalk along Powhatan Street to connect Resources (DES) is conducting a Streetlight the two contiguous parcels, together with Management Plan that will evaluate the right decorative lighting (Carlyle fixtures) at the park type of streetlight infrastructure for different periphery to increase park visibility to residents, environments based on the land use. The plan invite use, and establish a clear, noticeable Park is expected to be completed by Fall of 2017. entrance. Tree planting and landscaping efforts The recent improvements to the water at Minor Hill, to the extent possible, could infrastructure required the planting of several incorporate some of the specimens and varieties trees in this park and there is still opportunity to found at contiguous Sharp Park, to further define plant more. Residents are encouraged to reach the two small spaces as a single park. out to the county urban forestry office at 703- 228-6525 or [email protected] to discuss additional planting with the tree planting coordinator, for future planting seasons. A new park entrance could be completed as part of a Neighborhood Conservation (NC) park improvement project. 19. That the County consider installing a Bike Share The County’s plan for expansion of the Page station on Minor Hill, together with a water Bikeshare system includes two stations in the 58

Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 5

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 11: Parks – Continued Minor Hill – Continued 19. Continued Continued Page fountain and air hose station to encourage neighborhood, near Bishop O’Connell High 58 continued bicycle access to promote bicycle School and at Williamsburg Circle. Installation commuting to the East Falls Church Metro; will likely occur in 2019 or 2020. Staff will work with the community prior to the final selection of the sites. 20. That the County consider installing (see Sharp DPR staff would need to explore how fencing Page Park below) decorative fencing and railing along along the street would improve safety as there 59 Powhatan Street, connecting Sharp Park and might be better alternatives. Some of these Minor Hill to improve safety and accessibility, elements could be completed through a NC particularly for children, the elderly and the park improvement project. disabled; and 21. That the County consider constructing a small A new shelter could be completed through a Page shelter (covered picnic table, small gazebo) to Neighborhood Conservation (NC) park 59 provide some relief from the intense sun, from improvement project. rain, and to encourage use of the area. Sharp Park 22. That the County explore ways to provide a These elements could be completed through as Page “sense of place” and separateness from the part of an NC park improvement project. 61 busy surrounding roadways. An ornamental fence surrounding the Park, together with decorative lighting, could provide a welcome aesthetic enhancement and also identify the park as a safe suburban haven for mothers and children to rest while visiting the two nearby shopping centers; 23. That the County improve the pathways at the Arlington’s DPR staff agrees that the pathways Page Park to make access and movement less need to be renovated and has scheduled this 61 hazardous, by replacing filter fabric, regrading work to be completed by fall 2017. walkways, replacing deteriorating wooden steps, and renewing gravel walks; 24. That the County, as discussed above, develop a The recent improvements to the water Page plan to integrate Minor Hill and Sharp Park more infrastructure required the planting of several 61 closely, visually and in its landscaping and trees in this park and there is still opportunity to passive use; plant more. The Williamsburg Civic Association is encouraged to reach out to the County’s urban forestry office at 703-228-6525 and [email protected] There are no plans to integrate Minor Hill and Sharp Park at this time. Birch-Payne Cemetery 25. Identify and mark the locations of the known The Birch-Payne cemetery is one of the oldest Page graves and consider construction of a serenity family graveyards in the County. The graveyard 62 garden to encourage respectful use of the site; is privately owned by the Birch-Payne family.

The County has no means to improve, study, or alter any features of the cemetery without the Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 6

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 11: Parks – Birch – Payne Cemetery 25. Continued Continued Page acquisition of easements, acquisition of the 62 property, or other permission given by the family. The Birch-Payne family members and legal heirs are unknown at this time. 26. Install appropriate landscaping and seating. See above. The County cannot improve or Page Given the County’s on-going and increasingly invite visitors into private property. 62-3 difficult search for County-owned parcels in Because this is a privately-owned lot, the Tree which to improve the tree canopy, this site Canopy Fund may be an approach for sourcing provides a valuable opportunity to install shade tree material. The County’s urban forestry office trees and other landscaping to soften the now- which can be contacted by calling 703-228- barren site and invite visitors. Shade trees 6525 or by sending a message to would greatly improve the appearance of the [email protected] can assist in parcel, particularly if specimens chosen advice on appropriate species and locations. mirror those to be planted as part of the adjacent Sycamore Street median project; 27. Remove the old chain link fence and replace it See above. The County does not have proper Page with a decorative fence and appropriate signage easements or other permission from the family 63 indicating permissible uses of the site, and to improve this fence. Installation of any fence times of use. would have to be done only with permission by the family and under the supervision of a qualified archaeologist so that human remains are not disturbed. Williamsburg Traffic Circle 28. That the County consider additional traffic Staff encourages applications for funding under Page calming measures, consistent with those the Neighborhood Complete Streets program or 64 planned during the Sycamore Street median to pursue Neighborhood Conservation funding project and that may be possible at Sharp Park to address problem streets and intersections and Minor Hill Park, to promote walkability and where there is incomplete pedestrian or bicycle biking at this busy intersection of Sycamore, infrastructure or known safety problems with Williamsburg, and Little Falls. driver behavior. Chapter 12: Urban Forestry 29. Urge the County to work closely with Dominion Arlington County continues to work closely with Page Power and other energy providers, as well as Dominion Power and other utility companies to 67 with telecommunications companies, to improve pruning practices of trees. Utilities have promote pruning practices that preserves the mandates to keep lines clear of trees, and urban canopy and the overall health of trees. practices have improved over time, with certified arborists on staff, and encouraging ANSI standard pruning of trees around utility wires. 30. Urge the County and its urban foresters to work The Commonwealth of Virginia has enabling Page closely, during early review of development legislation allowing for local jurisdictions to 67 plans, to promote tree preservation rather than regulate tree removal only in locally-designated tree replacement, where feasible. Urge the historic areas and resource protection areas. County to consider adopting additional incentives to encourage developers to preserve Arlington County’s Urban Forestry Commission and protect trees during “by-right” development, is exploring options and comparing costs and

Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 7

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 12. Urban Forestry - Continued 30. Continued Continued Page Where site denudation is common. Support the Benefits of implementing legislation or 67 Urban Forestry Commission’s efforts to enact incentives on tree preservation. This process is ordinance revisions to better preserve the tree ongoing, and public input is encouraged. canopy. Contact the Urban Forestry Commission or the county urban forestry office at 703-228-6525 or [email protected] for comment. 31. The County should continue to work with Arlington County is continuing its relationship Page Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment and the with the Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, 67 Arlington Tree Stewards to promote the and funding remains consistent for funding this preservation and planting of trees on private program in the near future. Projects such as property. In addition, the Civic Association traditional reforestation and invasive plant should explore ways, working with other County control on private property are options being and private groups, to encourage the planting of explored, as well as champion tree native species and to control invasive plants maintenance for low-income tree owners. throughout the Civic Association. Resources to control the widespread problem of invasive plants are very limited and must be confined to ecologically significant natural areas identified in the County’s Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP). DPR does provide educational information and training to volunteer groups who are interested in removing invasive plants. Residents may contact staff at703-228-6525 for more information. 32. Ensure that the update of the County’s Urban Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation Page Forest Master Plan, now under development, (DPR) urban forestry and natural resources 67-8 fully considers how to better balance the oft- staff work closely to encourage best practices in competing goal of tree preservation and natural resources management, including protection with that of sensible and cost- corridor protection, and habitat connection. effective development of residential property. Arlington’s stream network provides a Encourage the development and preservation of significant part of this corridor, but private connecting wildlife corridors throughout the habitat is a critical component to preserving our County (as done in Boston with its “Emerald natural heritage, and the County will continue to Necklace Conservancy”) to better protect local work with private landowners to improve this flora and fauna. aspect of our environment. 33. Work with the County to encourage the The planting requirements of Arlington county Page mapping and removal of invasives, particularly prioritize native plants, and prevent invasive 68 in Sharp Park. Urge the planting of native plants from being included on public projects, species, instead of exotics, on County lands. as well as certain private projects with conditions. Residents are encouraged to reach out to the Natural Resources Management Office to discuss invasive plant removal in Sharp Park.

DPR Invasive Plant Removal Program staff is available to provide training, guidance and support to volunteers interested in removing Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 8

Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan Update Recommendations Arlington County Staff Comments

# Recommendation Staff Comment Page Chapter 12. Urban Forestry - Continued 33. Continued Continued Page Invasive plants from County parks. Residents 68 may contact staff at 703-228-1862 to organize volunteer invasive plant removal efforts.

Williamsburg NC Plan Recommendations-County Staff Comments 9

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