May 14, 2012

Editor – 

I read with interest your article on the proposed redevelopment of the Rosenthal site on Columbia Pike.  It is true that some Planning Commissioners, I among them, voiced concern over the proposed materials for the frontages of the structures.  We did specifically discuss the seemingly high amount of Hardiplank as it appears to be present in some portions of the façade in greater amount than the more common Columbia Pike brick.

However, I would say an equal, if not greater, number of Commissioners discussed issues related to transportation and the proposed access to and from the site.  Many Commissioners, thinking about access particularly from I-395, opined that it seemed as though people would have trouble “getting there from here.”  I always appreciate folks being aware of the quality of our built environment in Arlington, but I think the transportation aspects of the proposed plan should have had the same amount of ink.

Sincerely,

Nancy Iacomini

Nancy Iacomini is a planning commissioner. --Editor

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May 14, 2012

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Comments (3)

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Transportation? or Exiting from the building? Where is the trolley?

Why is getting to I-395 the issue if the Country is going to spend millions of dollars in a transportation system in Columbia Pike that will allow access to the Pentagon metro station. I though that the whole intend was to create a community where people can walk to places, use mass transit, and reduce dependancy in cars heading to I-395.

carlos gomez more than 1 years ago

Rosenthal Site

Why now? Why did the Planning Commission not address its worries about vehicle access to the Rosenthal site in the original FBC, in the revision last year to add the Lincoln St. connection to 12th St., or during the planning review meeting with Planning Commission members organized specifically to look at vehicle access and the alley requirement for the main building? Access from I-395 is not that complicated. Go north on Glebe; turn left on 12th; turn right on Lincoln. To go west on the Pike, turn left from 12th onto Glebe at the light, then turn left (west) on the Pike. So what is the problem?

Does the county have to finish 12th St. for the connection? Of course it does. That does not require deferral of the project. It requires the county to do its part to complete the street that has always been in the plan.

John Snyder
Douglas Park

John Snyder more than 1 years ago

Transportation Tight Spot

Thanks Nancy. The automobile access issues are somewhat hard to picture, but they will force new residents to create their own traffic patterns right through the Douglas Park neighorhood. I believe there's no way to exit the development and go west on Columbia Pike or to enter from Glebe Road morthbound. It's a shame that this hasn't been addressed, since the developers have been working with the county for a couple of years now to get their plans ready for approval, but the problems with access still have not been solved. The county's plan to acquire right of way from the Post Office will help, but it's indefinite at this point. Not much to feel confident about.

Rebecca Krafft more than 1 years ago

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