Arlington County to Fund Four Neighborhood Conservation Projects

$2.9 million in street improvements approved
Projects in Arlington Ridge, Ashton Heights, Leeway, Lyon Village,
Community priority projects funded by voter-approved bonds

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 21, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Arlington County Board today approved more than $2.9 million in funding for four new Neighborhood Conservation projects. All the approved projects are street improvements that also contribute to sidewalk connectivity and stormwater management.

The projects, submitted by residents and endorsed by civic associations, are qualified by staff, then evaluated by the Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee (NCAC) before coming to the County Board for approval. The NCAC considered 31 projects at its June 11, 2015 meeting and decided to recommend four of them to the County Board for funding.

The County Board voted 5-0 to approve funding for the four projects, as part of its Consent Agenda.

“We rely on residents to identify the best projects to make their neighborhoods safer, stronger and more attractive,” said County Board Chair Mary Hynes. “For more than 50 years, Arlington’s Neighborhood Conservation program has helped build community by funding priority projects identified by the people who live in the neighborhoods.”

Funded by voter-approved bond

These projects are funded by the voter-approved 2014 Community Conservation Bond. It is the second set of projects to be approved from that $12M bond. All projects will provide much needed safety improvements by making critical sidewalk connections close to schools and public transportation. In addition, several of the projects will also include bio-retention facilities to treat stormwater. The four approved projects are:

$970,364 for Ashton Heights Street Improvement Project: N. Oakland Street, from N. Pershing Drive to Route 50
$828,427 for Lyon Village Street Improvement Project: 13th Street N., from Kirkwood Road to N. Jackson/N. Johnson Street
$879,305 for Arlington Ridge Street Improvement Project: 23rd Street S, from S. Nash Street to Army Navy Drive
$261,487 for Leeway Street Improvement Project: 22nd Street N, from N. Kentucky Street to N. Lexington Street
Learn more about these neighborhood conservation plans.

About the Neighborhood Conservation Program

Arlington created the Neighborhood Conservation Program in 1964 to improve residential areas by funding neighborhood projects suggested by residents. Project proposals are submitted to the NCAC for consideration. The NCAC meets monthly and is made up of representatives from 50 of Arlington’s 57 civic associations. Twice each year the group makes recommendations to the County Board for projects to fund.

The NCAC offers funding guidance based on rankings assigned through a point system. Projects receiving the highest point totals are passed on to the County Board. Visit the County’s Neighborhood Conservation Program website for details on how points are awarded.

Arlington’s Neighborhood Conservation program, with its grassroots engagement, has become a model for other communities across the country.

To read the staff report for this item, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item #24 on the Agenda for the Saturday, Sept. 19 County Board Meeting.

Arlington Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. Slightly smaller than 26 square miles, it is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, and one of only a handful with the prized Aaa/AAA/AAA bond rating. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods and quality schools, and has received numerous awards for Smart Growth and transit-oriented development. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.

Media Contacts
Gina Wimpey
703-228-3252