GREEN VALLEY

A COMMUNITY SPEAKS, AND THE COUNTY LISTENS: ARLINGTON BOARD DEFERS MAJOR GREEN VALLEY REDEVELOPMENT

On April 5, 2025, the Arlington County Board convened an extraordinary session at the central library auditorium, swapping its usual meeting room for a space filled with residents eager to be heard. Although the Board tackled a range of issues—everything from housing insecurity to supporting federal workers in transition—attention quickly turned toward a proposed redevelopment project in Green Valley that drew impassioned testimony from multiple civic associations, church leaders, and community members. After nearly five hours of public comment, the Board took an unexpected but welcome step: it voted unanimously to delay its final decision on the proposal until Wednesday, April 9.

THE PROPOSAL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The project in question seeks to replace two existing hotels near I-395 with a 531-unit residential development, including an eight-story multifamily building and additional townhouse-style buildings. Advocates of the plan tout its potential to revitalize an aging site with much-needed housing, updated streetscapes, and public green space. Yet for many in Green Valley, this project raises questions about density, equity, displacement, traffic, and how well new growth aligns with the neighborhood’s proud history and character.

One of the most vocal opponents of rushing the redevelopment was Lomax AME Zion Church, whose historic sanctuary and cemetery sit directly beside the proposed site. Church members expressed fear that a nine-story building—shouldering right up to their cherished grounds—would overshadow their space and compromise the area’s integrity. Reverends from Lomax and neighboring congregations stood side by side, urging the Board to consider the church’s historic importance and the entire community’s well-being before approving any transformative changes.

LISTENING TO RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS

Public testimony underscored that questions of traffic, affordability, construction impacts, and local history deserve deeper consideration. Neighbors spoke of 24th Road South, an already-congested intersection prone to delays, and said an influx of vehicles could make matters worse. Church leaders asked for practical safeguards to protect their buildings and cemetery, as well as meaningful commitments from the developer to honor the community’s rich African American history. Several speakers challenged the project’s offer of only nine committed affordable units out of more than 500 residences, calling that percentage “untenable.” Others raised questions about whether so-called “community benefits” were truly landing where they are most needed—within Green Valley itself.

A PIVOTAL PAUSE

Around mid-afternoon, after more than a dozen speakers testified, Board Member Julius “JD” Spain Sr. introduced a motion to defer action on the redevelopment. Fellow Board Members backed this request, citing a desire for more time to analyze the voluminous public feedback and see whether developers and residents could craft a more balanced solution. The unanimous 5-0 vote means the proposal will come back for a renewed hearing at the Board’s Wednesday, April 9 meeting.

Board Chair Takis Karantonis described the extra days as an opportunity “to ensure we don’t rush a momentous decision without fully understanding the community’s concerns.” Other Board Members concurred that a brief delay was the best way to preserve trust in local government—a chance to make sure “promises made and promises kept” will not be at odds.

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

While no one can predict the exact outcome on April 9, one conclusion is certain: Arlingtonians care passionately about the future of Green Valley. From longstanding church members to newer neighbors, from advocates for more housing to residents anxious about overdevelopment, the crowded hearing showed that meaningful civic engagement is alive and well.

As Arlington County navigates new development in a changing landscape, the Board’s decision to pause underscores a key takeaway: listening is sometimes the most vital step in getting a project right. Whether this particular plan proceeds with some revisions, or is restructured entirely, many agree that the discussions at Saturday’s meeting embodied a deep commitment to equity, community identity, and thoughtful progress. Green Valley’s next chapter remains to be written—but for now, the Board has pressed pause to ensure every voice is heard.