Several development projects are currently under review through the Site Plan Review Process, giving residents an opportunity to advocate for building designs consistent with the County’s carbon neutrality goal.
- PenPlace, the next phase of Amazon’s HQ2, could be on track to be the first large commercial project to achieve Zero Carbon Building certification. Proposed plans include all electric systems, exceptional energy efficiency gains, offsite solar for most of its electricity, and opportunities to offset embedded carbon. The magnitude and visibility of this development extend its impact well beyond its own boundaries, with the potential for moving the building industry to normalize the kinds of innovative practices and technologies we must deploy to achieve our climate change mitigation goals. Public comments are now being accepted through November 7. Don’t miss this chance to advocate for zero carbon emissions.
- The next Virtual Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) meeting for Wendy’s Site – 2025 Clarendon Boulevard is planned for November 18. The September Community Comments and October County Staff Report focus on the building’s height, with little emphasis on sustainability. Take this opportunity to communicate that LEED Gold is not sufficient. The developer must earn the right for high density by maximizing energy efficiency measures and eliminating the use of natural gas, committing to an all-electric design.
- Site Plan Review is underway for redevelopment of the Marbella Apartments (1300 – 1305 N. Pierce Street in the Radnor/Fort Myer Heights neighborhood). This affordable housing project is planned to be Earthcraft Gold but key details, particularly on whether natural gas is planned for HVAC or hot water systems is unclear. The project proposes to remove many mature trees including some that were planted using County Tree Canopy Funds. Speak out at the November 29 SPRC meeting to advocate for all electric systems and a revised design that prioritizes protection of the existing tree canopy in exchange for increased density.
See Demystifying Public Participation in County Development for more details of the community engagement process.
This content originally appeared in The EcoAdvocate newsletter produced by the EcoAction Arlington Advocacy Committee.