Arlington County Board Meeting Preview for Saturday, Sept. 21
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Arlington County Board Meeting Preview for Saturday, Sept. 21

Updating the Community Energy Plan: The Board will hold a public hearing and consider approving a sweeping update to the Community Energy Plan (CEP), the first since its adoption in 2013. A cornerstone of Arlington’s climate action efforts, the CEP is the County’s highest-level policy guide for transforming energy generation, distribution, use and storage in the community.

The draft plan update includes a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050; 100 percent renewable electricity for County Government operations by 2025 and for the community by 2035; including energy equity as one standard for Community Energy Plan implementation initiatives. If adopted, the updated plan would keep Arlington among the nation’s leaders in adapting to and mitigating climate change. To read the staff report, and the draft Community Energy Plan, scroll to Item No. 61 on the agenda.

Redeveloping the Westmont Shopping Center: The Board will hold a public hearing and consider approving a plan to redevelop the single-story Westmont Shopping center at 3233-3263 Columbia Pike, on the northeast corner of its intersection with South Glebe Road.

If approved, the redevelopment would replace the commercial buildings and surface parking lot on the 1.8-acre site with a new six-story structure offering 250 apartments above about 22,500 square feet of ground-floor retail and a two-level underground parking garage. This is a Form Based Code project which requires modifications to Form Based Code requirements and a Use Permit. The proposed redevelopment includes an interior courtyard and streetscape improvements along South Glebe Road and Columbia Pike. To read the staff report, scroll to Item No. 60 on the agenda.

Improving Benjamin Banneker Park: The Board will consider approving the award of a $2.6 million contract to McDonnell Landscape, Inc., to improve Benjamin Banneker Park, 1680 N. Sycamore Street. The proposed improvements emerged through a lengthy public planning process for the 12.5-acre park. They include replacing the parking lot; picnic area; athletic field; playground; Four Mile Run Trail, W&OD Trail; walkways; landscaping; signage, furnishings; stormwater management and renovating the dog park. To read the staff report, scroll to Item No. 37 on the agenda.