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Projects & Planning

Plan Lee Highway: Process, Scope & Timeline

Process

The multi-year Plan Lee Highway process will refine, validate and build upon the community’s vision and the guiding principles and goals as expressed in the 2016 Lee Highway Visioning Study report . The process will include a study of interrelated key planning elements, such as transportation and public space, for the full Lee Highway corridor and potential land use changes within a Core Study Area (see map below). The anticipated outcomes are that the study results in a County Board-adopted plan that establishes a high-level framework for the corridor.

Study Area

Lee Highway is one of Arlington’s major east-west arterial streets, spanning the full length of the County from Rosslyn to East Falls Church. It is a major commuter corridor and gateway from the City of Falls Church. It also serves as a primary commercial destination for the northern half of the County, providing access to convenience goods, services, and dining for many residents.  Characterized by low-rise commercial development and prominent surface level parking lots, the auto-oriented public realm and general development pattern is typical of commercial corridors found throughout Arlington.

lee highway proposed study area

 

Timeline

plan lee highway planning process timeline

 

PHASE 2: Developing Ideas (currently underway)

  • Below is a projected timeline of Phase 2. Time frames are  subject to change, pending project needs.
  • As each key event is confirmed, it is posted to the project calendar with complete meeting details. View all scheduled meetings and events.
  • As each key event concludes, available materials are posted to the study documents page.
  • Due to COVID-19, staff is  revising the community engagement plan. More information on future meetings and public input opportunities coming soon.
TIME FRAME MILESTONES, ACTIVITIES KEY EVENTS
3rd-4th quarter 2020 Development of Land Use Scenarios Coming soon
4th quarter 2020-2nd quarter 2021 Development of Preliminary Concept Plan Coming soon

 

PHASE 1: Gathering Information (completed)

TIME FRAME MILESTONES, ACTIVITIES KEY EVENTS
Jan – Feb
2019		 Project Kick-off
  • Team kick-offs
  • Share scope
  • Refine schedule
  • Gather input on 2016 Visioning Study
Feb – Oct
2019		 Existing Conditions Analysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic and Cultural Resources Analysis

 Analysis to focus on planning elements:

  • Land use and zoning
  • Urban design and building form
  • Housing
  • Transportation and connectivity
  • Open spaces
  • Historic and cultural resources
  • Economic vitality
  • Sustainability
  • Public facilities

 

  • Research, documentation and survey of historic and cultural resources
  • Significant buildings, events, places, people and stories in planning area
Feb – Oct
2019		 Land Use Scenario Methodology Development
  • Identify key factors (land values, development costs, density, etc.), performance indicators,
    and prioritization system that will be used for evaluating land use scenarios in Phase 2
  • Select a sample node-based redevelopment area to test methodology
  • Open Design Studio (bi-weekly, ongoing)
Nov – Dec 2019 Community Forum
  • Results of Existing Conditions Analysis
Jan – Feb
2020		 Public Workshop
  • Results of Existing Conditions Analysis
  • Feedback from previous community events on areas of change and areas of preservation
  • Identification of neighborhood concerns and priorities
  • Public Workshop (1/31 and 2/1)
  • Open Design Studio (bi-weekly, ongoing)
Feb – Aug
2020		 Development of Neighborhood Inspiration Report Prepare Neighborhood Inspiration Report, to include:

  • Highlights of conditions and attributes of different neighborhoods
  • Feedback from community workshop on areas of change and areas of preservation
  • Summary of neighborhood aspirations
  • Guiding ideas for future development patterns for areas of change
  • General recommendations for network-wide planning elements
  • Meetings suspended due to COVID-19