I am the Climate Change, Energy and Environment (C2E2) Commission’s representative on the Wells Fargo / Verizon Project SPRC. I appreciate this opportunity to comment. At this early stage, I laud the Applicant for participating in the County’s Green Building Incentive Program (it appears it is aiming for the .45 FAR middle tier–I’d urge the Applicant to reach even higher) and for offering other sustainability elements such as electric HVAC systems, rooftop solar, (cont.)
The bank should be moved to the Hudson Street side of the building, along Washington Blvd, basically flipping the ground floor, although particular location needs could allow leaving some of the 10th Road ground floor indoor features as now shown but providing the bank more space along the building front. The drive through could work off of Hudson rather than 10th. This would address most all of the site use concerns and take advantage of a the more efficient street access for the ATM.
The county appears to be looking at micro level issues rather than the macro level impact on the neighborhood. It is silly to focus on a few trees and whether there is a straight through pedestrian passage because of an ATM drive through when one is talking about a massive building more than 18' in excess of the height restriction and which will create congestion while proving less parking than should be available even under the stingy limits of the actor plan
The CCCA supports the staff position that the bank use, adjacent to the open space is not appropriate AND especially, that a drive-through ATM is not consistent with the Clarendon Sector Plan or our desires for optimal pedestrian experience, maximizing street trees and greenery. Instead of a drive through, we would suggest free, short term parking on 10th road that would allow drivers to park, access, the ATM and depart, without blocking sidewalks, bike lanes, etc.
Share your comments on building form & architecture in the proposed plan.
Share your comments on building form & architecture in the proposed plan.
high projected Energy Star and energy efficiency ratings (95 and 25.3%, respectively), and a reduced parking ratio and bicycle parking. To make the project substantially more sustainable, the Commission urges the Applicant to conduct a zero carbon feasibility assessment, plan for electric (instead of gas) hot water heating to accompany the electric HVAC (or make the space electric-ready), and plan for electric cooking for any ground floor retail. The Applicant should also strive (if not (cont.)
The architecture, including sculpting and facade, is a net positive. The step-back average seems acceptable. The Verizon building needs serious facade improvement--including biophilic design and materials--for its appearance as well as to visually integrate that building with the remainder of the site. All fenestration should have bird-friendly glass up to and including the third floor above the final step-back.
The staff is far too focused on baffles and mesh to his roof top HVAC items on Verizon building while ignoring the huge canyon that this project-along with silver diner project- will create. The setback is minimal, especially with the mass of the proposed new apartment/office building. Why agree to limit loading docks which will cause congestion? The step back-as opposed to setback- really doesn't offset the claustrophobic effect of the 128 feet and general mass.
I'd like to suggest more biophilic design elements in all cases -- to improve the Verizon building (including the screening), to connect with the Irving Street public space, in the context of the streetscape, on roof surfaces.
I think the building looks nice and is good as is. If I wanted to improve it I would add setbacks to the top of the building on the northern side to allow for more light. I would still rather see a building than what is currently there.
Share your comments on open space & landscaping in the proposed plan.
Share your comments on open space & landscaping in the proposed plan.
already planning–did not see) to equip 10% of all parking spaces with EV chargers and make 50% of all spaces EV-ready, and take the opportunity with the contributions to open space in Clarendon it plans, to add native plantings to green spaces wherever possible.While we recognize the Applicant is participating in the County’s Green Building Incentive Program, the C2E2 Commission uses its own checklist to assess whether we think each new development is maximizing the opportunity to advance (cont)
There are many opportunities to use landscaping, modest topographic variations, and a variety of vegetation on this site. Trees are important, but native grasses and shrubs, as well as forbs, are important choices for creating a biophilic space and a natural connection to the other public spaces in the sector. Moving the ATM will allow a wrap-around natural site, and solve the blank wall and tree arrangement issues at the same time.
The county is far too agreeable to replacement of real grass and lawns with concrete. The new project at The Crossing is an example-some trees remain but the new plaza as far is all stone and the old planter (which was a fountain) was destroyed. The county should seek to include real grass and plants in the Irving street development-not a concrete "plaza " for bands and similar activities.
Project needs to conform with the tree cover standards & streetscape standards for 10th Rdand along the Verizon building. Planters, green roofs, adding plants to the proposed Verizon screening, active (park-like) use adjacent to bank e.g. giant chess, or chess tables, raised beds with interactive garden (herbs, smell, color, themes)
What about making the roof a community garden/space for the people that use the building? Much better than what is going on with the roof now. My building has a rooftop club room and outdoor space and it’s very popular with residents and guests.
Arlington’s goal of becoming a net zero community by 2050 by constructing buildings that are as close as possible to net zero energy, incorporating biophilic elements, and both minimizing the use of impermeable surfaces and maximizing vegetative cover to reduce storm water run-off, among other possible sustainability elements. I will send the C2E2 checklist to the Project’s Lead Planner and the SPRC Chair, and I’d urge you to take a close look at it as our further (cont.)
I don't think a full understanding of transportation issues can be achieved solely from site plan views. The streets in and around the Joyce Motors site, the Bingham Center site and the Wells Fargo site will/should function together. Wilson, Washington, Irving, Hudson, 10th Street, and 10th Rd (on either side of Irving) are all relevant. I have concerns about the design and use of these segments, including the loading docks, simultaneously by pedestrians, semi-trailers and everything in between
The questions don't relate to "transportation," rather they relate to steetscape. One gets the sense from the renderings and presentations that the new 10th road will not feel like anything but an alley like passage.
Drive through lane is not acceptable. Fails to meet pedestrian needs for sufficient sidewalks, street trees, and ACZO streetscape standards. Pedestrian experience along Verizon building must also be improved to Sector Plan/ZO standards
Stormwater management, the impact of the street design on vehicle emissions, and the ability to leverage a good initial landscape approach for further biophilic and heat-island benefits.
Not sure what you mean by sustainability in this context but the project will certainly not offer any environmental advantages, especially with the proposed density waivers and the creation of an urban heat island. There's no way a massive residential and office project will be beneficial, even if LEED compliant. Why are you pushing to approve more office space when Arlington already has far too much vacant office space?
Taking off my C2E2 hat for a moment, I'd like to suggest that the Applicant offer the "blank slate" that the long empty wall on 10th Rd. north represents to an artist to paint a beautiful mural to inspire Arlingtonians!
Minimize regular business vehicles on 10th Rd by changing the ground floor uses. Set the applicant landscape plan along the Irving St Plaza to be integral/seamless and create a sense of biophilic continuity with Bingham features and the linear park across Wilson. Bird-friendly glass. Roof gardens.
As noted in previous comment, there is no reason to approve a project with more office space when Arlington county already has a very high office vacancy rate. Why be so predisposed to give developer height and other waivers? There is certainly far too little "green" in the proposal to compensate for the density and other waivers and variances in the proposal. Clearly no meaningful consideration has been given to the massive congestion, etc., this and the silver diner project will create.
Please do not disclose my name and contact information in response to a request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. I recognize that the County cannot guarantee the confidentiality of my name and contact information but ask that it do so to the extent permitted by law.
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Please do not disclose my name and contact information in response to a request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. I recognize that the County cannot guarantee the confidentiality of my name and contact information but ask that it do so to the extent permitted by law.
