The Connection

Despite an impassioned plea from local residents to save Rosslyn Highlands Park, a redevelopment plan for Western Rosslyn has moved forward. The new H-B Woodlawn building, a new fire station, an affordable housing section, and private development will fill the space of five parcels between Key Boulevard and WIlson Boulevard. However, these developments come at the cost of of nearly 10,000 square feet of park space.

Rosslyn Highlands Park, currently the largest contiguous tract of open space in Rosslyn, will be reduced from 30,500 square feet to 21,800 square feet to allow neighboring Penzance Cos. to expand with a new mixed use developments. These developments include a 17-story office building and a pair of 27 and 24-story residential buildings. The 24-story residential building will include a fire station on the property. Dozens of nearby residents and members of various commissions gathered at the June 13 County Board meeting to express their support for preserving the park. Ultimately, however, the County Board voted to advertise public hearings to consider adoption of the development plan.

Steve Campbell, a member of Arlington’s Urban Forestry Commission, said that the neighbors compromised in accepting a greater building height in the area, but were disappointed that the county did not yield on maintaining open space in the area.

“There is too much development in this plan and not enough opportunity for tree growth,” said Campbell.

James Sharkey, a local 12-year-old, compared the lack of park space in Arlington to park land in neighboring Fairfax County.

“Arlington has one-fourth of the park space per capita compared to Fairfax,” said Sharkey. “If we dramatically shrink Rosslyn Highlands Park we take away even more park space from Arlington where parks are small and sparse already. Rosslyn Highlands Park is not just part of a number on a graph. I believe parks are important because they’re a good place for people to have fun and bond together … I grew up on this park. From hanging out on the playground to playing basketball and catch to sledding when I was little, to even doing multiple science projects for school. I’ve used this park for multiple purposes. If you shrink this park, you take away all of that: not just from me, but from all the young children in the neighborhood who haven’t had these experiences yet.”

Local adults expressed similar frustrations. Michael McMenamin represented the nearby Highgate Owner’s Association in asking the County Board to prioritize park land over the installation of a new fire station.

Paul Arquette, a local architect, argued that the existing park is highly used, and additional residents from the Penzance Cos. development would overcrowd the park even were it not being reduced in size.

“Rosslyn is often touted as a Manhattan on the Potomac, and while that’s a bit of a stretch, it is constructive to compare and contrast the two communities,” said Arquette. “Both communities have tall buildings and are on major rivers, served by multiple subway lines. But while Manhattan has a huge park at its center, there is no such park in Rosslyn.”

County Board Chair Mary Hynes recognized the citizen’s concerns before saying the County Board would likely be moving forward despite them.

“Clearly the most important issue to everyone this evening is the open space,” said Hynes. “The theme has been strong and constant. We understand you wish we did not make an arrangement with Penzance Cos., but we did. We have affirmed that in a work session in the past. We’re moving forward with that arrangement.”

Ater a brief discussion, the County Board voted unanimously to move forward with advertisement for public hearings on July 6 at the Planning Commission and July 16 for the County Board.

Many members of the public expressed disappointment with the decision.

“The new [Rosslyn Highlands Park] needs to be an incredible destination,” said Caroline Haynes, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, “especially given what the neighbors have given up.”