Stratford Middle School Project APS Image
To the Editor:
Kudos to the School Board and County Board for taking time to consider the complex access and safety issues at the historic Stratford School site. Our elected officials worked hard to understand the data, history, and community experience on all sides of the issue and give clear direction to help keep the project on schedule. The School Board approved the design 5-0. [See http://www.apsva.us/Page/29586.]
In their May 14 discussion, County Board members shared their 4-1 support for the proposed Vacation Lane to Old Dominion driveway, which was strongly recommended by our elected School Board, APS staff and the
appointed citizen-led Building Level Planning Committee (BLPC). The modest incremental cost is well within budget, about 2 percent of the total site improvements to bring the site up to fire and accessibility codes.
In voicing their support, County Board members noted the value of our strong county policies, while highlighting the need to adapt them to varied neighborhood contexts and the unique challenges of our schools.
Since November 2014, when our School Board selected the Stratford site to meet urgent middle school capacity needs, multiple citizen committees and associations have worked hard to balance the many challenges at Stratford. The Stratford BLPC met 22 times, considered nine different site access options, represented seven civic associations and seven feeder schools, and invited public comment at every meeting. Recognizing shared goals around thoughtful land use and long-term flexibility for all of our civic sites, our School Board proactively sought input from the County Board. Though unusual for County Board to weigh in at this stage, it was prudent to do so in this case to make sure planning dollars and time would not be wasted. As one County Board member noted, “This is what good collaboration with the School Board looks like.”
To meet the needs of our school children and citizens, Arlington faces many complex decisions and once-in-a-generation investments in the coming years. Close collaboration between both County and School Boards and staffs, along with careful listening to concerns and possible solutions will be crucial to building Arlington schools and civic spaces we can afford, take pride in and use safely. In particular, we hope
proactive and thorough traffic and safety analysis will be part of site selection at the very earliest stages of design for each civic site.
After all, context matters.
Stratford BLPC Members:
Susan Cunningham (Chair), Donaldson Run Civic Association
Amanda Davis, Maywood Community Association
Caroline Holt, Lyon Village Citizens Association
Charles Craig, Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board
David Barish, Waverly Hills Civic Association
Dot Green, Donaldson Run Civic Association
Doug Taylor, Woodmont Civic Association
Eve Reed, Cherrydale Citizens Association
Ray Sendejas, Cherrydale Citizens Association
Robert Dudka, Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board
Debbie Pearson, Taylor Elementary School PTA
Graham McBride, Assistant Principal, H-B Woodlawn Program
Jeff Turner, Facilities Advisory Committee Representative
Jen Thompson, Glebe Elementary PTA
Karen Gerry, Principal, Stratford Program
Laura Saul Edwards, H-B Woodlawn Program PTA
Michael Henry, Swanson Middle School PTA
Renee Harber, Assistant Principal, Swanson Middle School
Rohini Chopra, Arlington Science Focus PTA