WASHINGTON (May 4, 2004) – A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized a proposed mixed-income redevelopment, which will add much-needed affordable housing stock near transit in Arlington County.
The recognized proposal, Rosslyn Ridge, will redevelop 22 existing rental units with 255 housing units. 102 of the new units will be affordable, with the balance rental at market rate. The non-profit Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), is the current owner, and will continue to own and direct management of the property in the future. Existing residents are guaranteed placement in APAH properties, or in other non-profit owned Arlington units during reconstruction.
The SGA is a coalition of five regional organizations: the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Metropolitan Washington Builders’ Council and ULI Washington (a district council of the Urban Land Institute). These organizations, some of which have held opposing views on growth issues, formed the Alliance three years ago to encourage policies and projects that promote smart growth.
As part of a unique partnership, adjacent Arlington County land is also part of the Rosslyn Ridge site plan. This parcel was acquired by the County in the early 1970’s and up-zoned in anticipation of some form of high-rise development. The Arlington County land is currently zoned medium-high residential and, through this project, will remain as open parkland in perpetuity and managed by Arlington County Parks. This arrangement will allow APAH to add additional units to the project.
Douglas Peterson, Executive Director of APAH, said, “We are very pleased to receive recognition from the Smart Growth Alliance. As developers of affordable housing, we know how challenging it can be to produce new affordable units in a red-hot real estate market like Arlington. Working with our development partners, Paradigm Development Company, we believe this mixed-income development will add value to Arlington and the immediate neighborhood with respectfully designed housing while also creating an economic value to the County for future park needs.”
The SGA recognition program is now in its third year. Through the program, the Alliance highlights smart growth development proposals to raise awareness among public officials, citizen groups and developers of the long-term benefits of well-designed, pedestrian-oriented projects that incorporate a variety of uses and reduce dependency on autos as the sole means of mobility.
Sam Black, chairman of the SGA jury and senior counsel at Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP in Washington, said the Rosslyn Ridge redevelopment clearly meets the criteria set by the SGA for measuring project proposals. All proposals are judged from criteria, which look at the proposal’s location, physical design, access to transit, environmental design, and its benefits to the surrounding community. “Affordable housing is absolutely critical for the Washington region. This proposal is a first-rate example of how to encourage more affordable and market rate units near transit in a hyper-expensive market.”
Each quarter, the SGA evaluates project proposals in the Washington area that are under review or subject to review by local government regulatory agencies. Those representing the best examples of smart growth are publicized by the Alliance and highlighted by the Alliance during regular Alliance events. Since the recognition program began last year, the SGA jury has recognized more than a dozen applications in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
In addition to the development recognition program, the SGA is planning other activities, including a recognition program for conservation initiatives.
Information on the application process is available at www.sgalliance.org; or through e-mail:sga@uli.org
