We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and concerned citizens of Arlington, Virginia, respectfully petition the Arlington County Board to reject Carr Properties’ proposal to convert the office building at 3033 Wilson Boulevard into an 8-story residential complex with retail space.

Our concerns are as follows:

Preservation of Clarendon/Lyon Village Character: The current structure at 3033 Wilson Boulevard is a crucial buffer between the bustling downtown and the serene residential areas. The introduction of a towering 8-story residential complex, coupled with over 6,000 square feet of retail space, threatens to erode the peaceful and quiet charm that makes Lyon Village such a desirable community. Prolonged construction noise, debris, and increased traffic will not only diminish property values but also degrade the quality of life for residents.

Harm to Vulnerable Communities: The proposed development would impose significant burdens on vulnerable groups, including worshippers at the Church at Clarendon and Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, dogs/owners of James Hunter Dog Park, and especially the children at Kidz Corner Daycare – who spend much of their day outside directly across the street. The relentless construction activity and increased vehicular and foot traffic pose significant risks to the health and well-being of these communities.

Adverse Impact on Existing Businesses: The businesses currently occupying 3033 Wilson Boulevard contribute vibrantly to the local economy and community, including a child psychology practice, a diabetes treatment center, and Layli, a newly opened restaurant. These enterprises would face closure or forced relocation. Additionally, the UPS store that previously operated at 3033 Wilson Boulevard has already shuttered due to the planned development. As a result, the UPS store in Courthouse is now completely overwhelmed, creating inconvenience for residents and businesses alike.

Increase in Crime: An influx of residents in an already densely populated area would exacerbate the rising crime rates in Clarendon, particularly around the Metro station, where incidents have been increasingly reported, especially at night. This would make the area less safe for residents and visitors, further detracting from the community's quality of life.

Loss of Critical Sidewalk Space: Carr Properties has requested modifications to the stepback requirements along Wilson Boulevard and North Highland Street. These stepbacks are vital for maintaining a pedestrian-friendly environment, ensuring safe and spacious sidewalks for the community. Reducing sidewalk space would diminish the appeal and accessibility of the area, impacting the well-being of residents who rely on these routes for walking and running.

Contradiction of the Clarendon 2022 Vision Plan: The Clarendon 2022 Vision Plan was crafted to preserve the balance and character of the area, emphasizing low-density residential and commercial spaces. The proposed high-density redevelopment would increase traffic and congestion, undermining the community’s long-term vision. The plan explicitly designates this area as Low Residential or Low Office-Apartment-Hotel, and the proposed conversion would violate these guidelines, eroding the very fabric of Clarendon and Lyon Village.

Violation of Zoning Regulations: While part of the property is zoned C-3 (General Commercial District), a significant portion is zoned R-5 (One-Family and Restricted Two-Family Dwelling District). The proposed 312-unit residential complex blatantly disregards the R-5 zoning rules, threatening the quiet, residential character of Clarendon and Lyon Village.

We urge Carr Properties and the Arlington County Board to reconsider this proposed conversion and to explore alternative proposals that align with the needs and values of our community, in strict adherence to the existing zoning regulations and the Clarendon Sector Plan.

By signing this petition, we voice our collective opposition to the conversion of 3033 Wilson Blvd into a residential complex with retail space, reaffirming our commitment to preserving the character, infrastructure, and environmental integrity of Arlington.