08-04-2025
Arlington residents raise concerns over Green Valley redevelopment project
ARLINGTON, Va. () — Arlington residents are raising concerns about a major redevelopment project they say could push Black families out of a historically-Black neighborhood.
The Green Valley redevelopment project aims to turn two hotels on South Glebe Road into residential units, creating 531 residential units and townhouses.
But, some Black residents in the area say most of the units would be unaffordable.
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'The number of affordable units to this project is … a pittance,' said Arlington resident Frederick Craddock. 'It's really embarrassing when you look at it.'
Renderings show the Green Valley redevelopment project would bring 494 units, 37 townhouses and 549 parking spaces to 2480 South Glebe Road.
The developers plan to make only nine of the units affordable.
'The expected income needed to purchase here, which I referenced before, is about $119,000,' said Anne Bodine with Arlingtonians for a Sustainable Future. 'And this shows you that [the] average African-American income in Arlington and the average Hispanic household income do not meet the need of requirements to qualify.'
Residents are also concerned that the proposed nine-story complex would impact traffic and overshadow the historic right next door.
'By allowing the developer to say, well, 'we'll have this level of affordable housing. We'll make a $2 million contribution to the affordable housing fund. And also we'll provide some other things like public art, some open space,'' said Rev. Adrian Nelson II with the church. 'Those are all things that are considered to be a community benefit, but they're not really a major benefit to those who live in this community.'
The Arlington County Board released a statement saying, in part, 'The Board heard from dozens of members of our community … the Board decided to defer to the upcoming Wednesday Board meeting to provide more time to deliberate and discuss.'
Venable LLP, which represents the developers of the project, also released a statement saying:
We have been working hard to further a compatible design with the project architect Hord Coplan Macht. Having started the dialogue with major local stakeholders back in November 2023, we are committed to continuing to work closely with all community members to deliver a viable project that provides significant benefits to the local area. The developers all share a commitment to delivering extraordinary properties, and will continue to meet or exceed Arlington County's requirements for the redevelopment of the 5.5 acres.
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