Arlington County Board Faces Community Outcry Over Hotel Pentagon Development Project

Arlington County Board members faced a wave of community concerns during the April 9, 2025, recessed meeting, primarily centered around a proposed development project in the Green Valley neighborhood. Residents voiced strong opposition to the project, which seeks to build over 500 housing units, citing fears of increased traffic, insufficient affordable housing, and potential gentrification.

Anshu Sharma, a resident of the Penrose neighborhood, urged the board to approve the project, emphasizing the critical need for diverse housing options amid a national housing shortage. He argued that building more units is essential to alleviate the crisis, despite concerns about the number of affordable units included in the plan.

Conversely, Jacqueline Coachman, a long-time Green Valley resident, highlighted the project's potential negative impact on traffic and community dynamics. She criticized the developer for opting for a higher density than necessary and called for a partnership with local organizations to address community needs, such as daycare facilities.

Anne Bodine from Arlingtonians for Sustainable Future echoed these sentiments, advocating for a delay in the project to negotiate better terms that would benefit the Green Valley community. She pointed out that the proposed density could exacerbate existing issues, including traffic congestion and the risk of displacing long-standing residents.

Judith Davis, representing the Green Valley Civic Association, expressed frustration over the lack of meaningful community engagement in the planning process. She warned that approving the project without addressing key concerns could lead to irreversible harm to the neighborhood's character and history.

Portia Clark and Tia Alford also raised alarms about the potential for gentrification and the need for more affordable housing options tailored to current residents. Alford specifically called for a deferral of the decision, emphasizing the importance of a thorough review of the project's implications on traffic and community safety.

As the board deliberates, the voices of Green Valley residents underscore the critical balance between development and community preservation, highlighting the need for thoughtful planning that respects the history and needs of all Arlington residents. The board's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of this contentious project and its impact on the community.