Last night a standing room audience of more than 100 Westover residents slammed Arlington County Government for recent demolitions of affordable market rate apartments off North Kensington Street. The event was hosted by the Arlington Green Party and held at the Westover Public Library.
Angry Westover residents repeatedly denounced the demolitions. One stated that there are only three affordable places in Arlington: the streets, the homeless shelter, and the County jail.
Among the Arlington VIPs who spoke were John Reeder Chair of the Arlington Green Party, Joan Lawrence of the Arlington Historic Landmarks and Review Board, David Cristeal from CPHD, and Jennifer Winters, from Arlintonians for Housing Solutions. Independent candidate for County Board Audrey Clement also attended and passed out her campaign literature.
Unfortunately, the only remedy anyone could come up with would be for Westover to go for local historic designation, to forestall more demolitions.
The County Board, Planning Commission, Housing Commission, and reporters from the Post, ArlNow, and Inside Nova Arlington-Sun Gazette did not apparently attend.
Consequently, it's obvious that all of Westover will become a future target for mixed-use redevelopment, not just Westover's older garden apartments.
Barbara, 22205
