Arlington County Board Regular Meeting | May 16, 2026

The Arlington County Board held its regular meeting on May 16, 2026, addressing several procurement and development-related matters. Key procurement discussions included the approval of a site plan amendment for the adaptive reuse of two office buildings at 1800 and 1901 South Bell Street in Crystal City, converting them into 315 residential units with ground-floor retail. This project aims to reduce office vacancy and increase housing supply, though it involves trade-offs such as delayed community benefits like the expansion of Center Park. The board also considered a site plan amendment for the Waverly Ridge townhouse project on Langston Boulevard, which proposes 47 townhouse units but was recommended for denial by staff due to deviations from the area plan, including lower density and lack of affordable housing. Despite staff's recommendation, the board approved the Waverly Ridge project with conditions addressing sustainability, stormwater management, and community benefits. The meeting included extensive public comment and board deliberation on housing affordability, land use, sustainability, and adherence to planning policies. Two consent agenda items were pulled for separate consideration, and the board voted to approve the remaining consent agenda items, including municipal bond issuance and neighborhood mini-grants. The meeting concluded with the board accepting a voluntary affordable housing contribution from the Waverly Ridge developer.