Letter: Arlington should support conversion of church property to housing – Inside NoVa – December 2, 2015
Letter: Arlington should support conversion of church property to housing – Inside Nova – December 2, 2015
Editor: We are writing as a collective body of Arlington clergy to express our support for the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH)’s proposed redevelopment of 3507 Columbia Pike (Arlington Presbyterian Church), which will be heard at the December County Board meeting.
Knowing the journey of the Arlington Presbyterian Church congregation, the reputation of the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, and the need for committed-affordable housing in Arlington County, we are excited that such a partnership has come into being. Through it, much-needed housing will serve the community.
The project will integrate several complementary components: community-outreach space, affordable housing and retail consistent with Form Based Code’s plan.
The development is expected to serve 173 low-income households, including families and individuals, within the residential component of the new building. The redevelopment will be an asset to the neighborhood overall, and the proposed mixed-use concept will become a lauded example of dynamic, creative partnerships between and among nonprofits and faith-based institutions.
As people of faith, we support our brothers and sisters at Arlington Presbyterian Church as they put their faith into action. We are heartened by their courage and creativity.
We encourage the County Board to approve the 3507 Columbia Pike project.
