Falls Church resident urges city outreach after release of 60% Greening of Lincoln plans

Elizabeth Bennington, a Falls Church resident who lives at 900 Lincoln Avenue, told the Planning Commission on June 4 that she and her husband — who previously owned 902 Lincoln Avenue — were surprised that the city issued 60% design plans without the level of outreach the resident said accompanied earlier work.

"Why has the city not engaged with the community about the Lincoln Avenue 60% plan like it did for the 30% plan?" Bennington asked during public comment.

Planning Department staff said the commission has not yet seen the updated plans. Planning Department staff Henry Zhang told the commission, "we're going to schedule this item before the planning commission, maybe next or the following meeting," and commissioners said they expect the item to appear on an upcoming agenda.

Commissioners and staff explained the project is a Public Works capital improvements program (CIP) project rather than strictly a planning-led rezoning or development case, and that early outreach had occurred during the 30% design phase more than a year ago. Planning Commissioner Andrew Kravinsky asked staff to ensure Bennington's written letter is forwarded to Public Works and included in the commission packet when the project returns for formal review.

The commission did not take formal action on the project during the June 4 meeting. Staff and commissioners said the project will be placed on a future agenda so commissioners can review the 60% plans and hear additional public comment.

Looking ahead, staff advised neighbors to expect the item within the next two to four weeks; a precise date was not specified at the June 4 meeting.