December 2, 2025

Members of the Arlington Planning Commission:

Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Becca Dedert, and I serve as the Virginia Housing Advocacy Specialist for the Coalition for Smarter Growth. CSG advocates for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the metro D.C. region to grow and provide opportunities for all.

After reviewing the proposed Phased Development Site Plan (PDSP) and the changes agreed upon through the Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC), we are testifying in support of rezoning the RiverHouse site to enable compact, pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented infill development. Being within walking distance of the Pentagon City Metro, these projects offer an opportunity to address Arlington’swell-documented housing shortage while leveraging our world class transit system to expand housing and economic access far into the future.

I have been a resident of Arlington County for the past six years. The county’s recent Affordable Housing Needs Analysis provided evidence of what many of us who live here were already well aware of. There are not enough homes in the county, particularly for households at the lowest incomes but also for those in middle-income brackets. We must take every opportunity to expand housing choice in the county, particularly where it is needed most – in neighborhoods with access to transit, jobs, and upward mobility.

We are especially supportive of the inclusion of on-site Committed Affordable Units in this large-scale project. This is an investment in our county’s economic and cultural vitality that will benefit our community, and region, for years to come.
As an environmentally conscious organization, we are also in favor of JBG Smith’s proposed community benefits, including the Green Ribbon connections throughout the project, the guarantee of LEED Gold certification, and the expansion of Virginia Highlands Park. The reduction in parking requirements and integration of infill development strategies are also smart growth practices we welcome.

We appreciate the hard work of the staff, developer, and members of the SPRC to refine this plan, and we urge you to support it by approving the proposed PDSP. T

hank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Becca Dedert
VA Housing Advocacy Specialist