The preparation of this conservation plan had its beginning when a cellular telephone company sought to install a monopole atop the Minor Hill water storage facility. Minor Hill is the highest point in Arlington County and is of significant historical importance not only to residents of the Williamsburg area but to all county residents. The Williamsburg Civic Association was revitalized to deal with this perceived threat to our neighborhood.

At the same time, Association leaders discovered the many positive features of the county's Neighborhood Conservation Program. They realized that protecting the community's interests would be easier if residents worked together to identify concerns and formulate solutions.

The Williamsburg Civic Association began work on this conservation plan in March 1997, when the Association sent a letter of commitment to the county and joined the Arlington County Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee. In April 1997, a steering committee was organized and began meeting regularly to define general guidelines for developing a conservation plan.

Using input from the Metro Area Planning Group, Arlington County staff, and members of other civic associations, the steering committee compiled a multi-part questionnaire to identify the preservation, safety and public improvement goals of area residents. The questionnaire was hand-delivered to over 1,000 households and businesses in July 1997, and 252 responses were returned. The responses were collated and analyzed by the steering committee, and a meeting was held in December 1997, to brief residents on the survey results. At the same meeting, the steering committee organized volunteers into task groups so work could begin on a list of goals and recommendations.

The questionnaire, walking surveys of the neighborhood, and discussions with residents provided the steering committee with a clearer definition of the neighborhood's concerns and priorities for improvements. In addition, the effort involved a substantial collection of data and background information and an analysis of ways to correct problems. As ideas were raised, they were presented to the neighborhood in newsletters and at Association meetings.

The initial draft plan was presented at a civic association meeting in June 1999, and copies were distributed to all interested residents and property owners for their comments and suggestions. County staff also commented and made recommendations on this draft plan. Based on all comments received, the draft was revised extensively, and a meeting on the final draft took place in September 1999, at which time the Williamsburg Neighborhood Conservation Plan was endorsed by residents.

This conservation plan embodies the principle that Williamsburg will continue to flourish as long as residents and property owners work together to improve their neighborhood. Preparation of this plan has enhanced neighborhood identify, strengthened the sense of shared commitment to civic activism, boosted interest in the history of the Williamsburg area, and has given new direction and a clearer sense of purpose and priorities to the Williamsburg Civic Association as a representative voice of the community.

This conservation plan presents general as well as specific suggestions and project proposals for the Williamsburg community. It will serve as an effective framework to guide the neighborhood as it addresses issues and problems that arise. The Association's leadership recommends that the plan be reviewed and updated after six to eight years, and every ten years thereafter.

Throughout this plan, the terms Williamsburg Civic Association, civic association and Association are used interchangeably. All refer solely to the Williamsburg Civic Association.