Most of the development and construction in the Williamsburg community occurred before Arlington County adopted its first General Land Use Plan (GLUP) in 1961. The current residential zoning designation for Williamsburg is R-6, one residence per 6,000 square feet in building lot. Under GLUP, the area is designated as low density residential, one to ten units per acre. Housing is almost totally single-family detached homes, and survey responses indicate residents wish to preserve this characteristic. There is currently one small neighborhood shopping area (zoned C-1) in Williamsburg. Residents do not support additional commercial development.

There is increasing pressure for redevelopment in Williamsburg. The relatively large lots, modest older homes, and convenient location make the community potentially attractive for higher density development. A majority of residents strongly oppose higher density. The Williamsburg Civic Association supports the Arlington County Board resolution of March 15, 1980, on Neighborhood Conservation Program policy which states, "The County Board, in its consideration of land use and zoning changes, use permits, and site plans will give full consideration to the recommendations of the [neighborhood conservation] plan within the context provided by Virginia Supreme Court zoning decisions and enabling legislation."

Sidewalks, Curbs and Streets

The neighborhood survey indicated that most of Williamsburg has an adequate infrastructure of sidewalks, curbs and gutters. Most of those who responded indicated a willingness to share in the costs of installation. The property owners who do not support installation of sidewalks cited the need to remove existing trees or shrubs as the reason for their opposition. The civic association supports the installation of sidewalks, curbs and gutters in any location where it is supported by property owners through submission of a qualifying petition (or compliance with standard Neighborhood Conservation procedures).

Walking surveys revealed that the general condition of sidewalks, curbs and gutters ranged from adequate to poor, and there is an urgent need for maintenance in a number of places. A few streets in Williamsburg are of a tar-and-chip material which was laid in the 1950's. These streets need resurfacing with asphalt.

Recommendations

41. Install curbs, gutters and sidewalks on the north side of Little Falls Road from John Marshall Drive to Ohio Street.

42. Replace the current tar-and-chip street surface with asphalt on John Marshall Drive and other applicable locations.

43. Install curbs and gutters around the large landscaped median located near 3100 John Marshall Drive.

Lighting

Street lighting is generally adequate throughout the Williamsburg area. Most current lighting is cobra lights mounted on utility poles. Many residents have expressed interest in replacing the cobra lights with pedestrian-style lighting as a beautification measure. The civic association supports the installation of pedestrian-style street lighting in any location where is it supported by residents through submission of a qualifying petition (or compliance with standard Neighborhood Conservation procedures).

Recommendation

44. Install additional street lighting at the following locations:

a. Ohio Street between Little Falls Road and 35th Street.
b. 3600 block of Rockingham Street.
c. Ottawa Street cul-de-sac off 35th Street.
d. Powhatan Street between 28th and 29th Streets.
e. Along Trinidad Street adjacent to Bishop O'Connell High School.
f. John Marshall Drive from the county line to 27th Street.
g. Kensington Street cul-de-sac off Little Falls Road.
h. Roosevelt and 27th Streets.
i. Along the pedestrian path between Kensington and 27th Streets.

Survey results indicate residents are concerned about graffiti, vandalism and loitering in areas around the Williamsburg Neighborhood Shopping Center, Minor Hill, and Nottingham Elementary School. Residents are particularly concerned about teenagers and others who congregate at the lower end of the Minor Hill reservoir platform to drink and possibly to use drugs. Resulting noise and litter are adversely impacting the neighborhood around the site.

Recommendations

45. Install appropriate lighting in the following areas:

a Williamsburg Neighborhood Shopping Center.
b. Williamsburg Traffic Circle.
c. Nottingham Elementary School.
d. Along the boundaries and paths of Emily Sharp Park and Minor Hill.

46. Install appropriate lighting at the lower end of the reservoir platform on Minor Hill. Clearing underbrush and trimming trees may be necessary for lighting to be effective.

Neighborhood Signs

Because the Williamsburg community is almost entirely residential, most people passing through are not aware of the neighborhood's identify. Newer residents also have trouble identifying the boundaries of the Williamsburg Civic Association. Neighborhood signs at entrances to the community or in prominent locations within the community would help to identify Williamsburg.

Recommendation

47. Install neighborhood signs at appropriate entrances to the neighborhood. For example:

a. The traffic triangle at the junction of Little Falls Road, Kensington Street and Yorktown Boulevard.
b. On the median at the intersection of Sycamore and 26th Streets.
c. On the median at the intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard and Kensington Street.
d. Near the intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard and Trinidad Street.