Plans by VHC Health (Virginia Hospital Center) and the Arlington County government for a new facility on South Carlin Springs Road have drawn concern from the leaders of two adjacent civic associations.
“We are disappointed that no effort was made for meaningful engagement with us prior to the finalization of the letter of intent,” wrote Julie Lee, president of the Glencarlyn Civic Association, and Brian Glosh, president of the Forest Glen Civic Association, in a letter to County Board members and hospital officials.
“Collaborative engagement should begin immediately,” the civic-association presidents wrote.
Hospital officials and the county government on Jan. 24 announced plans to turn a part of the 5.8-acre South Carlin Springs Road site into an advanced rehabilitation and health-wellness facility, combined with expanded mental-health services.
The site previously had been used by the hospital, but in 2019 was traded to the county government for a parcel on North George Mason Drive that the hospital is using as part of an expansion effort.
The letter by the civic-association presidents was not hostile to the proposal’s potential, but said community involvement was key.
“Effective engagement will result in both a better plan and a smoother path forward during the review process,” they wrote.
The proposed land swap would involve just over half the 11.6-acre site going to the hospital organization. The final price would be determined by an appraiser based on fair-market value.
Of the remainder, some is likely to stay in its natural state and about 4.5 acres would be reserved by the county government for future use.
The deal is contingent on the hospital organization receiving both local zoning and state regulatory approval for the project.
