Architectural Advisory Board

Architectural Advisory Board City Hall Council Chambers, 300 Park Ave. Falls Church VA 22046 March 11, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. 1. Roll Call: Mr. Bitici, Mr. Osburn, Mr. Way, and Mr. Wong were present. Youth Representatives Evan Lankford and Daniel Ng were present as well. Mrs. Friedlander was absent. 2. Petitions: There were no petitions. 3. Consent Calendar: There were no consent items. 4. Old Business: There was no old business. 5. New Business: a. Feedback requested on FY 21-26 CIP Project for City- Wide LED Streetlight Plan. Project will include replacement street-lighting fixtures throughout the city, which will impact the look of streetscape in particular areas. To be presented by City Staff (Zak Bradley, DPW). Zach Bradley, DPW presented. The AAB recommend dark sky compliant fixtures where possible and that lighting used stays as close as possible to 2700 lumens temperature equivalent to incandescent lighting. b. Feedback and Recommendation to Planning Commission requested on the W&OD Dual Trails Site Plan, located along the existing W&OD Trail, between Little Falls St and Grove St RPC # 51-216-064 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential. MUNIS#:2019-1098. Includes presentation from the Applicant/Engineering Team. After comments by City Staff and presentations by Applicant/Engineering Team, the Board had the following questions. Responses by Applicant/Engineering Team follow. Have there been consideration of something other than stamped asphalt? The divider cannot be vertical for safety reasons. Grass or gravel present maintenance issues. Additionally, the trail is designed to best address storm water management rail designed as sloped, not crowned. What kind of pollinators will be used? Not focused on species, but durable and easy to maintain. Question on motion sensing. Lights have good capabilities and may have ability to daisy-chaining for continuity. Harry E. Wells Building • 300 Park Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 • 703-248-5015 • www.fallschurchva.gov  Question about buffer construction and color. What about durability and color longevity of thermoplastic? Plastic is fused into asphalt. Should be very durable. May fade but along the same characteristics of brick. About once every ten years to repave. As safety is of concern, this buffer may not present an actual solution as cyclists will still cross over to pedestrian section. Other trails have found success, but capacity increases could possibly lead to crossovers. Stamped asphalt may help deter cyclists from crossing over. This is better and more practical than physically separating trail. Does lighting conflict with current closure guidance? Trail is open 5am-9pm with user regulations. What happens where the trail currently has no room on side due to either ditches or berms? Earthwork will occur to fit trails. Responding to a question about the limited testing of the permeable surface, the Applicant stated this type of surface is unacceptable to cyclists and will only be used in limited pedestrian areas. Responding to a comment about increasing impermeable surface in the city, the Applicant stated this increase is offset by improved water retention strategies and increased planting and other landscaping. Mr. Osburn made a motion to recommend approval of the plan as submitted. Mr. Wong seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. 6. Other Business: a. Set date for AAB Annual Report to City Council - City staff will investigate May 4 or May 18 options. b. Mural on side of Founders Row – There may be a review of artwork by AAB and Arts & Humanities Council. Mr. Ng. recommended consideration of school artist contribution. 7. Minutes: a. Minutes from the January 8, 2020 Meeting - Mr. Wong made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Osburn seconded, and it passed unanimously. b. Minutes from the February 5 2020 Meeting - Mr. Wong made a motion to approve the minutes with the addition of the statement by Mrs. Friedlander to be inserted by Mr. Hollern. Mr. Bitici seconded, and it passed unanimously. 8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Harry E. Wells Building • 300 Park Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 • 703-248-5015 • www.fallschurchva.gov