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Comments Closed - North Quincy Street Site Landscaping Enhancements

*This engagement period closed on October 21, 2022.*

Arlington County will replenish the landscaping, fence, and walkway along the south border of the North Quincy Street site. Improvements are intended to preserve the natural resources and enhance the environment. Enhancements will include the following:

1. Fencing upgrades (planned for Fall 2022): Click here to view and vote on the proposed options for fencing enhancements (Note: voting closed October 21).

2. Tree and shrub planting (planned for April - May 2023): Review the landscaping plan below.

For more information, including a copy of the slides presented during the October 12 community meeting, visit the project webpage.

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(Meeting comment) There was a mulch walkway along the Quincy site property years ago, but it did not last.
(Meeting comment) Add pretty and tall trees at the N. Nelson Street dead end/cul-de-sac to help block sounds and building view.
(Meeting comment) Open area near Q3 is used for sledding and some neighbors would like to maintain that area. Can the landscaping plan be adjusted to accommodate sledding area?
(Email comment) I like the mix of evergreens and trees with leaves and the number of new plantings and the walkway to the park. The cryptomeria look great – those are a nice type of tree that has done well in our neighborhood.
(Email comment) Retain existing healthy trees in Q1 and do not plant too many new trees in Q1 that would block the view of N. Quincy Street.
(Meeting comment) The “white canvas” wall on Q1 occasionally receives graffiti – consider planting shrubs along the building to discourage graffiti and save on cleanup costs.
(Email comment) Consider smaller magnolias in Q1 that would provide screening for Building 1.
(Email comment) Consider a green roof on Building 1.
(Meeting comment) Consider green screening on Building 1.
(Email comment) Do not plant dense groundcover that would attract rodents, pests, and undesirable insects.
(Email comment) Do not plant invasive groundcover.
(Email comment) Do not plant messy trees like Cryptomeria, Magnolias, and White Oaks near residential property lines that will drop leaves, acorns, pollen, or seed pods into neighboring yards.
Suggestion
I strongly urge that this project incorporate ONLY plants that are native to Arlington County. We have a wonderful local plant palette and there is no reason to include species that do not originate here. Further, I would suggest that an important part of any selection be how many native insect populations the trees support. Some trees are much better than others at supporting a wide range of insect species. Finally, I would strongly urge the county to only plant specimens that would be a local ecotype, and to completely avoid cultivars or nativars of any species.
Suggestion
As previously suggested, let’s meet to discuss this section 1 regarding the proposed landscaping and fence option. I don’t want to clutter this map with all my comments and questions. Thanks.
Suggestion
Listen to the comments of those whose property abuts the site. Maximize greenspace as much as possible.
Suggestion
ACZO Section 14.2.4E.1(b) stipulates that a wall or fence around the border of a parking area "shall consist of durable material so arranged that direct light cannot penetrate the face thereof." The existing dilapidated fence did not meet this requirement even when first installed. It would seem that only a vinyl fence would meet this ACZO provision, given the state of disrepair that the County knowingly allows to occur on County-owned property. Whatever landscaping materials are chosen for the area immediately behind my residence, the County should be aware that if the trees overhang onto my property that will create the need for me to clean up the leaves or other droppings from such materials. As such, my strong preference is form evergreen materials other than cryptomeria, which is a very "dirty" evergreen.
The neighborhood is gathering consolidated comments and will send by separately by email. In the meantime, this form to allow placement of comments on the landscape options was easy to use and communicate - thanks.
On the fencing choice, ornamentation (with openings) at the top (as in the picture of the cedar fence) does not seem useful. Perhaps such ornamentation is not intended. Instead, it would be useful for the fence choice to have no openings.
As communicated by others, better routine maintenance of the site would be appreciated. The prior owner had better maintenance on invasive spread, weeds, etc., that have been growing into neighboring yards. It sounds like there is a plan for this with the 5-year focused invasive plan that was discussed in the in person meeting.
Please explore evergreens in this area.
See the point on cryptomeria above for this section.
I don't know much about mountain mint, but, in general, I understand mints are problematic because they spread. It would be good to know about anything on the plan that would spread into the neighboring yards.
The viburnum look good.
Suggestion
There are nearby cryptomeria trees that have had issues. While nice looking trees, we would like to talk with the landscaper about some other options due to potential disease spread - and also have questions about the location of evergreens in this section. In general evergreens in this area are much preferred.
Question
On behalf of a neighbor whose property abuts the Quincy site, but was unable to submit this comment: "My main concern is how the county plans to do the landscaping after they've planted all these new shrubs and trees. Since our property abuts the Quincy site (1418 N. Nelson), we have been especially affected by the fact that the lawn mowing has always stopped several feet from the fence we share and the county property around the hammerhead has been totally neglected. When I've complained in the past, the county has used weed wackers to go over parts of those areas, but they only do it when I complain."
This is a great plan to not only help reduce any potential noise, but also provide privacy to the residents and make the area more aesthetically pleasing. Well done, Team DES!
Suggestion
Plant much Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), replacing other new plants wherever possible. A U.S. Forest Service publication at link describes Common Milkweed and its growing conditions. The publication states: "Common milkweed is Nature's mega food market for insects. Over 450 insects are known to feed on some portion of the plant. Numerous insects are attracted to the nectar-laden flowers and it is not at all uncommon to see flies, beetles, ants, bees, wasps, and butterflies on the flowers at the same time. .... In the northeast and midwest, it is among the most important food plants for monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus)."
Suggestion
Proposes path should include ADA ramp from N Nelson St
Suggestion
The proposed path / stairs should also include parallel ADA ramp.
Suggestion
The landscaping plan and path should extend to the terminus of 15th St N.
Suggestion
The chainlink fence at the SE corner of the site that leads to Hayes Park should be removed.
Suggestion
While the site plan can be update administratively, the covenant cannot. Any changes to the original site plan must be approved by all the parties to the covenant, and the deed of covenant updated with the land records. This also includes other recent changes made to the portion of the site controlled by the covenant.
Suggestion
Remove no trespassing / no bicycles signs throughout the site
Suggestion
I think the landscaping plan will greatly help serve as a buffer from the noise and pollution generated at the site. While i like milkweed, it is not tall enough to be a buffer. The viburnum grows much taller. If the landscape architect agrees with replacing the mountain mint with milkweed, it’s ok with me. I would appreciate if the plan included language regarding ongoing maintenance of the grounds and plantings.
Suggestion
More details are needed in the survey but, beyond that, Arlington County should provide the neighborhood with a meaningful maintenance schedule for the entirety of the tract. As it has been, there has been practically zero maintenance and the neighborhood deserves a written commitment from the county on maintenance.
Suggestion
Replace all 21 Mapleleaf viburnum plants with at least 40 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) plants. Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed only on milkweeds. Common Milkweed is the only plant on which Monarch Butterflies prefer to lay eggs and which grows well in Arlington's natural areas. Although the flowers of Mapleleaf viburnum feed some native pollinators, plantings of Common Milkweed will help implement the County Board's 2016 Monarch Pledge (see link) to a greater extent than will plantings of Mapleleaf viburnum. Monarch butterfly populations are declining throughout the United States. Arlington's development has displaced much of the County's Common Milkweed, thus contributing to the Monarchs' decline.
Suggestion
Replace all 21 Mapleleaf viburnum plants with at least 40 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) plants. Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed only on milkweeds. Common Milkweed is the only plant on which Monarch Butterflies prefer to lay eggs and which grows well in Arlington's natural areas. Although the flowers of Mapleleaf viburnum feed some native pollinators, plantings of Common Milkweed will help implement the County Board's 2016 Monarch Pledge (see link) to a greater extent than will plantings of Mapleleaf viburnum. Monarch butterfly populations are declining throughout the United States. Arlington's development has displaced much of the County's Common Milkweed, thus contributing to the Monarchs' decline.
Suggestion
Do not include Mountain Mint in this or any other landscaping plan. Mountain mint will quickly overpower and over-grow other plants if given the chance. The plant can take over beds and become a difficult weed to manage. For additional information about Mountain Mint, see "Gardening Know How: Mountain Mint Information: Growing Mountain Mint In The Garden" at link.
Suggestion
Do not include Mountain Mint in this or any other landscaping plan. Mountain mint will quickly overpower and over-grow other plants if given the chance. The plant can take over beds and become a difficult weed to manage. For additional information about Mountain Mint, see "Gardening Know How: Mountain Mint Information: Growing Mountain Mint In The Garden" at link.
Suggestion
Do not include Mountain Mint in this or any other landscaping plan. Mountain mint will quickly overpower and over-grow other plants if given the chance. The plant can take over beds and become a difficult weed to manage. For additional information about Mountain Mint, see "Gardening Know How: Mountain Mint Information: Growing Mountain Mint In The Garden" at link.
Suggestion
This form does not correctly copy more than one link in each comment. Please therefore note that the correct link for the picture of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is link.
Suggestion
This form does not correctly copy more than one link in each comment. Please therefore note that the correct link for information about the County Board's 2016 "Monarch Pledge" is link.
Suggestion
This form does not correctly copy more than one link in each comment. Please therefore note that the correct link for information about Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is link.
Suggestion
This form does not correctly copy more than one link in each comment. Please therefore note that the correct link to information about Mountain Mint is link.
Suggestion
Delete my suggestion at left, which contains incorrect links. Add the following suggestion: Replace all 45 Mountain Mint planting with 45 plantings of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Common Milkweed grows best in sunny areas (see link). Mountain Mint prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade (see link). Plantings of Common Milkweed can therefore replace Mountain Mint throughout this site. Add the Mature growth of Common Milkweed (3-5'), as described at link. Common Milkweed's usual mature growth is similar to that of Mountain Mint, although it may reach 8' under ideal conditions. Add a picture of Common Milkweed (such as the one at link, which is in the public domain).
Add a total of at least 200 Common Milkweed plants to the entire site. There is sufficient available green space on the site to accommodate at least 200 such plants. The addition of Common Milkweed plantings will help implement the County Board's 2016 "Monarch Pledge" (see link). Monarch butterfly populations are declining throughout the United States. Arlington's development has removed much Common Milkweed, which is the only plant that Monarch butterflies prefer when laying eggs and that survives well in Arlington's natural areas.
Suggestion
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) grows best in sunny conditions (see link). Mountain mint also prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade (see link). Common milkweed plantings can therefore replace mountain mint plantings throughout this site.
Suggestion
Add a picture of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), such as the one at link. That picture is in the public domain and can therefore be used in this document.
Suggestion
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) grows best in sunny conditions (see link).
Mountain mint also prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade (see link). Common milkweed plantings can therefore replace mountain milkweed plantings in Section 4.

Suggestion
Add at least 30 plantings of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) to the areas outside of the circles that represent the existing trees that will remain. It appears that those areas can contain 30 such plants. Add an illustration of Common Milkweed (such as the one at link). That illustration is in the public domain and can therefore be used in this document. Common Milkweed grows well in sunny areas, but does not grow well in the shade. For information about the growing conditions for Common Milkweed, see link
Suggestion
Add 10 plantings of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) to the areas outside of the circles that represent the existing trees that will remain. Common Milkweed grows well in sunny areas, but does not grow well in the shade. Add an illustration of Common Milkweed such as the one at link. That illustration is in the public domain and can therefore be used in this document. For information about the growing conditions for Common Milkweed, see link.