Do You Want a 9-Story Neighbor?

Misleading flyers are being circulated to drum up opposition to a mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the East Falls Church area of Arlington, VA., says Michael Perkins. His answer to the flyer's question? Yes.

1 minute read

June 10, 2010, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Perkins talks about the danger of such flyers: "Since the proponents of the development plan bear more of the burden of proof when it comes to advocating change, it is often enough for opponents to raise vague concerns about issues, rather than actually prove that there will be a problem."

He says the truth is somewhere in between: "One flyer has a picture of a boxy tower with the caption, "Do you want a 9-story neighbor?" It states that the plan would allow "buildings" up to nine stories. The truth is that the plan would allow one building of up to 9 stories, but only far from houses and in exchange for a significant community benefit. "

Public hearings before the County Board are continuing through the summer.

Thursday, June 10, 2010 in Greater Greater Washington

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

People vote in Chicago behind blue privacy screens

Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners

Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents

5 hours ago - Block Club Chicago

Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks into a microphone. He wears a gray suit.

NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting

New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.

6 hours ago - The City Reporter

People in Los Angeles going to the polls, following a sign with an "I Voted" design

California appears to reject Prop. 45

The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.

7 hours ago - Cal Matters