FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jewelyn Cosgrove, [email protected]
Larysa Kautz, president & CEO of Melwood, and Kamilah McAfee, president & CEO of Wesley Housing, issue this joint statement following the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board’s (HALRB) vote in favor of recommending historic designation for a portion of the former Nelly Custis School building:
“Melwood and Wesley Housing are disappointed in the HALRB’s recommendation to nominate a portion of the existing building as a Local Historic District. This decision differs from the findings of county staff and professional experts who determined that the building does not meet the county’s criteria for designation as a Local Historic District. The Planning Commission and County Board should support staff’s recommendation and not move forward with a Local Historic District designation of the property, especially given that alterations significantly compromised the building’s architectural integrity and historic fabric, as noted in the staff report.
“It appears that this process was initiated not based on the merits of historic preservation, but as a tool to hinder development. If the HALRB’s position stands, it opens the door to any neighbor stopping or slowing another private property owner’s decision the neighbor dislikes. We are concerned about the precedent this position may set for other private property owners in Arlington County and the impact this decision may have on our ability to deliver much-needed affordable housing and supportive services for individuals with disabilities in Arlington County on our private property.
“Melwood and Wesley Housing appreciate staff’s time and attention to the historic review process. We hope that the Arlington County Planning Commission and County Board will agree with the staff report and not support a Local Historic District on any part of the site. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the county and the community to ensure that the approved redevelopment of this property moves forward to enable Melwood and Wesley Housing to continue to serve Arlington residents in a meaningful and forward-looking way.”
About Melwood
Melwood is a family of companies with a shared vision of a world where people with disabilities are fully included. Melwood comprises three primary companies—Melwood Enterprises, Melwood Community Services, and Melwood Inc.—together serving as one of the nation’s leading advocates, service providers, and employers of people with disabilities and their caregivers. We offer employment, job placement, job training, life skills for independence, support services, and youth and community recreational services to more than 3,000 people each year in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. For more information, visit www.melwood.org.
About Wesley Housing
Wesley Housing, a leading nonprofit developer in Virginia and the District of Columbia, has worked to provide affordable rental housing for individuals and families for more than 50 years. Since its founding, Wesley Housing has emerged as a premier developer of affordable housing. Wesley Housing currently owns over 3,000 rental units, providing quality housing for thousands of individuals and families each year. Wesley Housing supplements housing with supportive services to build up the lives of more than 5,300 residents, including low- and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities and/or chronic disease. For more information, please visit www.wesleyhousing.org.
