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Planning commission hears director's report on Dominion W&OD tree cutting, 'Missing Link' sidewalk funding and advance meeting
Summary
At its March 19 meeting the Falls Church Planning Commission received a director's report noting Dominion Energy's recent tree removal along the W&OD Trail, an update on the 'Missing Link' sidewalk program and the scheduling of a commission advance that will include cottage‑housing and comprehensive plan discussions.
The Falls Church City Planning Commission received updates from staff on several informational items at its March 19 meeting, including recent tree removal along the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail by Dominion Energy, a status update on the city’s 'Missing Link' sidewalk program and scheduling details for the commission’s annual advance.
Henry Zhang, the deputy interim deputy planning director, told commissioners that Dominion Energy has begun tree clearing along the W&OD corridor and that the city’s memorandum from Noah Park asks the utility to revise its vegetation‑management approach. Zhang said the memo requests, among other items, an increased maximum planting height (from 10 feet toward 20 feet) and more native plantings and pollinator‑friendly species to avoid wholesale tree removal within the right‑of‑way. Commissioners noted that Dominion had already cut the first four miles of the corridor in adjacent localities.
Zhang also presented an update on the Missing Link sidewalk program. He summarized the two attachments provided to commissioners: the city manager’s background memo and a DPW operational report. The manager’s memo divides potential sidewalk priorities into four tiers and identifies possible funding; Zhang told the commission that about $650,000 has been tentatively allocated for FY 2026 for the Missing Link work. Staff said the program will prioritize sidewalks that must meet PROWAC and ADA standards and fill gaps on streets currently lacking sidewalks.
Commissioners asked whether W&OD trail entrances and off‑street trail segments (for example, bridge ramps and trail access points) are treated the same as curbside sidewalks for budgeting and priority purposes; staff replied that those areas are often handled separately (streetscape or trail maintenance) and that they would follow up with DPW to clarify which fund sources and tiers would apply.
The commission also discussed plans for a one‑evening advance (described by commissioners as a “hopes and dreams” session) scheduled for next week. Planned topics include comprehensive plan status and priorities, cottage‑housing status and post‑development reporting, and the planning division’s 2025 work plan. Commissioners requested that historical materials on a previously proposed cottage‑housing ordinance update (February 2020 work product and video) be circulated in advance so newer members have background information.
No formal actions were taken on these informational items; staff said follow‑up memos and clarifications would be provided to commissioners.
