The Arlington County Board heard a plea from the Green Valley Civic Association on June 14 for immediate, multi-agency action to address persistent public-safety problems in the Green Valley neighborhood.

"Visible illegal activity continues daily," said Yordanis Waldai, first vice president of the Green Valley Civic Association and lead on public safety. "Public drug and alcohol use, gambling, loud noise, loitering, and even violent incidents including drug dealing and gunfire" were cited as degrading the neighborhood, she said, and residents asked for a working group with measurable outcomes and consistent enforcement.

County response and steps underway: County staff and the police department told the board they have increased patrols and convened a Community Action Team to spend time in Green Valley, particularly at John Robinson Jr. Town Square. At the meeting, the county manager said: "As of May, we've had active foot patrols in Green Valley, and we also have been working closely with AHC on what's going on at the Shelton." The manager added that the county will publish regular statistics on interactions and arrests in the area and continue interagency work.

Board members acknowledged this is a long-term effort that requires many agencies. Board member Julius Spain Sr. said county officials and community leaders have met several times and promised continued engagement, including an upcoming closed session to discuss public-safety items and continued on-site work.

Resident requests and county options: Green Valley leaders asked for enforcement, code enforcement follow-up, beautification and programming to reclaim public spaces and for accountability from housing provider AHC. Staff noted possible tools include consistent ACPD enforcement, code enforcement, business outreach, and the residential parking program where applicable. The county also suggested the Green Valley Civic Association continue regular meetings with staff; a follow-up civic association meeting was referenced.

Ending: The county said it will continue foot patrols, publish regular interaction statistics and pursue interagency meetings. Residents asked for concrete timelines and measurable results; board and staff committed to continuing the multiagency response and further on-site engagement.