Arlington Board approves 531‑unit Pentagon Motel site plan after contentious debate; neighbors seek more protections

The Arlington County Board on April 9 approved a package of land‑use changes and a site plan amendment for a redevelopment commonly referred to as the “Pentagon Motel” site at 2480 South Glebe Road. The approvals include a General Land Use Plan amendment changing the parcel’s land‑use designation from service industry to medium residential, a Master Transportation Plan map amendment adding new local street segments, and a site plan amendment that would allow up to 531 residential units with related modifications.

Board action and vote: The board’s motions to adopt the GLUP change, the transportation map amendment and the site plan amendment were moved and seconded on the floor; the final site plan motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention (4–0–1).

What the decision authorizes: If built as proposed, the site would be redeveloped from two aging motel properties and a surface parking lot into a large multifamily development with publicly accessible open space, a new internal street network and pedestrian improvements. The site plan package includes a public‑easement requirement for a new open space and a condition to pursue future local…