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Board approves $475,000 renovation and renaming of small Crystal City park to 23rd Street Plaza
Summary
The County Board approved a TIF‑funded renovation of a small public space at 23rd Street South and South Eads Street (estimated budget $475,000) to add lighting, seating and landscaping; the National Landing BID contributed $49,999 toward lighting and the board approved the name "23rd Street Plaza."
Arlington County on Nov. 18 approved a use permit and a $475,000 tax‑increment‑financing (TIF)‑funded renovation for the small public site at 23rd Street South and South Eads Street in Crystal City and formally renamed the site "23rd Street Plaza."
Parks staff said the renovation will replace existing surfacing, add seating, new lighting to improve visibility and safety, and install new plantings; the project is estimated at $475,000 and includes design, permitting, soft costs and construction. The National Landing Business Improvement District pledged $49,999 toward lighting to address safety concerns raised during outreach.
Bethany Heim of the Department of Parks and Recreation reviewed public engagement on the design and the name: two online engagements, presentations to the Aurora Highlands Civic Association and other commissions, and majority support for the name "23rd Street Plaza." The Aurora Highlands Civic Association and the National Landing Assembly supported the name; the Park and Recreation Commission favored an alternative name but did not object to the recommendation.
Local restaurant owners and the National Landing BID spoke in support, calling the pocket plaza the gateway to 23rd Street's restaurant row and arguing the lighting and materials will improve safety and the customer experience. Board members said the project uses restricted TIF funds for improvements within the Crystal City TIF boundary and that the site is one of the limited county‑owned public spaces where those dollars can be spent.
Board Member De Ferrante moved to approve the use permit and the renaming; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The board directed staff to proceed with design, permitting and construction using the TIF funding already appropriated in the CIP.
