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Vienna council waives frontage improvements for 348 Wendover Ave., asks to preserve trees
Summary
After public comment from neighbors and a recommendation from the Wendover Heights board, Vienna’s council voted Jan. 27 to waive required sidewalk/curb improvements for a single‑lot redevelopment at 348 Wendover Avenue NW, adding a condition that staff and the applicant make all efforts to preserve frontage trees.
The Vienna Town Council voted Jan. 27 to waive required public frontage improvements at 348 Wendover Avenue NW in the Wendover Heights Historic District, but attached a condition that all reasonable efforts be made to preserve trees on the lot’s frontage.
Andrea West, the town’s zoning administrator, told council the lot owner’s plan would require a sidewalk, curb, gutter and some tree removals; the Windover/Wendover Heights Board of Review had recommended that public improvements were not necessary for this site. Dozens of neighbors appeared during the public hearing with differing views: Penny Ozak and other residents warned that skipping sidewalks would encourage informal parking bays in the town right‑of‑way and harm pedestrian safety, while other speakers urged preservation of the district’s historic character and expressed concern about tree loss.
Council member Anderson moved to waive the requirements for this single‑lot redevelopment; Council member Baldwin proposed and won an amendment specifying that “all efforts shall first be made to preserve the trees on the frontage of the lot.” Council member Springsteen seconded the amended motion, and the full council voted unanimously to approve the waiver and the tree‑preservation condition.
Town staff said the developer remains responsible to fund construction of the sidewalk if the town later requires it and that any escrow or similar mechanism would require a formal sidewalk engineering plan. Council members also directed staff to pursue a longer‑term, community‑engaged vision for Wendover Heights infrastructure to guide future decisions.
What happens next: The applicant will proceed under the waiver; staff will explore tree‑preservation measures and report back. Council asked staff to develop a broader study and community process for a Wendover Heights streetscape vision.
