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Residents urge ADA fixes at Cherrydale, suggest reusing Crystal City library funds for Aurora Hills
Summary
Speakers at the Arlington CIP hearing pressed the board to budget ADA upgrades for Cherrydale Library, to consider directing $6 million set aside for a Crystal City library toward renovating Aurora Hills, and to accelerate Lee Center funding and scope to deliver a usable community hub sooner.
At the Arlington County public hearing on the FY2027–2036 capital improvement plan, several residents urged the board to prioritize neighborhood libraries and community centers.
Michael Gessel, president of Citizens for Cherrydale Library, told the board that most of Cherrydale’s main floor is ramp‑accessible but the upstairs balcony used for programs requires stairs. "Citizens for Cherrydale Library requests funding within the CIP to address the accessibility needs of Cherrydale Library so that it is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act," Gessel said, urging the board to include ADA improvements rather than sending a message that the library’s future is uncertain.
Michael Scruggs, a Crystal City resident, noted that $6,000,000 set aside by developer JBG Smith for a Crystal City library could be used to renovate the nearby Aurora Hills Library as a faster, lower‑cost way to serve residents. "So just wanna throw it out there for the board to consider, instead of just having those funds sit there," Scruggs said.
Jean Hensroth urged the board to move Lee Center funding from fiscal years 2035–36 to no later than FY2028 and to reduce the project budget from roughly $20 million to $10 million to produce a realistic, usable building. She warned the building has a failing roof and HVAC and said community feedback should shape the center’s future use.
Board members acknowledged the ideas and asked staff to follow up. Chair Deferanti thanked speakers for ideas and said the board will consider operational options and next steps before finalizing the CIP in July.
