Arlington Mill Community Center Open for Business

Post date: Sep 6, 2013 5:30:50 AM

eptember 03, 2013

• Programs, services start today

• Under pilot parking program, first 4 hours of parking are free

• Ribbon-cutting event Saturday, Sept. 21, 5:00 p.m.

ARLINGTON, Va. --- Arlington County’s newest full service community center opened for business today. Arlington Mill Community Center (AMCC) is a mixed-use building with a community center, gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, Pan-American Bakery café and parking garage. The center will offer recreational, social and learning opportunities for all, and will include space for recreational, cultural, and childhood development programs, and human services.

“Arlington Mill Community Center is the anchor for the entire Columbia Pike community,” said J. Walter Tejada, chairman of the Arlington County Board. “It is a key part of our efforts to improve community services and preserve affordable housing as we transform Columbia Pike into a more transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly Main Street.”

Easily accessible by public transportation, the center will serve as a cultural, educational and recreational hub. By the end of 2013, Arlington Mill Residences, 122 units of multi-family affordable housing, are expected to be completed on the site.

Under pilot parking program, first 4 hours is free

Arlington County is instituting a six-month pilot program for the AMCC parking garage. Under the pilot, parking is free for the first four hours; there is a charge for longer durations. Charging for parking is meant to ensure that the parking garage serves AMCC patrons and that the parking impact on the neighborhood is limited.

Parking fees are: first 4 hours are free; 4-5 hours $3; 5-6 hours $6; each additional hour $2; daily maximum $22. Overnight parking is available to the public, with 24-hour notice. Customers have two ways to pay for overnight parking: monthly pass ($30) or pre-paid debit card ($5 per night). During the pilot program, the County will monitor parking in the garage and make adjustments as necessary. The pilot program is set to begin Sept. 4; full details on the website.

Earlier today, the Arlington County Board convened a special public session to ratify the County Manager’s memorandum that lays out the pilot parking program. The measure passed, 3 to 2.

AMCC is easily reached by public transportation, on foot, and by bike. Metrobus and ART bus -- and eventually Columbia Pike streetcar -- stop directly in front of the center.

Ribbon-Cutting Event September 21

The community is invited to a ribbon-cutting event Saturday, September 21, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The program will include remarks from the County Board, a sneak peek of the center’s programs, light refreshments and an opportunity to sign up for classes at the center and live music.

Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. Slightly smaller than 26 square miles, it is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, and one of only a handful with the prized Aaa/AAA/AAA bond rating. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods and quality schools, and has received numerous awards for Smart Growth and transit-oriented development. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world -- including the Pentagon -- Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.