January 20, 2026

Minutes Arlington Mill Civic Association

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

www.arlingtonmill.org

1.     Call to order.  Omari Davis called meeting to order at 7:30  Arlington Mill Community Center, Rm 527A.

2.    In Attendance: Miriam Bolanos, Ramiro Arevalo, Steve Lovell, Darren Hildebrand, Jeff Yeates, Carmen Mendoza, Bill Richardson

Agenda:  

1.  Miriam Bolanos – Update: There is an ArNac Plan for each one of the neighborhoods.  Arlington Mill was created in 2000.  Miriam suggests a committee created to update and create a draft for plans moving forward.  Ms. Martinez from Arlington County will work with the committee to implement the plan.  Any questions or if you want to be on the committee let Miriam know.  There’s a million-dollar infrastructure budget we can tap into.

2. Omari went to a meeting that focused on a government study to see if the current board structure works for us.  The number of council members per district may change.  Could take two or three years and no change may occur.  Board members Spain and Coffey were there at the meeting.  Civic federation meeting.  2nd Tuesday of every or every other month. 

3. Bill Richardson Low Residential Study Lot Coverage Reform vs. Low Residential Study – Low density study means single family homes.  We have no single family homes in Arlington Mill; however, the ripple effect of changes in property values will affect us.  Removal of medium houses replaced with Manor homes called in common terms, McMansions.  Arlington has 26 neighborhood civic associations.  Manor homes are VERY expensive.  Affects storm water and electrical gride issues.  House size is zoned currently, however the zones allow for very large homes to replace normal to small ones.  The smaller the lot larger percentage of it can be taken by the house.  Important issues created by this are: loss of trees and shade; changes in housing costs are concerns for neighbors as it increases the costs of the lots as more large houses displace small ones; larger houses take up more ground increasing water run off; larger homes consume consistently more energy to heat, cool and keep clean.  In Arlington, 125 houses a year are torn down and replaced with houses three times the size.  Modern staff study was done but would not look at all the issues.  They were concerned about  trees/environment, but will not consider the footage and loss of green ground an increase in impervious areas.  EHOs are multiunit houses up to six houses in one.  Decisions are pending about allowing these and how much lot coverage they will need.  Theory on why this is being allowed: Arlington is in a fiscal bind and wants higher tax revenue.  So, they ignore the manor home issue.  Ironically, Manor homes/McMansions are not selling well in South Arlington.  They are not a good investment to build in South Arlington which is why they are more prominent in the North.  Currently there is a Proposed tree canopy rule of 10-20% of lot but it is suggested 40% desired in ten to twenty percent.    

4. Ramiro Aravelo – update on Arlington Heights Condo situation.  Mr. Aravelo, a thirty-two year resident is appalled at changes to the housing in Arlington Mill and the way the residents are being treated.  These changes to the neighborhood not being communicated by Arlington Country.  112 units will be torn down for 1,600 units.  His mother has to give up her unit and pay 90K to buy a new place in the 1,600 unit establishment.  280K to move or you pay 90K for the new place.  This situation puts a retiree back in debt in their golden years.  Mr. Aravelo has talked or attempted to talk with Warner Beyer, Takis, and Lopez offices.  We need a housing liaison who speaks Spanish to talk to the residents who may not understand their rights are being violated.  North Arlington had already done class action lawsuits against Arlington country due to sketchy housing programs being foisted on the public.  Southwest Arlington may want to consider the same. 

5. President Omari Davis adjourned the meeting.

THE NEXT MEETING OF AMCA WILL BE MARCH 17 AT 7:30 PM AT THE ARLINGTON MILL COMMUNITY CENTER, 909 S. DINWIDDIE STREET.