Updated: Public Hearing on W&OD Trestle Historic Designation
On Tuesday, June 17, the Arlington County Board will hold a public hearing on a Request to Advertise (RTA) a public hearing to consider the local historic designation of Benjamin Elliott’s Coal Trestle, located at 6873 Lee Highway.
This coal trestle is one of the last remnants of the East Falls Church industrial/commercial hub. It was listed on Arlington’s Most Endangered Historic Places List in both 2013 and 2014.
This RTA and local historic designation will cover only the remaining part of the trestle, which is on land owned by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA). On June 5, 2014, the portion of the trestle located on private property was unceremoniously destroyed by the landowner despite months of discussions with Arlington County on a cooperative effort to retain all of the trestle. The landowner has agreed to donate to Arlington County the actual metal track that was removed.

This sudden demolition was covered in local media with both ArlNow and the Washington Post covering the demolition and the loss of historic resources.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is supportive of the request. The staff report on this item provides a fantastic survey of the property and the importance of this siding.
***UPDATE: Preservation Arlington has submitted these comments on the designation for consideration by the County Board at tonight’s hearing.***
The Arlington County Board will meet on Tuesday, June 17.
3:00 PM County Business and Reports
6:30 PM Consent Agenda
7:00 PM (no earlier) Regular Hearing (recessed from Saturday)
2100 Clarendon Boulevard
Third Floor