This note describes briefly how we won the right to a County Board vote on Wilson School (date not yet set); and suggests that we should prepare for a major turn-out at the decisional County Board meeting.

Background:
The Arlington County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) recently over-ruled the building-permit granted for most of the trailers at Wilson School. They instead ordered that the trailers be subject to a use-permit evaluation process. While Arlington Public Schools (APS) might appeal this decision, the most likely next step will be one or more public hearings (dates not yet set) leading to a decisional item before the County Board. This is a breakthrough because all decisions on Wilson School till now have been accomplished administratively under APS auspices, with limited public input.

Action:
We should use the upcoming hearings as an opportunity to lobby for our vision of Wilson School. We have a broad vision of how Wilson School should serve the community --- one which involves retaining the site for use as a school when it's needed; and dedicating it to recreation, community service, and art education and presentation right now. Let's enunciate it to our decision makers! We can ask them to restore the recreation fields ASAP, and encourage (rather than tolerate) community and art use of the Wilson School.

You can expect:
NRCA will follow up with information on hearing dates. I think we will also send out a broad call to civic organizations to speak to the County Board on Wilson School.

Please feel free to pass this 'heads up' note along to other civic-minded individuals or groups. Thanks.