Yesterday's Rosslyn Renaissance Urban Design Committee meeting raised a number of matters of interest to our community:

Zoning Commission Meeting – A Zoning Commission meeting (to have been held last night) was going to discuss a zoning change proposal to allow the present density limits for CO Rosslyn to be relaxed from the present restrictions of 10 FAR and 300 feet ASE upon a transfer of density to the site from elsewhere in Arlington. Apparently the county believes that CO Rosslyn is an appropriate "receiving site" for transferred density from elsewhere in the county. The measure is expected to be advertised later this fall with a public comment period.

1812 North Moore St. – the developer, Monday Properties will be seeking a minor site plan amendment. Chiefly of interest to the community is the proposed extended hours of operation for construction as detailed in my other posting of today. Rosslyn Renaissance expects to gather together developers, residents (NRCA, RAFOM), and other affected parties (principally the hotels) to discuss the extension proposal. RAFOM stated that it will back NRCA's position on the matter. Also of note in the site plan amendment is that placing the cooling towers at the base of the building rather than on the roof increased the sizes for ductwork and risers, with the result that excavation needs to include an additional level to accommodate a fifth level of subterranean parking. This is not good news for the developer as it means additional blasting away at bedrock. Best case start of excavation will be January 2, 2009.

Central Place – In one or two weeks, demolition will begin on the old Burger King Building (white building). 1730 N. Lynn is still partially occupied . Demolition of that building is expected in late December or early January. The skywalks scheduled for demolition will be removed at that time. Best case start of excavation will be January 2, 2009.

Turnberry – The topping out ceremony is this afternoon. Of course, additional building height will come from structures masking rooftop equipment. Installation of stone facing on the lower building is scheduled to begin in early January. Turnberry is running ahead of schedule and anticipates completion by next summer.

Jennifer