Progress on the redevelopment of the RiverHouse site in Pentagon City has taken a slow turn, meeting resistance from local residents during a recent site-plan review committee (SPRC) meeting.
Developer JBG Smith presented a revised proposal for 738 apartment and townhouse units across three parcels of land, while putting on hold over 2,000 other planned units. The meeting marked the third SPRC review, a necessary step before the proposal can be submitted to the Planning Commission and the County Board for further consideration.
Despite the developer’s intentions, concerns were voiced by several committee members regarding the scale of the proposal and the ongoing modifications to the plans. Rosamunda Ozgo, representing residents of the nearby Ridge House condominiums, expressed frustration about the direction of the process.
“We are in a derailed process,” Ozgo stated, questioning the transparency of discussions at the third meeting. “Why are these things being discussed in [meeting] number three? This process should have been in good faith and transparent, and it was not.”
Doubts about the county government’s reliability were echoed by other critics. “No offense, but I really don’t trust you — I don’t trust the county,” Jessica Dee, representing the Pentagon Ridge Condominium Association, articulated her concerns.
Dee criticized the development timetable that aims for the first phase’s approval while also adopting a phased-development site plan (PDSP) that could allow structures to extend over 20 stories in future phases.
Daniel Weir, co-chair of the PDSP and a Planning Commission member, clarified the implications of the PDSP stating that while it sets maximum height limits, it does not prevent the applicant from proposing even taller structures later.
Ozgo countered that the heights suggested in the current proposal far surpassed community expectations. She advocated for a maximum building height of five stories to be more consistent with the existing structures in nearby Pentagon Row.
“We are pro-development and we welcome new neighbors. We are not OK with the new density and not OK with the buildings’ heights,” Ozgo asserted, responding on behalf of the residents she represents.
At present, the 1400 S. Joyce Street site is home to three existing buildings: the 452-unit James House, built in 1957, the 647-unit Potomac House from 1960, and the 577-unit Ashley House from 1962.
In the initial phase of the new development, JBG Smith plans to construct 127 townhomes alongside two seven-story multifamily buildings, one comprising 102 units and the other featuring 509 apartments alongside a VHC Health clinic facility.
Future proposals suggest an addition of 2,047 more apartments, along with 4,000 square feet designated for non-residential use. The heights of proposed future buildings are staggering, with two planned at a maximum of 22 stories, another at 16 stories, and the fourth varying between 12 to 22 stories.
Resident representative Richard Rebh suggested a reconsideration of the townhouses planned for the southern section of the site, asking rhetorically, “How does it make sense to build townhouses in that area?”
Public commentary at the meeting revealed a split perspective on the proposal. Susan English, a nearby resident involved in civic matters, conveyed her support despite some misgivings. “It’s worth the tradeoffs,” she remarked. “The positives outweigh the negatives.”
Conversely, Chris Adams shared enthusiasm for the proposed three-bedroom and four-bedroom townhomes. He emphasized their importance for current residents seeking stable housing in a familiar area.
However, not everyone shared Adams’ optimism. Neighbor Rob Fuller articulated concerns similar to those of other critics, noting that the cumulative impact of the proposed buildings might outweigh any potential benefits, leading to increased noise, traffic, and stress for the community.
The SPRC has scheduled additional meetings on June 26 and July 28 to continue discussions on the project, with the possibility of more meetings as needed prior to the submission to the Planning Commission and County Board.
image source from：https://www.arlnow.com/2025/06/04/revised-riverhouse-development-plan-still-draws-flak-from-some-neighbors/
