Earlier this year, as APS was preparing for the school boundary shift, it conducted walk zone review of neighborhoods across South Arlington. The survey would determine which neighborhoods would remain eligible for bus services and which would be considered close enough for kids to be able to walk to Schoo. At the time, South Fairlington residents who responded to the survey were adamant that their planning unit, 36130, should remain bus eligible. The complete survey responses are all available on the APS website (
https://www.apsva.us/elementary-school-boundary-change-2/walk-zone-resources/) and directly here (
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apsva.us%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F03%2FAbingdon-Walk-Zone-Closed.xlsx).
Here are some highlights of what they said:
“There is absolutely no circumstance that would allow me to have my child walk over the bridge 395 either to/from school. Zone 36130.”
“Not all of 36130 is walkable, particularly for younger children. If this area is deemed a walk zone, it would need to be split."
“I live in south Fairlington and think it should remain outside the walk zone and continue to allow it to be eligible for bus service.” (36130)
“The walk zone should not be expanded over the bridge into south Fairlington. The bridge is dangerous as is the crossing at 36th street during morning rush hour. If you insist on expanding the walk zone over the bridge, then there should be a stop sign or flashing light to cross 36th street. Cars coming off the bridge turning right into 36th street rarely slow down for pedestrians in the cross walk.”