"Men and women are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely."
-Southrey's Colloquies on Society

• Will historical designation impose any restrictions on Fairlington's use of its property?
  
  Unequivocally no. Other than the limitations already authorized through the Condominium bylaws and enforced through the Board authority, homeowners will not be subject to any further restrictions on the use of their property because of Fairlington's listing on the Virginia Landmark Register and the National Register. Specifically, state and federal standards governing historical designation "do not restrict an owner's use of his or her property in any way nor does it prohibit any owner from altering or demolishing any buildings, nor does it restrict subdivision or sale." State and Federal Historical Designation is purely an honorary act that simply recognizes the importance of our state and national historic resources.



• Is there any type of historical designation that places restrictions on the homeowner's use of his or her property?
  
  Yes, Arlington County has a program where County neighborhoods can apply for historic designation. A program requirement is the development and adherence to certain architectural and related property guidelines that both the community and County mutually agree are necessary to preserve the historical integrity of the neighborhood. The public controversies involving citizen opposition to historical designation that most of us read about involve local neighborhood designation programs. Important to homeowners understanding of this issue is the fact that Fairlington is NOT applying for Neighborhood Historic District under the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance and, therefore, is not subject to any County imposed historical designation standards.



• Will historic designation increase the value of my property?
  
  The prestige derived from historical designation probably does more to increase property values than to diminish them. In a poll of real estate agents doing business in Fairlington, agents have said that Fairlington's designation as an historic property would be a major selling point.



• Will State officials give Fairlington homeowners the opportunity to make their views known before designation is made?
  
  Yes, homeowners will be able to express their views in writing during the State of Virginia's public comment period. During this 30-day period all homeowners will be notified and given the opportunity to submit their comments to the State designated office. A majority of Fairlington's homeowners must favor Fairlington's designation in order for it to be listed on the Virginia Landmark and National Registers. The Fairlington Historical Designation Committee welcomes one-on-one exchanges with homeowners and will be glad to provide historical designation information to any homeowner upon request.