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It might be have a better argument if it were more specific to some of the newer downtown-like developments in Arlington which more sterile (more monotonous architecture, less variety of businesses and people, fewer pedestrians) than an actual downtown, such as DC across the river.
Soulless compared to what? I've lived in Arlington twice (total 9 years). It ain't DC, but it is far less "soulless" than most of the cities I've lived in. Arlington is a county (albeit 27 square miles) and completely built out since the 60's, but it does have some very livable, walkable, attractive neighborhoods, a nice park system---and just a 10 minute ride (max) to the District. The Senator probably hasn't explored anything beyond Crystal City and Rosslyn.
I've been there personally on more than one occasion, and I never found Arlington lacking in character or distinction compared to DC or most other cities. Truth be told McLean, Tysons Corner, Reston, and the Dulles area aren't lacking in character, either. Their urban form is lower density and auto-oriented, but to call it soulless is extremely off-base if you ask me. Of course, this is subjective: we all know that one man's soullessness is another man's tranquility.
One thing that's not as subjective is whether to call it a suburb; it might function as a suburb and that may have been what she meant (though I doubt it), but core Arlington is as (if not more) urban in form as DC itself is. I have a hunch that exploring northern Virginia more deeply would do her a lot of good, as well as reading up on urban planning and urban planning forums such as this. Saying anything about urban form is a minefield not unlike religion and education, so one should be prepared.
The whole Northern Virginia is an interesting area, it is all county land and small towns, yet if it were a city, it would be the largest city in Virginia.
While I do agree that the area can be soulless in parts, there are suburb parts that feel soulless and their are new urban parts that also feel soulless, but then there are parts that are full of history and life.
The biggest mistake is the article tries to lump all of Arlington County into one easy to describe place.
And many people on this forum think trees do not belong in "the city".
I don't know about others but I most definitely think trees belong everywhere in the city. I feel that so many downtowns would improve if they tree lined their streets.
Portland has trees on every road and you can feel the difference.
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