Fairfax County is taking a look at revamping 22 parcels in the South County section to include Springfield, Braddock, Mason, Lee and Mount Vernon Districts, and they are asking for community input.
By Lynn Norusis
Virtual meetings are taking place regarding the South County Site-Specific Plan Amendment Process that currently have 22 areas on the docket. The community screening phase is happening now through January 2021, and we are taking a look at the proposals put forward in the Lee and Mount Vernon Districts, delving into the other districts in the upcoming months.
Track the current nominations that have been submitted.
MOUNT VERNON DISTRICT
A major development that has been in the works for a while that is hoping to revitalize the area around the Huntington Metro has developers proposing a 1.8 million sq. ft. development that will bring in 360,000 sq. ft. of office and retail along with 2,250-2,350 new residential units and a 200-room hotel. The developers are asking for flexibility in the design and what will come into the development in the years ahead so the project can adapt to the needs of housing and/or retail space.
The proposed redevelopment of the Belle View Shopping Center will keep with the current amenities now–grocery and retail–but developers are wanting to bring in more residential with 2-3 story multi-family units with ground-floor retail and townhomes. Proposed plans call for 30-50 townhomes and 850-925 multi-family units. County staff is not recommending approval of this project as it does not fit with the current character of the area and will potentially have effects on the flood zone in the area.
Engleside Trailer Park/Ray’s Mobile Home Colony
The track of land currently home to the Engleside Trailer Park/Ray’s Mobile Home Colony, Potomac Square Shops and Forest Place is potentially going to change over to an urban town center that will be comprised of 584 residential units (120 townhomes, 240 units in a 1- to 4-story midrise and 224 units in a 5- to 8-story midrise). Plans also call for 46,300 sq. ft. of retail and 46,300 sq. ft. of office space.
LEE DISTRICT
Developers are proposing a phased redevelopment of the current apartment complex that will bring in mid-rise buildings, retail, commercial and public park space. Phase 1 calls for 1,200 residential units, in a mix of 4-22 story buildings for a total of 2,746 units once complete.
Inova vacant property in the Franconia-Springfield Transit Station Area
The currently vacant lot is zoned for light industrial use with an option for biotech/research potential. Developers want to expand the usage to include office, education, research, retail and/or residential with a max of 250 units.
Already slated for retail and office use, proposed plans ask for adding in a residential option for a 5-story building with 1-2 bedroom units at the corner of Beulah Street and Telegraph Road.
Oakwood Road near Van Dorn Metro
This 18 acre property currently has portions that are either vacant or have commercial/industrial uses. The developer is asking for a lot that abuts Oakwood Road and access ramp to I-495 to be zoned for low-density residential and mixed-use options with no phasing requirement put on the building timeline.
The vacant space between Loisdale Estates and the Jennings Toyota car dealership is up for a proposed development of 49 townhomes to buffer the existing developments and allow for more housing. The current zoning plan calls for use as a public park or low-rise office or industrial usage.
For more information on development happening around Northern Virginia, check out our development updates page. We focus on a different area in Northern Virginia each month.
If you have any questions about Northern Virginia real estate, reach out as we are happy to help.
