Mark M. Viani - Bean, Kinney & Korman, PC
Two proposals to build new residential communities next to the the Huntington Metro Station area are moving forward.
Both proposals were set up for approval and recommendation by the South County SSPA Mount Vernon District Task Force at a recent meeting. The revitalization of the area is part of a larger vision for the Route 1 corridor called Embark Richmond Highway.
The first proposal is to build 1,400-1,500 residential units and 360,000 sq. ft. of office or retail in the area surrounding the Metro station between North Kings Highway and Huntington Avenue.
A representative for the nominators of the proposal pointed out the importance of the Huntington Metro Station as a transportation hub for Southeast Fairfax County.
Proposed buildings for the site would be a mix of low, mid- and high-rise buildings between 50-200 feet high. Buildings with a lower height of five to nine stories would be along North Kings Highway with taller buildings of up to 17 stories further in toward the Metro station. Renovations would be made to two existing parking structures at the station.
The proposed development of the area would take time and occur in stages with the final stage not complete until 2034. Green spaces, stormwater regulation, noise regulation and bird conservation will be considered as part of any development.
Fairfax County staff recommended that the nomination be added to the Comprehensive Plan Work Program because it meets the County’s needs for more affordable housing and creating a pedestrian-friendly transit area. The mixed-use nature will also allow for better commute patterns.
No members of the public spoke about this nomination during the meeting. Task force members took a preliminary vote and unanimously recommended adding the nomination to the Comprehensive Plan Work Program.
Lynne J. Strobel; Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, PC
A second nomination was presented regarding 2550 Huntington Avenue, across the street from the metro station. Presently, the slightly more than 6-acre site is home to The Parker apartments, a five story building with 390 units and a parking garage. The current plan allows for the building of mixed office, hotel, retail/restaurant and residential space of up to 15 stories with only half of the development allowed to be residential.
A representative of the nominator and site owner, Capital Investment Advisor, requested that the residential limit be removed and proposed building a six story, 210-unit residential building instead, arguing that there is not enough demand for office space and that the height allowed in the current plan is disproportionate to The Parker.
The nominator also stated that there is too much unoccupied office space in the County, in nearby proposed development and across the beltway on Eisenhower Avenue in the City of Alexandria. The nominator said that the proposed residence could provide much needed senior living and said that first floor retail could be incorporated, if necessary.
County staff opposed adding the second nomination to the Comprehensive Plan Work Program arguing that it does not have enough balance of uses for a site so close to the Metro station and does not provide opportunities for reverse commuting.
However, the task force did not agree with the staff recommendation. Most of the task force members thought office space was not a good idea and that more senior living space is needed.
Some members expressed concerned about setting a precedent of allowing development that was 100 percent residential, citing the need to keep at least 30 percent of the County commercial for tax revenue purposes. Members also had concerns about providing services for new residents and hoped that class A office space could become more desirable in the future, particularly if located close to the Metro.
Ultimately, the task force made a preliminary motion to add the second nomination to the work program, with nine voting in favor and five opposed.
Both nominations will face a final task force vote at a virtual meeting scheduled for Sept 15, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited.
If approved by the task force, both projects will undergo a review by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors later this year.
For more information on the South County SSPA process and nominations visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/sspa/south/track-nomination.
