Drivers along Route 1 Northbound and South Columbus Street may have noticed the Heritage construction site has been very quiet the past few months.
Back in March, construction on the 750-unit housing development stopped due to financial strain, ALX Now first reported. "Market conditions have required us to pause the redevelopment process as we explore options to move forward on this vision," the Heritage website noted
The project, by Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners (which purchased the site plans from previous developers), calls for about 750 new apartments in two phases. The buildings in the first phase, with 598 units, will vary in height from 4-8 stories. The second phase will include development of a new park, and a different developer will take over phase 3, with the rest of the housing units. The project is supposed to include at least 140 affordable units in the first phase of construction, many of which will be offered to people who were displaced by this now-paused construction.
Controversy has surrounded the project since the first Board of Architectural Review meeting, with local residents and board members dissatisfied with the height, design, density and several other aspects of the project.
Tonight, city council will consider issuing new revenue bonds by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) to push the project forward. The requirements call for a certain percentage of affordable units for those making 50% or less of the area median income. The bonds are not to exceed $37.95 million.
City Council will vote on the matter at Tuesday evening's city council meeting.
