BoS seeks eminent domain for Columbia Pike sidewalk project
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 14 authorized a public hearing on the acquisition of land rights by eminent domain to facilitate sidewalk improvements on Columbia Pike in Annandale.
The Columbia Pike Complete Streets Phase I project consists of approximately 600 linear feet of new sidewalk along the south side of Columbia Pike between Backlick Road and Tom Davis Drive.
The project also includes driveway modifications to improve connections with the new sidewalk and a new pedestrian crossing at Tom Davis Drive.
Related story: A new sidewalk would improve pedestrian safety on Columbia Pike
To carry out the project, the county needs to acquire land rights for six properties, as well as grading agreements and temporary construction easements.
“Negotiations are in progress with the affected property owners,” the meeting packet for the Board of Supervisors states. “However, because resolution of these acquisitions is not imminent, it may be necessary for the Board to utilize quick-take eminent domain powers to commence construction of this project on schedule.”
The affected properties are at 4301 Backlick Road (Jiffy Lube), 7142 Little River Turnpike (Giant), 7219 Columbia Pike (a long vacant building that previously housed the Tous les Jours bakery), and 7139, 7201, 7142, and 7133 (properties where buildings were destroyed by a fire in 2023).
Three of those buildings were torn down; two others are boarded up. Two properties are listed for sale by KLNB.
The hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. The Virginia Code requires localities to hold a public hearing before using eminent domain.
Funding for the sidewalk project was approved in 2020.
Related story: Fairfax County sues owners of burned buildings on Columbia Pike
I think this is a reasonable approach to improving walk ability on that side of the Pike. Should be limited impact, although, the Jiffy Lube has very limited space as is.
If they were going to taking away lanes of traffic to make bike lanes like they have been on Gallows, there would probably shouting.
I’m really interested in seeing those boarded and vacant plus torn down lots put back to use. I’m surprised someone didn’t quick development and offer that for some of the Block restaurants to have moved there.
If FFX county cooperated with ICE, there would be no jaywalking deaths which is the impetus for this attempted land grab.
The irony of the local government thwarting the law and violating the supremacy clause to seize American citizens’ businesses because illegals can’t follow the law after they enter the country illegally.
Please lay off the immigrants. If they are not citizen’s they help fund social security without receiving ss benefits. We really need those funds y’all.
Could we get an impact study on how this will disrupt the homeless encampment ? The construction noise may disrupt optimal times for drug use and public defication .
Excellent point. Can we please just give the homeless free homes already?