Mason District task force approves one development proposal and opposes another

One of the houses on Arlington Boulevard that could be demolished for a proposal for an assisted living facility goes forward.

The task force was formed earlier this year to review six site-specific nominations to amend the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan. Its work was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the task force resumed its meetings, virtually, on Aug. 5, to consider two of the proposals.

A sign on a Sleepy Hollow lawn opposing a proposal for an assisted living center.

The task force is charged with recommending whether the proposals should be included or not included in the county planning staff’s 2021 work program.

The Planning Commission will also decide whether each nomination should go forward. All six nominations will be considered as action items by the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 21.

If the BoS approves a nomination, it will go back to the task force for a more involved public participation process, and the planning staff will conduct analyses on the proposed projects’ impact on transportation, schools, stormwater, and other issues.

The task force agreed to oppose a proposal put forth by Albert Riveros to develop a two-story, 90,000-square-foot assisted living/nursing care/memory care facility at 6420-6443 Arlington Boulevard and 6420 Spring Terrace. The project would replace five single-family homes owned by Riveros.

A house on Arlington Boulevard on the proposed project site.

The planning staff also recommended the project not proceed. Planner Jennifer Garcia said the project would not be compatible with the surrounding single-family neighborhood and noted the Comprehensive Plan discourages commercial development in that location.

Dozens of residents of the Sleepy Hollow community called in to the task force meeting to object to the proposal.

Many of them said the project would have a negative impact on the stable, residential character of the neighborhood. They also said it would lead to increased traffic and increased stormwater runoff, it would have bright lights shining into people’s homes, and would lower property values.

Most of the task force members agreed that the project is not a good fit for the neighborhood and thus voted against including it in the Comprehensive Plan work program.

Related story: Task force to resume work next month on redevelopment proposals in Annandale and Seven Corners

Task Force members also had lots of concerns with a proposal by First Christian Church to build 113 multifamily housing units for low-income seniors on its seven-acre property at 6165 Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners.

The four-story building would be developed by Wesley Housing. It would include 5,000 square feet of medical or general office space on the ground floor. The developer also plans to submit rezoning and special exception applications along with the plan amendment proposal.

County staff recommended approval, noting the need to expand the supply of housing for low-income seniors.

Several community residents and task force members said flooding is a big problem in the nearby Ravenwood Park community and that the project will need to include a major stormwater facility. Other concerns were raised about the potential for overflow parking in the neighborhood and the loss of trees.

The task force agreed to recommend this nomination move forward with the understanding that they will be able to add certain conditions at a future meeting.

The task force will meet Aug. 19 to consider a nomination proposed by the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center for a community center, new house of worship, and other uses near its property on Row Street in Seven Corners and a nomination from a homeowner who wants to develop townhouses on her property at 6152 Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners.

On Sept. 2, the task force will consider two redevelopment projects proposed for Annandale.