Planning Commission recommends approval of Gallows Road development
The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommends approval of a Comprehensive Plan amendment that would allow the development of 32 single-family homes on Gallows Road in Annandale.
The new development, proposed by Madison Homes, would replace 11 existing homes along Libeau Lane and the Raintree townhouse community.
The plan amendment increases the density from the current level of 1-2 to 3-4 dwellings per acre.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the plan amendment on Aug. 25.
Mason District Planning Commissioner Alis Wang said the proposal calls for the appropriate density, includes a stormwater facility to address flooding in Raintree, and is a big improvement over previous proposals to develop the site.
One previous plan called for 66 townhouses, and another proposed multifamily housing for seniors. Both were strongly opposed by residents.
Related story: Revised housing development proposed for Gallows Road
During the Planning Commission hearing on July 8, several residents of Holmes Run Acres raised concerns about traffic congestion on Gallows Road. One resident said it’s already impossible to make a left turn out of the neighborhood onto Gallows during peak times.
A transportation analysis shows the new development would generate 167 additional daily trips on Gallows Road.
Mike Garcia of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation said two coordinated traffic signals are proposed at Hemlock Drive and Aston Street as part of the Gallows Road Study, which is expected to be completed this fall.
The new residents would have just one access point on Gallows Road from a new private road.
Wanda Suder, a resident of Holmes Run Acres and a former planner with the Fairfax County Zoning Evaluation Division, recommended the design of the new homes be compatible with the mid-century modern homes in Holmes Run Acres. That community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The new development would wrap around three properties on Gallows Road owned by people not interested in selling.