Supervisors approve redevelopment of Graham Park Plaza
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| Graham Park Plaza |
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment Dec. 6 for the redevelopment of Graham Park Plaza on Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church.
The owner, Federal Realty Investment Trust, is proposing a mixed-use development with 248 multifamily housing units and community-serving retail on part of the property of the aging shopping center. The Giant has a long-term lease and would remain as is.
The Planning Commission approved the amendment in October. The Mason District Land Use Committee recommended approval, as does the Planning and Zoning Department staff report. The next step is the rezoning process.
Federal Realty is seeking a rezoning from C-6 with an intensity of .35 FAR (floor area ratio) to PDC (planned development commercial) up to .50 FAR.
During the public hearing, several local residents complained to the Board of Supervisors that they hadn’t been notified in advance about the project.
Supervisor Penny Gross (Mason) noted that she had hosted a couple of community meetings about the redevelopment plans and promised to have at least two more before the rezoning process. She urged residents to email her their contact information.
The shopping center, previously known as Loehmann’s Plaza, “is a little bit tired and can use some energy,” said Allison Williams of Federal Realty. The property needs to be developed because, with a 1950s shopping center that is 28 percent vacant, the status quo is not an option,” said Supervisor John Cook (Braddock).
Several local residents raised concerns about traffic, and issues with noise, illumination, and increased urbanization were also mentioned.
Board Chair Sharon Bulova noted it’s “treacherous” exiting the shopping center and trying to turn left onto Arlington Boulevard. Federal Realty has promised to improve access and install a crosswalk.
Suzanne Hughes, speaking on behalf of the Broyhill Park Civic Association, said it’s impossible to exit the shopping center onto Graham Road due to traffic congestion. The neighborhood was disappointed when the Giant opened a few years ago. “We were nervous about traffic. Every fear we had has come true.”
2 responses to “Supervisors approve redevelopment of Graham Park Plaza”
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The Giant half of the shopping center is also owned by Federal Realty, so amending the Comprehensive Plan to allow residential development at Loehmann's Plaza opens the door to highrise apartment buildings over the entire shopping center.
Previous reporting on this topic indicated that Giant's lease term was for another 60 or so years, so assuming giant doesn't consent or go bankrupt, the giant can/will remain.