Tag: land use

Climate activists speak out against the unchecked growth of data centers
Dozens of environmental activists took part in a rally June 2 in Reston to push for more state and local action to pause the out-of-control expansion of data centers. The event was organized by the Sierra Club’s Virginia Chapter to highlight “the harmful economic and environmental consequences of explosive data center growth.” That growth “poses … Continued

Developer proposes converting Annandale office building to housing
redecvelopment

Preschool expansion proposed
The owner of a home-based childcare center in Annandale is seeking a zoning special exception to convert the property to a preschool. Reena Abu-Taleb described the proposal at the Mason District Land Use Committee meeting on May 28. The Annandale Children’s Academy, at 5116 Columbia Road, currently serves 10 children, ages 4-5, in an addition … Continued

New restrictions proposed for data centers
Draft guidelines proposed by Fairfax County staff tighten the requirements for data centers, as directed by the Board of Supervisors. The guidelines, part of a Zoning Ordinance amendment, would limit the locations for by-right data centers, require noise studies, and require generators to be enclosed. Applications for a zoning special exception require a public hearing; … Continued

Vacant lot in Annandale is available for $1.5M
There have been lots of inquiries about this vacant lot fronting Little River Turnpike in Annandale, but no takers so far, says real estate broker Chris Gentry with KLNB. The .68-acre family-owned property, at 4401 Carrico Drive, is next to George Mason Regional Library. The owner is asking $1.5 million, while Fairfax County tax records … Continued

BoS calls for new regulations on data centers
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution March 20 directing planning staff to draft a Zoning Ordinance amendment to strengthen the regulations for data centers. The resolution, offered by Kathy Smith (Sully), says the proposed zoning amendment should include additional standards for by-right and special exception permissions for data centers and should address … Continued

Big increases proposed for building and zoning fees
Fairfax County building and rezoning fees could rise as much as 35 percent under a proposal drafted by county staff. Bill Hicks, the director of Land Development Services, told the Board of Supervisors’ Land Policy Committee that the fees have to be raised because of inflation, increased staffing, increased employee compensation, and the requirement that … Continued

Bren Mar Park residents urge the BoS to act against a by-right data center
Residents of Bren Mar Park are again fighting plans for a data center in their neighborhood. In 2022, residents successfully mobilized against a rezoning proposal for a data center at Plaza 500, an industrial/business park at 6295 Edsall Road. Facing potential rejection, the developer, Starwood Capital Group, withdrew its application. Half of the Plaza 500 … Continued

Alis Wang appointed to Planning Commission
Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez has appointed Alis Wang to the Fairfax County Planning Commission. “Alis is no stranger to our community and really understands the nuances surrounding land use development and planning,” Jimenez said. “She has a tremendous resume and I’m thrilled that she’s lending her expertise to the Planning Commission.” Wang succeeds Daren Shumate … Continued

Board approves huge data center
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning application Jan. 23 to allow the construction of a 110-foot-tall data center on Route 50 in Chantilly. Nearly all the 25 people who spoke at the public hearing cited concerns with noise and environmental issues. One major complaint is the potential for a diesel leak that … Continued

County planners recommend more robust reviews of data centers
Fairfax County planning staff issued a report on data centers that recommends additional requirements to address the potential negative impacts on the environment and nearby residential communities. Last May, the Board of Supervisors directed to staff conduct research and present recommendations on how proposals for data centers should be considered with regard to zoning, siting, … Continued

Investigation urged for FBI site selection process
Members of Virginia’s congressional delegation are demanding an investigation into the General Services Administration’s decision-making process for relocating the FBI headquarters. On Nov. 8, the GSA announced the FBI would move from its current building in Washington to Greenbelt in Prince George’s County, Md., rather than Springfield, Va., or Landover, Md. Both Virginia and Maryland had … Continued

Planning Commission endorses plan to increase density in Bailey’s Crossroads
The Fairfax County Planning Commission on Oct. 25 recommended approval of a Comprehensive Plan amendment to facilitate a mixed-use redevelopment project on the Food Star site in Bailey’s Crossroads. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the plan amendment on Nov. 21. The plan amendment would allow for increased density – with … Continued

Eastgate apartment project advances
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is set to vote Oct. 24 on a rezoning application for the Eastgate mixed-use apartment project on John Marr Drive in Annandale. The six-story building would have 280 units and 11,200 square feet of ground-floor retail. It would replace a portion of the Eastgate Shopping Center, including The Block … Continued

Viewpoint: Lessons learned from Parking Reimagined
By Donna Jacobson I served for approximately a year and a half on the Fairfax County Parking Reimagined Working Group, whose members were appointed by district supervisors. As a result of my experience, I believe that many in Fairfax County government seem oblivious to residents’ concerns. They give the impression that residents need to be … Continued