Operating Next to a Major Development: 4 Lessons Learned
Small business owner David Tax shares lessons learned from the proposal and construction phases of the Broad and Washington development.
Small business owner David Tax shares lessons learned from the proposal and construction phases of the Broad and Washington development.
City Council gave the go ahead for the construction of the roundabout to begin, and also to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire needed land from Bowlero by eminent domain. The roundabout is expected to cost $3 million, 90% covered by state grants.
Planning Commissioners continue to have issues with owner occupancy, size, height and setbacks of detached accessory dwellings – details that impact neighboring properties. No consensus was reached. The State Senate passed their AD bill.
The oldest business in Falls Church City, Brown’s Hardware, will close April 1 with the sale of the property currently owned by the heirs of Hugh Brown. There are no plans to reopen in another location.
Open houses were sparsely attended but vocal. Community concerns include the lack of owner occupancy, environmental issues, the one size fits all approach and no requirement to notify neighbors of construction plans.
These 31.5 acres in Fairfax County plus the City’s 10-acre West Falls project will result in a dense Mosaic-like area next to FCCPS’ Secondary Schools campus. Over 2,000 new residential units are planned.
Phase 1 buildings in the West Falls project are all open and residents are moving in. There are 32 ADUs, and 65-69 students expected. See photos, renderings, architectural drawings, floor plans, and more.
At the urging of City Council and Planning Commission, staff reversed the decision to allow short-term rental in accessory dwellings, but made no changes to accommodate other concerns about impacts on neighbors, neighborhood and the environment.
The FY2026 budget guidance cautions that real estate tax rates may need to rise to meet the increased costs for infrastructure and school enrollment growth. Also, there is uncertainty in state and federal funding, and the regional economy.