Citizen’s Working Group Recommends Plan Amendment

The Fairlee Work Group appointed in 2003 by then-Supervisor Gerry Connolly to evaluate further the Metro West redevelopment proposals of Pulte/Clark Realty endorsed a comprehensive plan amendment July 22 nd that would allow the project to go forward south of the Vienna-Fairfax-GMU Metro Station.

Kicking off what would be a six-hour public hearing before the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Fairlee Work Group chairman Rick Bochner said the group endorsed by a 6 to 3 vote “a true transit-oriented, mixed-use development plan that incorporates ‘smart growth’ principles.”

“Higher buildings next to the Metro Station are not out-of-character with the region,” Bochner said, “and the amenities that increased project density brings, especially convenience retail businesses and a town center, are welcome.”

Bochner also serves as president of the Virginia Center Home Owners Association. Others involved in the work group came from Circle Woods, Hunters Branch Towns , Hunters Branch Condos, Blake Tree Manor, Stonehurst, L&M, Country Creek and Briarwood neighborhoods. Gerry Connolly is now Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

The work group report, compiled after 10 months of meetings with county planners and the Pulte/Clark Realty team, also cited a new public recreation center, day care facilities, water management, improved park access and pedestrian connections to and through the Metro West site as advantages to be gained through a plan amendment that allows greater density. Specific public benefits to be gained through proffers will be specified at a later zoning stage of the process if the plan amendment is approved.