Frank McDermott presented Centex’s plans for developing the parcel on the northeast corner of US Route 29 and the Fairfax County Parkway. On the 72-acre property they plan to build 91 single-family-detached dwellings and 166 attached-townhouse dwellings, of which 30 would be affordable dwelling units (ADUs). The density without taking into account the ADUs will be 2.93 dwellings per acre, with the ADU bonus the density will be 3.52.
Representatives from the Willowmeade Citizen Association (directly to the east of the parcel in question) requested that this development not have a direct connection to theirs. They indicated that even if such a connection existed there would still be no direct connection to Stringfellow Road, and so it would serve no purpose. Centex’s plans respect their request.
The residents of the Crystal Springs subdivision (directly opposite the parcel on the south side of US Route 29) submitted a petition on the planned rezoning. They requested that the entrance street for the Centex development be named something other than Summit Drive, which is the name of their main street, so as to maintain their separate identity and eliminate confusion. They also requested that a traffic signal study for the US Route 29 / Summit Drive / unnamed street be made before the application be approved, and that if a signal is warranted, that Centex proffer the funds for its construction.
The committee requested that the presenter return in August with additional details.
Representatives of Funatics wish to build a community-based family theme park at the old Lowe’s facility off Metrotech Drive. The Lowe’s facility has 63,000 interior square feet and about an acre to its rear and side. They will need a special permit in order to add other mechanical use in a C-8 zoned property. The staff report is due 12 June, with the BZA hearing scheduled for 28 June
Their emphasis is on attracting children under twelve with their parents to be entertained and learn, not a day-care facility. They do not see any additional traffic impacts such as what a day-care center would bring. The plan on building an outside play area of about 34,000 square feet within the current Lowe’s fence line which would contain, in phase two, a zero depth pool for bumper boats, batting cage, and camp fire areas. Inside 53,000 square feet will be in activities such as a fake dinosaur dig, indoor rides, art studios with projects taking from 30 to 40 minutes, etc. Hours of operation would be weekdays from 10 am to 10 pm, with weekend hours extended to 11 pm The maximum capacity is expected to be 1000, which should slightly less than that of Loews when it was open.
They hope to work out some sort of agreement with Fairfax County Schools to make the experience such that the schools would agree to send students there during class hours. They were asked if they would have community outreach for those students whose family’s who could not afford to send them, if such an agreement with the county was worked out.
The committee had no adverse comments on their request and wished them the best of luck.
Representatives of the McLearen Square Shopping Center, on the corner of Centreville and McLearen spoke to a special exception to allow increased signage. They wish to increase the size of two signs from 77 square feet to 135 square feet and add the words “McLearen Square Shops and Restaurants” in order to increase shopping center cohesiveness. They are currently permitted a sign of up to 80 square feet and 20 feet high, their current height is 15 and with the square footage increase they will not exceed the currently permitted height.
Committee members asked if they have contacted the Highland Mews resident association, they had not but had contacted the management company. They were also asked if they were going to buffer Highlands Mews from the increased size of the signs. There were also questions raised as to whether there were any trees planted on the CVS side of the street opposite Highland Mews. (It was determined later that there were deciduous trees there planted which, at the time of the photographs distributed were taken, had no leaves and therefore were not clearly visible). Lastly, what had happened to the no left turn signs that were originally posted at the exit between Burger King and Popeye’s. The proponents promised to get back to the committee with their responses. Their SE is to be heard on 22 September.
The committee had no objections to the increased signage as presented. They did remind the proponents of problems that certain of their tenants had previously incurred.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey M. Parnes
Chair, Sully District Council
Land Use and Transportation Committee