News

Fairfax County Area Plans Review (APR) process under way; impacts Sleepy Hollow

Every five years, the county reviews the Comprehensive Plan for land use and zoning. This year, Mason District is included in this Area Plans Review (APR) process. Two nominations were initially accepted for the Task Force Review in the 2009-2010 APR, although one was later withdrawn (see below for details). The remaining nomination is of particular interest to the members of the Sleepy Hollow Citizens Association.

The nomination that remains active is APR#09-I-1J, which proposes to change the density from the current R3 to permit the construction of 100 town homes in an area within the Sleepy Hollow Community. The town homes application would allow redevelopment of the area from Meadows Farms Nursery eastward along Arlington Blvd. to Aspen Lane, including portions of Aspen Lane and Spring Terrace. There are presently 7 single family homes on these properties in addition to the nursery.

The other nomination is APR #09-I-2B, which had proposed to redevelop the property currently occupied by the Sears department store at Seven Corners. The Sears redevelopment application would have included a significant increase in the retail presence as well as allowing up to 425 apartment or condo units on this property. In early January, the nominator withdrew the nomination.

We have been in contact with Penny Gross' office to alert her of our interest in the nominations and the review process. We will keep you informed as the task force meetings and public hearings approach, so please watch this space.