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Area Plans Review (APR) Task Force Meets, Rejects Nomination to Increase Density

The Task Force held its meeting to discuss APR nomination 09-I-1J on February 17 at 7:00 pm at the Mason District Center. This nomination proposes to change the Comprehensive Plan language on parcels along Arlington Blvd between Aspen Lane and Beechwood Lane, to raise the density of the zoning on certain parcels from three units per acre (R-3) to 8 to 12 units per acre.

County staffer Bernie Suchicital spoke first and presented the preliminary staff report findings that the current language in the Comprehensive Plan should be retained.

The nominator, Albert Riveros, spoke next. Mr. Riveros and Joe Cox were the property owners in attendance who spoke in favor of the nomination. Following his statement, Mr. Riveros responded to a number of questions from the Task Force members..

Task Force Chairman Alan Ackerman then called on any owners of nominated properties who were not in favor of the proposal to speak. Jennifer Costescu of 2971 Aspen Lane spoke first and indicated that neither she nor her husband supported the nomination, and that they wanted their property removed from the proposal. Next, Timothy and Charmaine McDonald of 2991 Aspen Lane seconded Ms Costescu’s position and requested that their home be removed from consideration. The chair then called for spokespersons from local citizen associations. Paul Byrtus, SHCA chair of land use and zoning, spoke about the nomination and urged the task force to retain the R-3 zoning for detached single family homes. Carol Turner, President of the Ravenwood Park Civic Association then spoke against the proposal and called for a study to look at the Seven Corners area before approving piecemeal changes.

Chairman Ackerman then opened the floor to comments from interested parties. Tony Parente of 6424 Spring Terrace noted that two of his property lines meet the nominated properties, and expressed concern about impact on traffic and quality of life. His comments were followed by those from a number of other residents. Several expressed concerns about the nomination and others responded to some of the justifications that Mr. Riveros had put forward.

That concluded the public hearing. The task force members then discussed the nomination and a series of motions were put forward for a vote. The group first voted not to accept the nomination as submitted. The group then voted on a motion to recommend a modified nomination be accepted. This motion removed the four properties north of Aspen Lane and reduced the density request from R-8 to 12 to R-5 to 8. The task force majority voted against this motion. The final motion, to retain the language in the comprehensive plan, was approved. The meeting was adjourned shortly before 9:00 pm.

The next step in the process is a hearing before the Fairfax County Planning Commission, at a future date to be determined.