A community of 16 homes selling for more than a million dollars is being proposed near the Fairfax County Government Center. Details were revealed last week at the Springfield District/Fairfax Center Land-Use meeting.
"I'm trying to mirror Robertson Farm next door, but enhanced," explained Randy Bender of the Bender Group, which is the applicant. "The homes will have a Colonial design with brick fronts and sides, Hardy Plank in the back, and wrought iron."
The houses would be single-family, detached, and would sit on an 8-acre site occupying two land parcels along Route 29, directly across from Forum Drive. Average lot size would be 8,000 square feet.
But first, the Bender Group needs the county's approval for a rezoning. It's requesting that the parcels be changed from their current designation of partly commercial and partly residential (one home per acre) to a higher-density, residential zoning allowing two homes per acre.
Attorney Liz Walter, representing the applicant, said the site would have 30-percent tree cover and 38-percent open space — both above the 20 percent required by the county for that area. Interparcel access would be from the Robertson Farm Development to the east, as well as from the west side of the property. An entrance is also planned from Route 29 through a service drive to be constructed.
The project includes a small park with a trail, enhanced landscaping, berming along the front, and a substantial entry feature to mark the front of the community. In addition, Bender has agreed to certain transportation proffers.
"Right of way will be dedicated along the front of the property and put into escrow for the third lane of Lee Highway," said Walter. "There'll be a contribution to the Fairfax County Road Fund, an extended trail, and construction of the service road. And monetary contributions will be made for the schools, parks and the Housing Trust Fund."
In addition, Bender said the homes will have elevator options as standard features. "We won't put them in but will design the houses for an elevator shaft to go in during construction [if the homeowner so desires]," said Bender. Otherwise, he added, this area could be used for extra closet space.
The homes would be 4,000-5,000 square feet, with four or five bedrooms. The garages would be front-loading with room for two cars in the driveway and two inside. Also, the streets would have curb, gutter and sidewalks.
Bender said he'd like the new neighborhood to come on-line in spring 2006, and he expected the homes to sell for $1.1 million and possibly as much as $1.5 million. "I'm interested in having a very rich look to the community and saving as many trees as possible," he said. "The goal of the community is to enhance what's already there."
Noting that a new elementary school is planned for construction in this area, land-use committee member Claudette Ward was pleased about the monetary contribution Bender will make to the school system.
"I very much like the fact that you saved as many trees as possible and that the homes will be on a cul-de-sac," Ward said.
The committee then unanimously approved the rezoning request, which now heads to the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Jan. 26, and then to the Board of Supervisors.