If all goes as developers plan, the Route 1 Corridor will soon have two new banks and two new restaurants. Representatives from both Archon and BF Saul presented proposals during a meeting held last week at Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC).
Archon is representing Commerce Bank and Chili’s, both of whom are proposing to redevelop the Value Inn site. This 3.58 acre consolidation of two parcels is located across from the Target and just south of the Groveton Baptist Church. Commerce Bank has filed for a special exception to build a drive-thru.
David Paul, who represents the retail properties, said, “Our two tenants are very excited about getting their stores opened as soon as possible.”
Paul anticipates that construction will begin once the site plan is approved, and is hoping that the businesses will open next spring.
Across the way, a little further down the corridor, BF Saul Companies is working with Chevy Chase Bank and Chipotle. They are asking for a special exception for a new full-service bank with drive-thru, as well as for an exception for a fast-food restaurant. Jim Villars, who presented the proposal, explained that while Chipotle is considered a fast-food restaurant, it is more of a sit-down restaurant.
The Goodyear store that is currently located on that site will be relocated to a site in the rear of Beacon Center, along Southgate Drive, near Hancock Fabrics.
JON HAAS and Darryl Butcher from MDP Groveton, LLC, were back with an updated plan for the Heights at Groveton. They have already been granted permission to build a Planned Residential Mixed (PRM), and the rezoning application is now under review by the County staff and a public hearing has been rescheduled for May 5.
Butcher showed the layout of the development in detail, showing each level, as if he was building a cake.
Some of the changes presented by Butcher include several transportation changes — right of ways and frontage improvements. They have also proffered a bus shelter to be located in front of the property. Financial contributions will be made to Groveton Civic Association, as well as to Groveton Elementary School, Carl Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School.
Several SFDC members voiced concerns about several issues including the light at Groveton and Richmond Highway; the synchronization of lights; the impropriety of proffering $25,000 to Groveton; possibility of overflow parking in the neighborhood; the possibility of non-owner occupied units and increased overall traffic. All of those concerns were addressed; the SFDC board will vote on the matter this later this month.
“I look forward to going to the planning commission with your support on May 5,” Butcher said.