Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the Lake Anne Redevelopment LLC proposal to amend the county’s comprehensive plan for the plaza. Photo by Reena Singh.
A proposal passed by the Board of Supervisors could temporarily displace Just Cats Clinic.
The board unanimously passed a proposal at the Dec. 2 meeting to amend the county’s comprehensive plan calls for the demolition of the Millennium Bank building, among other requests, to provide a better view of Lake Anne Plaza once revitalized.
“The comprehensive redevelopment plan is to revitalize, not to destroy new businesses,” said Just Cats Clinic owner Elizabeth Arguelles.
The proposal made by Lake Anne Redevelopment LLC also asked for the board to consider changes to the “heritage resources, the full consolidation option and transportation,” according to the agenda.
More specifically, it changes some of the zoning for the six units that make up the 41 acre plaza, increases the amount of space available for residential zoning and demolishes the gas station nearby if necessary.
Lynne Strobel, representing Lake Anne Development LLC, gave a brief history of the project and stated the reasons why the proposal is necessary.
“This project has been an objective for the Reston community for years,” she said.
She noted that the developers want to demolish the building so there is a better view of the plaza from the Baron Cameron corridor.
Arguelles said that she was not informed about the redevelopment plans when she signed the 10 year lease. After beginning an extensive build-out of the space, she was contacted by a resident after the redevelopment plans were unveiled in September 2013. Her clinic opened the following April.
She said the demolition is slated for late next year and she does not have the resources for a legal battle to either keep her space or ensure she can receive a similar space after the Millennium Bank building is demolished.
“I would like to request that the vote on this be postponed until I receive a written, legally binding agreement from Lake Anne Redevelopment LLC or 1601 Washington Street LLC - my landlord - that Just Cats will have a new home with similar square footage, similar window footage and closed parking.”
Hudgins told Arguelles that Millennium Bank has been involved with the project for years, and while she supports her business, the revitalization efforts cannot be held up for what may be several months of the new year. She promised to help Arguelles to work with her landlord and Lake Anne Redevelopment LLC to make sure she has a suitable place to have her business once the Millennium Bank is set to be demolished.
“It is the entire Lake Anne village that is going to be the pillar of your business, and we would like for you to stay here,” said Hudgins.
Before the vote, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova made sure to note Arguelles’ comments.
“I appreciate the speaker, and I know Supervisor Hudgins will work closely with you and give you the assurance you are looking for,” she said.
For a full report on the plan, including graphics, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/comprehensiveplan/amendments/2013-iii-up1.pdf.