BoS approves motion to expedite Columbia Pike redevelopment project

This stretch of Columbia Pike is slated for redevelopment.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Mason Supervisor Penny Gross last week to “authorize the initiation of the appropriate steps for a plan amendment and rezoning” involving a proposal to redevelop a 7.4-acre property in Bailey’s Crossroads.

AvalonBay Communities has assembled the rights to 10 parcels owned by three separate entities along Columbia Pike between Moncure Avenue and Radley Acura. It is proposing to build a five-story, 251-unit apartment building facing Columbia Pike plus five townhouses on Moncure.

A key part of the project is the provision of land for the “future development of a new elementary school” at the northeast corner of Columbia Pike and Moncure, Gross said. That portion of the property could accommodate a 125,000-square foot school building, as well as structured parking and athletic facilities.

“This elementary school will further ease the significant overcrowding of Bailey’s Elementary School and provide additional capacity for the future residential growth envisioned for Bailey’s Crossroads in the Comprehensive Plan,” Gross told the BoS. “The applicant is proposing to provide an interim park facility until such time as the school is built.”

If the project goes forward, several existing buildings would be torn down. They include a five-story office building (Bailey’s International Center) next to Radley Acura, the Safari Restaurant, Falls Church Automotive Center, a trucking company, and the Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter. “We’re working with the county to find another location for the homeless shelter,” said Aaron Frank, Gross’s aide.

The temporary Bailey’s Crossroads Fire Station, on the corner of Columbia Pike and Moncure, won’t be needed much longer, as the new fire station, a few blocks further south on the pike, is expected to be completed in August.

The Avalon Bay project is being expedited because it’s located in the Bailey’s Crossroads Revitalization Area, Frank said. The BoS agreed to have the requests for amending the Bailey’s Crossroads section of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan and to rezone the property be considered concurrently. The board also agreed to waive  the rezoning fees associated with the development of the new school.

The proposed project also calls for a new grid of streets, including possible links to Williams Lane or Seminary Road. It also would be within walking distance of the proposed Columbia Pike streetcar line.