Public Hearing on Route 1 Widening

Citizens can attend a public meeting at the South County Government Center to learn more about and voice comments on proposed Northern Virginia Transportation Authority regional transportation projects for FY2015 and FY2016. One project on the prioritization “bubble” is the widening Route 1, from Mount Vernon Memorial Highway to Napper Road.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) encouraged the NVTA to hold the meeting so the community had an opportunity to be more involved. This meeting is the second of two on the subject.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, March 31 at the South County Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, room 221 in Alexandria. An open house will begin at 6:30 p.m. with presentation following at 7 p.m. To learn more, visit www.thenovaauthority.org. To submit comments through April 11, email twoyearprogram@thenovaauthority.org.

Interim Agreement Would Increase Affordable Housing

Since the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) purchased the 48 acres of property along Route 1 known as North Hill in 1981, only 15 acres have been developed: the current community of Woodley Hills Estates.

At a March 19 meeting, members of the FCRHA voted 9-1 in favor of moving forward with interim agreement to finally develop the remaining 33 acres of North Hill.

The partnership CHPPENN (Community Housing Partners of Virginia and Philadelphia-based developer Pennrose) proposed constructing 329 multi-family rental units in two separate buildings, 144 for-sale townhomes and preserving a portion of the land for a park.

A portion of the apartments and townhomes will be designated for individuals or families with lower incomes.

"The interim agreement on North Hill will increase affordable housing opportunities for workforce moderate-income and low-income households,” FCRHA Mount Vernon Commissioner Matt Bell said in a statement.

“The median income for a family of four in Fairfax County has risen to over $107,000,” Bell’s statement continues, “making it very difficult for Fairfax County firefighters, teachers, county employees and others to reside in the same Fairfax County community ​in which they work​. North Hill will provide over 282 rental units for households making annually between $53,500 and $64,200.”

For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha/north_hill.