Letter to the Editor: Group Plans Protest Tuesday of Vote to Rezone Land

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Letter to the Editor: As concerned and involved citizens of the Mt. Vernon District, we have serious concerns about the current proposal to rezone and redevelop a portion of land currently being used as a horse farm neighboring single family homes and residences. This proposal will be voted on by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, October 18. Unfortunately, we are concerned that at best the voices of our community have not been heard by our elected officials and at worst, our interests are being ignored to favor the benefit of a few land-owners and developers who would profit from this rezoning and development.

History of Bock Farm Rezoning

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on Tuesday on whether to allow a rezoning of 4+ acres of farmland for development into 128 independent living condominiums, in four four-story buildings. Since 1973, the farm has been subject to a restrictive covenant between members of the neighboring single-family home development, which has restricted the use of the farm to an equine center and three single family homes. One of the original parties to the covenant was Ret. Col. John Byers, who is recently deceased and was the Planning Commissioner for the Mt. Vernon District, and was one of the original residents of the neighborhood adjacent to the farm. He was a vocal opponent of further density on the property at issue.

There is Significant Local Opposition to the Rezoning

Members of the local community have expressed significant opposition to the proposed rezoning, which has been met with indifference by the Board of Supervisors. Key concerns include; the size and density of the proposed property that does not align with the surrounding community, potential traffic impacts that include delaying emergency vehicle response to the surrounding area, possible precedent for expanded development of the remaining 7 acres of the farm, and the potential impact to local schools as Federal rules require that the housing be offered to the general public, including families with school-aged children, if there is less than 80% occupancy for individuals over the age of 55.

Members of the community have expressed their opposition through a Change.org petition which garnered over 200 signatures (online and in person) and comments opposing the rezoning in less than 48 hours. Despite this opposition, Commissioner Stork has not agreed to delay the vote for further dialogue with the community. He has indicated that opposition is coming too late, and that, in effect, his hands are tied.

We respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to delay the vote to allow for the proper community dialogue to take place. In place of the delay, we encourage Board members to vote in accordance with their constituents, resulting in a vote of “No” on this proposed rezoning. Failure to vote no, or delay for community input, goes against the core of this community, and would be a vote in favor of a few over many.

Sincerely,

Charles and Jamie Saloom

Location of land (Google maps):