McLean Citizens Association Opposes Plan to Build Senior Living Facility

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- The McLean Citizens Association has put its foot down, opposing the building of a Sunrise Senior Living facility in a space they say is too small, will create more traffic and isn't suitable for a residential area.

The group voted unanimously on July 6 to oppose the plan, posting their resolution on their Web site. Supervisor Foust and Sunrise Senior Living representatives were not immediately available Tuesday for comment on the vote.

Sunrise Development wants to construct and operate a medical care facility on 3.7 acres at 1988 Kirby Road, the northwest corner of Kirby Road and Westmoreland Street. Currently there is a church on the property, built in 1963.

The association is against the height of the building, particularly its north side (42 feet), the number of employees that would generate traffic on "minor arterial roads," which they note is already congested during rush hour and school drop-off and pick-up times. The facility’s entrance and exit would be located on Kirby Road, directly across from the entrance and exit for the L’Ambiance of McLean neighborhood, the association pointed out.

Sunrise has tried to tweak its plans to accommodate the association's concerns, including requiring employee shift changes to take place at times outside the drop-off and pick-up times of nearby Longfellow Middle School, providing screened loading spaces and 55 parking spaces.

Sunrise is requesting a modification of a zoning ordinance that requires building on a lot size of 5 acres; while this has been done elsewhere in the county, the association points out that it would differ because it would be surrounded by low-density neighborhoods and the building's height and mass would be out of character for the neighborhood.

In addition to the association, other area associations also oppose the project including:
1) L’Ambiance of McLean Homeowners Association
2) Mayfair of McLean Homeowners Association
3) El Nido Civic Association
4) Marborough-Nantucket Civic Association
5) Franklin Area Civic Association
6) Foxhall Homeowners Association

The McLean Citizens Association is urging the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to deny the application.

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PHOTO: Rendering courtesy of Sunrise Senior Living