Process To Redevelop Crescent Apartments For Affordable Housing Begins

RESTON, VA — The process of redeveloping the Crescent Apartments at Lake Anne and replacing them with affordable housing was approved Tuesday by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

“When Fairfax County purchased the Crescent in 2006, the goals were to preserve and expand affordable housing and to contribute to the growth and further the revitalization of Lake Anne,” said Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), who submitted the motion. “The residential units at the Crescent are now nearly 60-years-old and in need of renovation or replacement.”

Adopted comprehensive plan guidance supports additional density on the 16.49-acre Crescent property, according to Alcorn. This creates an opportunity to replace the 181 existing homes by leveraging development of additional affordable residential units.

“The economic visioning study for the Lake Anne Village Center is complete, and the anticipated redevelopment of the Crescent property will be complementary to the revitalization and economic development needs of this historic heart of Reston,” Alcorn said. "In short, now is the time to move forward realizing the future of the Crescent.”

Alcorn’s motion, which was unanimously approved by the board, directs county staff to schedule a public hearing to consider conveying the Crescent property to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. That agency will direct the development on the property, including the addition of affordable housing, market rate housing and associated uses consistent with the most recent visioning plan.

“I am happy to support this much needed effort to provide the residents at the almost 60-year old Crescent Apartments with improved affordable housing, and the redevelopment of this property will also help advance the Comprehensive Plan’s goals for Lake Anne, including preserving and providing affordable housing and supporting the area’s economic revitalization," Alcorn said, after the vote. "Today’s action is a first step towards achieving these goals.”

The measure also contains language that if FCRHA isn't able to develop the property that it's ownership will be returned to the county.

"Reston Citizens Association is very pleased with this announcement and agrees with Supervisor Alcorn's observations regarding the condition of the property," said Lynne Mulston, RCA president. "RCA will be interested in learning more about how current residents will be treated in terms of temporary relocation and assurances that their new home will be waiting for them when redevelopment is completed."