The Rose Hill Coalition LLC provides information on a variety of land use issues affecting the Rose Hill Planning District which lies within the Franconia District in Fairfax County, Virginia. The Coalition supports full transparency in land use issues directly affecting local residents.
The Coalition believes that all land use planning should require adherence to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan. Amendments to the Plan (SSPAs) must take into account resident feedback and the overall development of each planning district, including infrastructure, transportation, schools, and public amenities.
ROSE HILL PLANNING DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (pdf)
The Rose Hill Planning District is in Area IV of the Comprehensive Plan.
2022-2023 ACCEPTED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHANGES (pdf)
See page 2 for the Franconia District Summary of Proposed Comprehensive Plan Changes (aka Site Specific Plan Amendments or SSPAs)
What’s Happening Now
FRANCONIA GOVERNMENT CENTER (2021-2024)
Click on the link above for more information.
The Board of Supervisors has deferred a review/vote on the conveyance of the property to the Housing Authority. The deferral was based on community objections that residents were not sufficiently notified about or consulted on the transfer or future use of the public property. Three community meetings are scheduled in April and May 2024. Community-based groups both against and in favor of the transfer have been formed.
BREN MAR DATA CENTER* (2023-2024)
A proposed data center in Mason District at Plaza 500 would be only 1 mile from residents in Franconia District. The Bren Mar community is fighting to end “by right” data center development. Currently no zoning changes or approvals are required to build a data center. Due to local community action, Fairfax County is now considering adopting a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to end by right development of data centers. However, Dominion Energy is still planning for a large electrical substation to power the proposed data center.On April 9, the Bren Mar Community took part in a meeting/presentation by Dominion Energy to protest Dominion’s forthcoming plans to build a new high power station to accommodate the data center.
Board of Supervisors March 16, 2024, Meeting Summary
“…the increasing demand for data centers and the increased understanding of their potential impacts reveal a need to consider strengthening the County’s current regulations.”See also, Community Asks to Delay Public Hearings on Redevelopment of the Franconia Governmental Center
Click on the link above for more information.
*Bren Mar is in the Mason District of Fairfax County, immediately adjacent to Franconia District.
INOVA FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD HOSPITAL (2022-2028)
Design work for the hospital site has been completed, and the project is now under permit review with Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation. Inova is preparing for construction to begin late summer/early fall 2024.The initial phase will include an inpatient facility with 110 beds, an expanded emergency room, diagnostic imaging, and multiple procedural rooms. Outpatient services, including ambulatory surgery, physician offices, and procedural rooms, will be located in an adjacent building.
Click on the link above for more information.
LANDMARK (WEST END) REDEVELOPMENT* (2009-2028)
The new West End will replace the 52-acre site formerly known as Landmark Mall. Expected to open in 2028, the redevelopment will be anchored by the relocated Alexandria Hospital. In addition, the site will include approximately 4 million sq ft of residential, retail, and office development. A winter skating rink, sports courts, playground, grassy areas, and restaurant pavilions are also planned.An adjacent 8.2-acre plot will provide 362 apartments and 88 condominiums, 7,000 sq ft of retail space, and a 150,000- to 200,000-sq-ft hotel or office building. In addition, a transit hub will serve bus rapid transit (BRT), DASH, and Metrobus.
May 2021 Landmark Redevelopment Virtual Information Session
Click on the link above for more information.
April 2022 Community Meeting
June 2022 Planning Commission Hearing
June 2022 Community Meeting
November 2022 Community Meeting
August 2023 Community Meeting
*Landmark is located in the City of Alexandria, VA, immediately adjacent to Franconia District.
KINGSTOWNE TOP GOLF SITE (2015-2024)
Click on the link above for background information on this site.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the change in zoning after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a comprehensive plan amendment (aka SSPA) to increase the housing density 10 units per acre. The Board of Supervisor’s Public Hearing on the change in zoning was March 5, 2024. The Board voted to approve the zoning change on April 5, and the redevelopment is now quickly moving forward.
ROSE HILL PLAZA (2021-2024)
*Site Specific [Comprehensive] Plan Amendment (SSPA), Nomination Number CPN22-LE-001
The Rose Hill Plaza redevelopment proposal* submitted by Combined Properties (CP) is currently in deferral within the “Planning and Zoning Review Stage”. Franconia District Supervisor asked CP to submit a new design/concept that addresses the community’s demands for substantially more retail and considerably less residential. A new concept was expected Fall 2023, but none has been submitted to date.
VDOT hosted several public information meetings in May 2022 to provide information about the I-495 Southside Express Lanes study and to seek public input. Additional meetings were scheduled in September 2023, but have since been put on hold until VDOT provides the County with more specific details to better understand the impact on Franconia District because a ramp to the express lanes would be located at Van Dorn Street.
Click on the link above for more information.
OAKWOOD ROAD* (2019-2022)
5605 Oakwood (12.5 acres): The first Site Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) application was submitted in 2019. The plot was subsequently purchased by a new owner in 2022 who proposed a development with lower density. The most recent SSPA Meeting was held in May 2022. Due to the complexity of the site and scrutiny by the community, no further action has been taken to date by the owner.
5400–5604 Oakwood (18 acres): Multiple owners; no developer yet. Plan proposed with amendment included 605 multi-family units (mid-rise) and 202,000 square feet of office, industrial (self-storage). A revised plan cited “mixed use” of 75% residential and 25% commercial.
*Click on the link above for more information by the Brookland-Bush Hill Civic Association.
What Can You Do?
Stay in Touch!
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Take Action
Contact our local representatives who were voted into office to represent you.
Contact Information and Sample Emails
Read About Coalition Efforts in the News
Rose Hill Coalition In The News
Press releases and news articles on land-use issues in Franconia District.
Learn about the Fairfax County Planning Process
The planning an development process in Fairfax County encompasses a broad array of activities, from refinishing a basement, subdividing a parcel, building a high-rise, rezoning, and more. The process involves comprehensive reviews by numerous County and non-county agencies and may involve many steps before a project can be approved. Every project is unique and subject to its own set of requirements depending on the location and complexities of the project.
Note: Fairfax County upgraded their website in 2023. The location, type, and organization of information has changed significantly.
Franconia Land Use Committee
The Franconia Land Use Committee serves as an advisory body to the Franconia District Supervisor. Anyone is welcome to attend Land Use Committee meetings, but only the formally appointed primary or alternate representative for a civic or homeowners association may vote on a matter. The District Supervisor makes the final decision, whether or not they agree with the recommendations of the committee.
Thus, the Rose Hill Coalition LLC urges individual residents to educate themselves on the land-use planning process and take an active part in the future development of our community. Stay in Touch!
*The Rose Hill Coalition LLC comprise local concerned private residents. We are not affiliated with any group, organization, or company.
This website will be updated as new information is available. However, to keep promptly informed, it is best to join our email list.
