F.C. Council Skeptical of New Proposal

Yet another large scale mixed use development proposal has come before the Falls Church City Council. This one, however, was met with uncharacteristic skepticism and even called "dead on arrival" by one.

As a result, the Hekemian Company will now have to decide whether or not to move forward with plans to seek formal Council approval to build a four-story project at the site of the recently-closed Pearson Funeral Home at N. Washington and E. Jefferson Streets.

Contrary to the three projects already approved by the Council, and a forth moving through the approval process, this one proposes to include 152 moderately-priced one and two-bedroom rental units, instead of expensive condominiums. It also proposes 22,000 square feet of ground floor commercial with parking all underground.

But the Council objected to the density of the project on a small parcel and the lack of open space and landscaping.

"It's nowhere near compliance with the Special Exception ordinance," Councilman David Snyder said. "It lacks net new commercial space, it is disproportionate and lacks sensitivity to the surrounding community, it is a cookie-cutter project that flunks every design and density standards. It has a very, very long way to go. In fact, I would call it `dead on arrival.'"

Council member Sam Mabry said, "I associate myself with Mr. Snyder's remarks."

While less harsh, other Council members expressed similar concerns.

Falls Church Attorney Bill Baskin, present to represent the Hekemian Company, reminded the Council that when an earlier proposal to put a single-pad CVS pharmacy on the site was submitted at City Hall, City staff said it wanted something "much more dense" on the site.

A number of residents from expensive single family homes on East Jefferson St. were present at the hearing, and their presence was noted by the Council, as well.

It was also pointed out that a new large-scale mixed use project is already under construction a block north just over the Falls Church border with Arlington and that a second one there is rumored to be in the works.

Chris Bell, a senior vice president at the New Jersey-based Hekemian Company, said his company's proposed project, noted there have been no new apartments built in Falls Church in a long time. "It will meet a pent up demand," he said.

Founded in 1933, Hekemian owns properties throughout the eastern seaboard, including over a million square feet in the D.C. area.