The Falls Church City Council gave a preliminary “first reading” approval at its business meeting tonight for the sale of two lots at 255 West Broad Street.The lots, owned separately by the City and the Economic Development Authority, constitute the parking lot of the old post office and the so-called Podolnick property adjacent it for total 1.3 acres. The sale is for the appraised value of $4,322,000. F.C.’s Economic Development Authority (EDA_ approved the sale terms at its meeting earlier tonight, and the City Council will take up a final approval of the sale at its next regular meeting on Oct. 22.
Rushmark Properties LLC, a Falls Church area based developer, intends to develop the property, along with the adjacent old post office property and present location of Anthony’s Restaurant, into a mixed use project that includes residential apartments, retail, and a Harris Teeter grocery store.
“We are pleased to have this opportunity with Rushmark Properties. This land sale agreement is an important step toward redeveloping the property with Harris Teeter as a strong retail anchor for the City Center area,” said Rick Goff in a statement released by the City following tonight’s vote. Goff is City’s Director of Economic Development.
“This is the first significant step in what we hope will yield a very beneficial economic development project for the City,” stated Vice Mayor David Snyder.
City Council member and Economic Development Committee Chairman Ira Kaylin echoed those sentiments in the statement released by the City. “There has been an effective and productive relationship between the developer, Rushmark Properties, and the City’s team headed by City Manager Wyatt Shields, Economic Development Director Rick Goff, and Planning Director James Snyder. The success of this project will energize continued smart growth, not only in City Center, but in other designated business areas in the City as well,” said Kaylin.
The City expects the developer to submit a land use application in the coming weeks for the proposed development. The application will include architectural plans, fiscal impact analysis, and analysis of impacts on existing city facilities, including transportation and schools. The land use approval process includes public hearings, input from City boards and commissions, and a recommendation by the Planning Commission prior to action by the City Council. The formal transfer of the property to the developer would occur only after land use approvals are granted by the City.
Related Links provided by the City for the prospective development include:
• Ordinance Authorizing Sale of Lot: http://bit.ly/VrLgsY
• City Code: Special Exception, Sections 48-90: http://bit.ly/OaIdm0
• Map: 225 W. Broad Street & Adjacent Properties: http://bit.ly/ORCiUA
• Rushmark Properties News Release: http://bit.ly/QelliW
