North County Governmental Center Community Room

ATTENDING: Chairman Feliza Kepler, Arthur Hill, Steve Cerny, Lois Rice, Tom Wiltshire, David Gibson, Joe Stowers, John Lovaas, Edythe Frankel, Gene Klein, John Osberg

OTHERS ATTENDING: Goldie Harrison, Supervisor Hudgins' office, Daniel O'Brien and Fred Walker, Erickson Retirement Communities, and approximately 20 audience members.

Erickson Retirement Communities - The meeting was primarily devoted to a presentation by representatives of the proposed Erickson Retirement Community between Crowell Rd and the Dulles Toll Rd adjacent to Hunter Mill Rd. Mr. O'Brien, Vice President of Operations stated that when the proposal was discussed with Supervisor Hudgins, she suggested the applicant discuss this with the community and the Land Use Committee to determine whether or not the community was receptive to the project. If the development is strongly opposed by the local community, Erickson does not want to engage in a lengthy zoning battle.

The proposed community provides independent living, assisted living and nursing care. In order to provide the multiple levels of care and the appropriate services, requires a community of approximately 1500 units. The Erickson company has been developing retirement communities for the past 20 years, including Greenspring Village in Springfield, VA. The community is oriented toward middle income families. There are four factors that are common to all Erickson communities:

1. Affordable - Residents don't buy or rent, they have a lifetime contract. The entrance fee is $100,000 (later modified to be as much as $400,000) and a monthly fee of $1000-$1200 (later modified to be from $1000-1600/mon for one person, and $600 for the second person). One meal per day is provided. If a resident dies or moves than the entrance fee is refunded 100% (minus any unpaid fees). Nursing care costs $3500/mon.
2. Health Care - Emergency pull cords are installed in all bathrooms. Security staff are trained in "first response" techniques.
3. Array of Services - Free shuttles are provided for nearby trips, there is a health club, beauty shops, bank, and indoor pool.
4. The communities are a fun place to live.

Fred Walker, Sr. Vice President for Development stated that the site is approximately 48 acres. There will be 1200 units and 350 beds. 40% of the land will be covered by impervious surfaces. There will be two-story buildings along Crowell Rd ranging to 5 stories near the Dulles Toll Rd.

Mr. Cerny clarified the location of the development and asked about the current zoning which is Residential Estate (RE) not to exceed 1 dwelling unit per 2 acres.

Mr. Hill asked how many people will be residents? Approximately 1800.

Will the proposed realignment of Hunter Mill Rd at the Dulles Toll Rd affect the development? Not to a significant degree.

If a follow-up meeting were appropriate, what would Erickson bring to that meeting? More detailed plans.

What is the time schedule? It would probably take up to 2 years before ground is broken. The land is not under contract; there is a general understanding of what a contract would look like.

Ms. Rice - How many buildings will be built? Approximately 12 dwelling unit buildings, a building for assisted living, and 2 community buildings for a total of 15 buildings.

Where will the access to the development be located? If Sunset Hills is realigned, the access will be directly across from the new alignment. A second access will be provided for emergency purposes.

Mr. Wright asked if this will be a gated community with controlled access at a single point? Yes.

What is the current comprehensive plan for this parcel? The same as the current zoning, RE.

Mr. Klein wondered how close the services that are needed by the residents will be located. There will be some convenience stores located on-site. Transportation to facilities within a 2-mile radius will be provided for free.

Mr. Stowers - In Reston the housing for the elderly is located in village centers if possible so that residents can walk to a commercial area. They are usually multi-story on small lots. Would Erickson consider building a similar facility on a small lot in a different location which is closer to a village center? This has been done at other Erickson facilities. Mr. Stowers stated that he is willing to work with Erickson to help locate a suitable site.

How will the traffic generated by this development compare with traffic generated by a single family development? There will be more peak traffic but not much more.

Mr. Hill - How many people will work on the site? 400-500 for the 24 hour period, with approximately 150 at the peak. The shift hours can be changed to off-peak times.

Mr. Gibson - There is a strong need for this type of facility, but there are concerns about the context. Would Erickson consider a lower density development on the site? They would not be able to provide the needed services, and they will not change their requirements to lower the services provided. The do not want to negotiate the density. If they went to higher buildings, residents don't want to be on the upper floors.

How many cars are anticipated per unit? 1

What costs will residents incur? The costs stated in the initial presentation were modified to $100-$400K entrance fee, $1000-$1600/mon for first person, $600/mon for second person.

Mr. Wiltshire - Is interest on the deposit given back to residents if they leave? No. Interest is used for capital programs. Services are provided under a 501C3 nonprofit status. When the community is full, the community will apply for 501C3 status the 501C3 will buy the property.

Are property taxes paid? Taxes will be paid while the development is owned by the developer, and this will probably not change when it is owned by the 501C3. The 501C3 can be tax exempt, but it may not be granted.

The high density of this development will have a cost to the community. How does Erickson assess this cost? Erickson can do a cost/benefit analysis for the development. Approximately $2M/yr will be paid in real estate taxes. There are no children, so there is no additional burden on the schools. The community does it's own trash collection and snow removal. It is estimated that the development contributes millions to the local community. However, Erickson does not want to conduct a detailed cost/benefit analysis if there is strong opposition.

Will Fairfax residents be given a preference? It is anticipated that 95% of the residents will be from Fairfax County or have children living in the county, but there will be not preference given to county residents.

Ms. Frankel - Asked about the amount of open space on the site. There will be 40% impervious surfaces. Most automobiles will use parking structures.

Mr. Hill - What is the average age of the residents? 78 for those moving in, 82 for the overall age.

Questions from the audience

What businesses will be in the compound? Small convenience stores, pharmacy, beauty parlor.

Ms. Twomey, Hunter Mill Defense League member - Familiar with Greenspring Village and likes the concept, but the surrounding community has consistently fought to uphold the comprehensive plan, and this has been supported by the Board of Supervisors. If the plan is changed, there will be increased development pressure on the surrounding parcels. Erickson does not want to fight with the neighbors. They searched for 8 years in Fairfax County before finding this site. They do not want to build in Loudoun County as it is considered too far removed for most elderly Fairfax County residents.

Mr. Skidmore, resident - Wants to maintain the current low density. Suggests that Erickson find another site with densities similar to those of the proposed development.

Ms Bennett, Hunter Mill Defense League member and resident - What would happen to the mound of dirt on the site. It would be lowered a bit. Berms would remain on the perimeter.

Resident - Is opposed to continual piecemeal changes to the master plan.

Mr. Bennett - There are serious infrastructure problems in Fairfax County. We need to support the comprehensive plan.

Ms Bennett - What will be the fees for service. Fees will rise for assisted living and nursing care.

Resident - Spoke in favor of retaining the comprehensive plan.

Will there be a heliport? No.

Will there be 3 story buildings on Crowell Rd? Yes, 2 and 3 story buildings.

There is an aquifer on the site. Will it be affected by the development? Public water will be needed for the site.

What will be the height of the surrounding fence? 5-6 feet.

What is the zoning for Greenspring Village in Springfield? PDH with a density increase allowed for elderly housing. Affordable Dwelling Units were proffered at 12% since they were not required. Approximately 30% of the current residents would qualify.

Mr. Hill - Would probably oppose the development due to a need to change the comprehensive plan and subsequent pressure to change the zoning in surrounding areas, and the increased traffic.

Ms. Frankel - Is not opposed to changing the Comprehensive Plan as it is appropriate to change it on a 5 year cycle or through out of turn amendments. However, is concerned that density is not appropriate for this location.

Mr. Cerny - Does not favor higher density east of Hunter Mill Rd but is also concerned about the need for this type of housing in Fairfax County and because of that could possibly support this application.

Ms. Rice - Does not favor the development on this site but would like to see it elsewhere in the county.

Mr. Stowers - Agrees that the comprehensive plan should be changed occasionally. Willing to help relocate the development. Generally the surrounding residents do not support this development.

Erickson hears the concerns and will not force the development.

Discussion of the establishment of the permanent Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee - Ms. Rice handed out copies of the cover letter to be sent out to homeowner associations regarding the formation of the committee. She also handed out documents regarding the formation and working principals of the committee for review by Jan. 30. Send comments to Ms. Kepler.

Feb. 20 meeting - The Woodland Park East application will be considered at the next meeting. Mr. Cerny is the case manager.

Middleton Farms will be presented at the March 30 meeting.

Infill Study - Mr. Gibson agreed to testify before the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 22 to present the comments of the Interim Land Use Committee.

The meeting was adjourned a 9:40 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Mr. Wright.