The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors have approved $33.3 million to acquire approximately four acres on Old Meadow Road, in Fairfax County’s Tysons Urban Center, and support the development of approximately 450 units of affordable housing by SCG Development Partners, LLC (SCG). The financing will be administered by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), which approved the action at their July 21 meeting.
The finance plan combines a mixture of funding sources. Of the $33.3 million only $13 million will be allocated from local taxpayer funds through the Affordable Housing Development and Investment Fund. The remaining funds will be allocated from the Tysons Housing Trust Fund ($1.2 million in commercial proffers) and American Rescue Plan Act funds ($19 million).
“Tysons continues to be one of most vibrant urban areas in our region and the nation. This project will combine with our recent major investment in Dominion Square West to deliver nearly 1,000 units of affordable housing to support the workforce of this vital economic center,” said Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “Affordable housing is a crucial component in sustaining the progress and success of Tysons and Fairfax County, and we will work nonstop to achieve our ultimate goal that everyone who works here can also afford to live here.”
Through a public-private partnership, the FCRHA would retain ownership of the land and lease the property to SCG for the development and operation of the affordable housing community. The development – known as Somos at McLean Metro (Somos)- will include the demolition of a seven-story office building currently on the site and replace with two buildings (one five-story building over structured parking, and another eight-story building) with a combination of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The development will also include about 5,000 square feet of community space. Units will be committed to serve households at a variety of income levels to include 40, 50, 60 and 70 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).
“The FCRHA and Fairfax County are rewriting the textbook when it comes to public-private partnerships and the impact they have on affordable housing development,” said FCRHA Chairman Melissa McKenna. “In this latest chapter, we are again using an innovative financing plan from a variety of funding sources, securing ownership of the ground to ensure long-term affordability, and we are applying these resources in a heavily connected area that will provide jobs, education, recreation, social engagement and so much more for our residents.”
Somos will be located near medical, educational, recreational, and commercial amenities – all within a three-mile radius. The site is also in close proximity to Tysons Corner Center and Galleria, the Capital One Center, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, and within walking distance to the McLean Metro station and several bus stops.
“Income should not determine opportunity or outcome in One Fairfax,” added Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik. “Our commitment to affordable housing in Fairfax County is characterized by a resolve to build livable spaces, full of engagement and opportunities for all residents – regardless of race, income, or zip code – to live their best lives. With this development embodying so many of the values we espouse there is no better description for Somos than the translation of its very name – ‘we are.’”
Note: The zoning application for Somos is currently under review.