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Is the site safe for housing?

The safety of environmental and physical conditions of the site were considered and will continue to be part of the evaluation and design of the development during the land use and entitlement process.

Will the sidewalks be safe?

Ensuring community walkability and safe pedestrian experiences are core to any affordable housing redevelopment effort. While specific details for Franconia are still under development and subject to the land use and entitlement process, any plan will include sidewalks safe for pedestrian enjoyment. Pedestrian connectivity and safety are significant considerations in the evaluation of any residential development proposal. 

What will the density be?

The proposed density will be confirmed through the planning and zoning process. Currently, the proposed development would include up to 120 affordable homes depending on the feedback and guidance provided through the land use and entitlement process.

What impact would increase density have on the local community?

The local community will enjoy:

•    A development process that incorporates the needs and desires of the entire community.
•    Amenities included in the development plan to benefit the entire community including anything from green space to traffic calming to schools.
•    Improvement of streetscaping along Franconia Road.
•    Additional tax revenue that will be applied to Franconia.
•    Retention of talented public service staff and promote a diverse, inclusive community, including first responders, teachers, nurses, and others.
•    Economic stimulus and job creation.
•    Sustainable development.
•    Attract investment and support local businesses with new residents.
 

What are the potential traffic impacts?

Impacts to traffic will be studied and incorporated into the land use and entitlement process. Studies will address issues such as parking, roadway improvements, and pedestrian improvements necessary to support additional development. The current site will leverage existing access to mass transit.

What are the potential infrastructure impacts?

Any infrastructure needs will be evaluated to ensure capacity for proposed development. From water needs to roadways, each aspect is carefully analyzed, and impacts of proposed developments are mitigated during the zoning process.
 

What is the process?

Following the Community Conversations, the Board of Supervisors will make a decision on the use of property. If it becomes opportunity for redevelopment for affordable housing, then the development team will be engaged via the Public Private Education Act (PPEA) process and the project will be submitted for zoning. 

How can I share my feedback, opinions and ideas?

Fairfax County is committed to soliciting feedback, opinions, and ideas during a series of community outreach sessions in April and May. As the development moves through the forthcoming land use and entitlement process, the public will have additional opportunities to provide feedback through meetings and hearings.

Is the proposed redevelopment consistent with One Fairfax policy?

The proposed redevelopment of the Franconia Governmental Center – and all potential uses of county-owned land and facilities – have equity baked-in at the beginning. Community conversations will provide more public input, along with the planning and zoning process.

Who will live in the affordable housing? How much money will they make?

The potential affordable housing would serve households earning an average 60% of the Area Median income, which is approximately $63,000 for an individual and $90,000 for a household of four in 2023. This could include:
•    Individuals relying on fixed incomes, including seniors and people with disabilities.
•    Single parents striving to support their families on a single income.
•    Individuals whose earnings are barely sufficient despite holding multiple jobs. 
•    Service industry workers, administrative personnel, social workers, medical support staff, and public service employees. The workers who are the heart of our area’s economy and community. 
•    As many as one in five of the units could have a preference for public safety, medical personnel, and others who could qualify under the Magnet Housing Program. Most of the people living there will be at approximately 60% AMI.

What is the average rent for someone living in an affordable home?

The rent limit (at 60% AMI) for a two-bedroom affordable home is $2,089.

What is the timeframe?

•    On February 9, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved the advertisement for the public hearing regarding Conveyance of Property at the Franconia Governmental Center to FCRHA in Franconia District.  
•    Subsequently, on February 19 and 26, 2021, the Washington Times published advertisements announcing the public hearing scheduled for March 9, 2021.
•    The virtual public hearing meeting on March 9, 2021, BOS authorized the transfer of the land to FCRHA. 
•    A community engagement meeting occurred on October 27, 2021, when Supervisor Lusk hosted a meeting to discuss the potential for affordable housing at the Franconia Government Center and solicited feedback from the community. This feedback from the community was incorporated into the development for a Request for Proposals.
•    On February 3, 2022, a Request for Proposals (RFP #2000003477) was issued under the PPEA Act of 2002. The RFP sought proposals from qualified Developer to develop affordable multi-family housing on the County-owned property at 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia.
•    The selected developer’s redacted proposal was made available on DPMM website on August 29, 2023.
•    On January 23, 2024, the Board of Supervisors conducted a public hearing regarding the validation of the land transfer validation to FCRHA.
 

2015 Virginia Department of Health Suspected Cancer Cluster Analysis Summary of Findings

Park Authority Spring Camps (Parktakes)

When school is out, Park Authority's camps are in session. Our camps are held at numerous locations across the county during school breaks and student holidays. They provide unique experiences in a variety of topic areas like art, sports, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), cooking, gaming and nature. Camp offerings include full-day and part-day camp programs and include options for extended care and special accommodation requests. All camp spaces are open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Find camp details, planning resources and registration information online. Learn more and register online. 

SACC/Camp Fairfax 

SACC/Camp Fairfax welcomes children in kindergarten through 6th grade for weeklong programs offered during the Fairfax County Public Schools spring and winter breaks. Children will enjoy exciting opportunities in outdoor adventures, performing arts, sports and recreation, visual arts, science, technology, engineering and math exploration and much more. Programs are located in public schools and community centers throughout the county. A morning and afternoon snack is provided. A sliding fee scale is available. Offered through the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services:

• Spring Program
• Winter Program

NCS Out-of-School Time Camps

Select public schools and community centers across Fairfax County welcome 1st through 6th graders for a week-long camp during Fairfax County Public Schools spring and winter breaks. Programs offer fun and creative opportunities to help participants develop valuable life skills and make positive social connections. Financial assistance available. Offered through the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Learn more and register.

Teens in Action

The Teens in Action program offers an engaging, healthy and free recreation experience for youth ages 12 to 18 to learn, play and serve. Financial assistance available. Offered through the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Learn more and register.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the following resolution on April 4, 2017:

• Whereas, Fairfax County is and will continue to be a County that exemplifies values of respect and acceptance;
• Whereas, we welcome and celebrate one another’s differences and cultural backgrounds; Whereas, while immigration is a federal matter, Fairfax County does partner with federal authorities on serious criminal matters when required;
• Whereas, we do not ask, nor do we have the resources for, our police officers to become immigration officials, nor for Fairfax County to assume the responsibilities of federal immigration officials;
• Whereas, Fairfax County Police successfully engage in community policing, which requires the trust of residents who are not afraid to call law enforcement if their safety is at risk, or to report information that may help to solve a crime;
• Whereas, it is the responsibility of our police officers to ensure the safety of Fairfax County residents through community policing rather than through immigration enforcement;
• Whereas, Fairfax County Public Schools complies with the federally mandated requirements that we educate all children, regardless of immigration status;
• Whereas, the School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all children in our public school system and Fairfax County Public Schools values the richly diverse backgrounds of our students and families;
• Whereas, Fairfax County’s diversity makes our community strong and vibrant, and we are proud of what every resident has to offer;
• Therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors does hereby affirm our strong commitment to maintaining a community culture that values and celebrates the similarities as well as the differences among our neighbors.

Former Chairman Sharon Bulova stated, “Fairfax County is a welcoming and accepting community where residents of all backgrounds deserve to feel respected and safe. It is important that we, as local leaders, speak out when our constituents are concerned regarding policies or practices that may affect them. We are a safe, diverse and caring community, and if that harmony is threatened, I believe we have a duty to speak out and clearly articulate our values.”

The county has received several inquiries about federal changes in policies or procedures regarding immigrants. We’ve heard the concerns about the federal government and planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in our area.

Fairfax County does not and will not enforce civil federal immigration laws. The federal courts have determined that the enforcement of civil immigration laws is solely a federal responsibility under the exclusive authority of ICE.

The Board of Supervisors has not designated Fairfax County as a sanctuary county; it complies to the fullest extent required by federal, state or local law with any law enforcement agency requesting criminal law enforcement assistance. The Board of Supervisors' Trust Policy and Police General Orders found above establish the county’s practice for civil matters.

Fairfax County seeks to protect the federal and state constitutional rights of all persons, including immigrants.

As of March 9, 2021, the 2019 public charge rule is no longer in effect. As a result, receiving public assistance like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), or federally subsidized housing no longer impacts an immigrant’s application for Lawful Permanent Resident (green card) status. In addition, factors such as an immigrant’s medical history, age, income and assets, education level, family size, and English proficiency are no longer factors.

Immigration officials will now apply the 1999 public charge field guidance, which only considers income-maintenance benefits, including SSI, TANF, and state/local cash assistance programs, as well as institutionalization for long-term care funded by the federal government.

Frequently asked questions about the public charge rule:

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