Stop the Proposal to Build an Assisted Living Facility in a Resource Protection Area (RPA)

Planning Commission Hearing on Assisted Living Facility: Ongoing Need For Citizen Input To Request Dismissal of Orr/Benchmark SE 2018-HM-024 

There have been numerous developments over the past few weeks. The applicant has requested an indefinite deferral.  Applicant’s letter can be found at www.ProtectHMR.com.  The Planning Commission will be addressing the applicant’s request at the September 12, 2019, hearing originally scheduled for Decision Only.

Citizens have been informed by county staff that the applicant has not submitted any new information to try and address the Planning Commission's numerous questions and stated concerns since their July 18th public hearing.  A critical issue highlighted at the public hearing by citizens was the applicant’s failure to locate and identify a natural spring flowing into Angelico Branch that had been documented as far back as 1987. They have yet to offer any explanation for this significant omission in its topographic and wetlands surveys.

Contrary to the applicant's claims, they have not met all of the standards for approval.  These shortfalls have been extensively documented with the help of community input during this process. We’re asking concerned citizens to request a denial of the application as opposed to an indefinite deferral (which could be picked back up) and removal of any approvals, such as the change in the RPA delineation and Preliminary Letters of Certification regarding the site’s septic system suitability.

It is our understanding that only the Board of Supervisors (BOS) would have the authority to require another RPA Delineation Study be completed in order to correct inaccuracies submitted by the applicant’s December 31, 2018, RPA Delineation Study.  We’re hopeful that such a motion would subsequently be considered by the BOS.  Please email the Planning Commission (Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov) making these requests. 

  The Hunters Valley Association (HVA) encourages everyone’s attendance at the September 12th hearing.  No public comments will be allowed, the decision will be made promptly at 7:30, then feel free to leave. By your attendance, the Commissioners will see the public’s ongoing high level of interest and concern in this inappropriate and inaccurate application.

           See also this InsideNOVA article on the hearing regarding this proposed development.