35-Unit Independent Living Community Proposed In McLean

MCLEAN, VA — The Fairfax County Planning Commission and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will consider a 35-unit independent living community in McLean at upcoming meetings.

According to a county staff report, Chain Bridge Estates would be for-sale independent living units for residents 60 and up. The location of the proposal is 1638 and 1642 Chain Bridge Road, or about 350 feet west of the intersection with Pathfinder Lane and a quarter mile from the McLean Community Business Center (downtown McLean). Existing single-family homes at 1638 Chain Bridge Road and 1642 Chain Bridge Road are proposed to be removed with the proposed independent living development.

The units would be a mix of single-family attached units and multifamily two-over-two units. Per a section of the zoning ordinance, 15 percent of units would be designated as affordable housing. Amenities could include a 3,600-square-foot community clubhouse, rooms for nurse, physician or physical therapy appointments, indoor warm water aquatic/therapy pool, massage room, fitness center, catering kitchen and bar area, community library, art studio/workshop area, pet grooming area and outdoor gathering area with seating and a fire pit.

The community would be accessible by a private road from Chain Bridge Road and a proposed 117-foot eastbound left-turn lane on Chain Bridge Road. Private garages attached to units and surface parking would provide 90 parking spaces. An eight-foot-wide trail is also proposed along the property's Chain Bridge Road frontage.

The proposed density is 10.7 dwelling units per acre. Surrounding uses are single-family residences, most of which are 2 to 3 dwelling units per acre. Single-family attached residences to the south are 8 to 12 dwelling units per acre.

The zoning ordinance normally requires a 50-foot setback when the yard abuts or is across a street from areas with a density of 0.2 to 8 dwelling units per acre. The applicant requests the required setback to be modified, allowing the development to be 27 feet from the front yard, 32 feet from the eastern side yard, 33 feet from the western side yard, and 34 feet from the rear yard.

County staff expressed support for the modification due to the proposed architecture and screening.

"The units in this independent living facility have been designed in size and height to resemble single-family attached dwelling units rather than a multifamily building," the staff report stated. "While most of the residences on the northern side of Chain Bridge Road are single-family detached dwellings, directly across from the subject property on the south side of Chain Bridge Road, single-family attached dwellings are found, similar in style to this proposal."

The applicant touted the opportunity to provide housing for older adults as highlighted in the county's Policy Plan of the Comprehensive Plan and 50+ Community Action Plan.

"The community is proposed in a location served by a robust trail/sidewalk system offering convenient pedestrian access to the varied stores and activities in downtown McLean," the application stated. "The community will be across the street from a Lewinsville Park and less than 400 feet from a Fairfax County Connector bus stop affording access to the McLean Metro Station. The development is designed to offer its future residents both indoor and outdoor activities and health and recreation services which are targeted to the senior adult population."

The Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24, and the Board of Supervisors hearing is scheduled for March 9.