Proposed Vantage Hill townhouses will allow EV charging, solar panels

A project to redevelop a portion of the Vantage Hill condominiums property in Reston with townhouses is barreling to final approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

At a Nov. 16 meeting, the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a plan to replace an abandoned swimming pool on the property at 11600 Vantage Hill Road with 28 townhouses.

Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner John Carter said the project is critical to help stabilize an existing affordable housing community in Reston.

“It’s a small project with a significant impact on an older neighborhood,” Carter said.

The plan by Craftmark Homes will help the 152-unit condominium building on the property shore up for critical upgrades and maintenance needs. The sale of the property will address a backlog of long-needed upgrades.

In response to concerns from area residents, the developer refined its proffers to preserve more native plans and incorporate electric vehicle charging stations.

Each townhouse unit will have the opportunity to build a charging station and install solar panels, while the condo units will have the potential for five additional charging stations, Carter said.

The developer also tweaked its proffers to provide details for the timing of construction and overall management of the site when construction begins.

The change was made in response to concerns from residents of Mediterranean Villa, a residential community adjacent to the project area.