Despite some lingering concerns, Fairfax County officials are moving forward with a large mixed-use development proposal near the Innovation Center Metro station.
At its Sept. 16 meeting, the Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended approval of several applications for the Aurora Station at Dulles development.
Developer Pomeroy Companies is seeking amendments to its 2019 rezoning plan, the conditions of that rezoning, a conceptual plan and a final development plan for the project. Pomeroy first submitted its requested revisions in 2022.
Just east of Dulles International Airport, the 39-acre vacant property at 13710 Frying Pan Road south of Herndon is bounded by Frying Pan Road, Sunrise Valley Drive and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
The original proposal envisioned slightly more than 2 million square feet of mixed-use development, including housing and an independent living facility.
Pomeroy is seeking to maintain the same overall density, but increase the residential portion of the development by 388,000 square feet to 1.96 million, while capping commercial development at 150,000 square feet. The developer also wants to jettison the senior living facility in favor of more residential units.
Overall, Aurora Station at Dulles could deliver between 1,414 and 1,551 homes across four multifamily residential buildings and four blocks of townhouses or biplexes. It would also include space for retail and commercial development, such as a grocery store, in the multifamily buildings.
Commissioners twice kicked the tires on the proposal in July over staff concerns regarding affordable housing, transportation, parks and construction phasing.
The issues included a new, internal street connection between Sunrise Valley Drive and Frying Pan Road, the need for pedestrian facilities in certain areas and questions about the amount of urban park space and affordable and workforce dwelling units that will be provided.
The commission didn’t discuss the proposal prior to its vote, but a staff report outlined some remaining concerns. Specifically, officials felt:
- The conditions for development fell short of meeting some affordable housing guidelines
- Making the connection between Sunrise Valley Drive and Frying Pan Road into a private street wouldn’t best serve the community
- The development plan doesn’t have enough detail about its urban parks
- Additional commitments were needed to comply with noise ordinances
The proposal next goes to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing and vote scheduled for Oct. 27.
