Fairfax County has ambitious plans to renovate the Centreville Regional Library and combine it with a new affordable housing development.
But before that project can move forward through a public-private partnership, the county needs to transfer ownership of the property itself: from the Board of Supervisors to the county’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA).
Fairfax County is loaning $12 million to the consortium redeveloping the former Franconia Governmental Center site into affordable housing.
At its meeting Tuesday (Aug. 25), the Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 to approve the loan with Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity opposed.
Fairfax County staff are beginning preparations for adhering to a new state law loosening zoning regulations on development of affordable housing.
Legislation known by proponents as the “Faith in Housing” bills was enacted by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) earlier this year. Set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, it requires localities to establish a streamlined process for construction of affordable units on land owned by religious organizations or nonprofit groups.
Fairfax County is inviting local residents to learn about a possible plan to combine a renovation of the Chantilly Regional Library and technical operations facility with affordable housing and community space.
The community meeting will be held July 16, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Chantilly High School cafeteria (4201 Stringfellow Road) across from the library.
Plans for an apartment building with approximately 240 homes and ground-floor retail in the Seven Corners area have received support from the Fairfax County Planning Commission.
Commission members unanimously recommended on June 24 that the Board of Supervisors approve the proposal submitted by EYA and Southern Management.
Prospective residents can now apply to be considered for one of the affordable apartments currently under construction near the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) began accepting waitlist applications at 8 a.m. today (Monday) for a limited number of units in The Exchange at Spring Hill Station reserved for its Project-Based Voucher program, which subsidizes rental costs for low-income households.
Fairfax County is exploring the possibility of building a new Centreville Regional Library, combined in one building with affordable housing.
“The project could be built through a partnership with a private developer, and it may include new homes and an updated library in one building, featuring amenities for residents and the greater Centreville community,” Allyson Pearce, marketing and outreach manager for the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development, told FFXnow.
Will the Fairfax County government be able to meet its goal of 10,000 new affordable housing units by 2034? The county’s top housing official is optimistic but hedging his bets.
“We do feel like we’re very much headed in the right direction,” said Thomas Fleetwood, director of the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development.
Housing advocates used last week’s Fairfax County budget hearings to press for local leaders to turn their affordable housing aspirations into reality through increased funding.
“The market on its own … is not building near enough affordable homes,” said Reston resident John Dister, one of several housing advocates to address the Board of Supervisors on April 15, one of three days of public hearings on the fiscal year 2027 budget.
Herndon leaders took a long-awaited step last week to ensure affordable housing will be a priority in future development.
The Herndon Town Council directed town staff and a hired consultant on March 24 to develop guidance for promoting affordable housing until a more detailed, long-term policy can established as part of a comprehensive plan update for 2050.
