The rent is getting too high, residents of a committed affordable housing complex near Huntley Meadows Park say.
The owner of Lafayette Apartments (7136 Groveton Gardens Road) in Groveton increased rents starting on June 1, even though living conditions have become “unsafe” and “hazardous” in recent years, according to Tenant and Workers United (TWU), a local grassroots organization that supports advocacy efforts by low-income communities of color.
In a protest organized by TWU, residents gathered at the apartment complex’s playground on Sept. 7 to urge Jonathan Rose Companies to stop raising their rents and address maintenance issues.
“These sudden, predatory rent increases for apartments with significant health and safety issues are shocking,” TWU community organizer Marianela Funes said. “It’s this type of behavior that forces our neighbors out of their homes and displaces entire communities.”
Vartania Olivia says she and other residents started organizing with TWU about three months ago after they were informed in May that their rents would be increased.
According to TWU, rents were increased by the maximum increment allowed for a property eligible to receive Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The organization says residents reported “widespread inconsistency” in the amount of the increases and the wording of the notices they received.
A Lafayette Apartments resident for over 11 years, Yesenia Climato says she got a letter stating that her rent would go up by $200 a month on June 1. However, if she didn’t agree to the new rate by signing the letter, the rent would automatically increase even more by $321.
“This increase is too high,” Climato said. “What we want is a stop in the rent increase. We are a low-income community and this is too much for us.”
Rose Community Management, which manages the Lafayette Apartments, confirmed that it increased rents by 10% on average, which it says is “significantly lower than what is allowed by law” for a designated affordable housing community.
The increases came after the company voluntarily froze rents for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic, a spokesperson said. With the neighborhood’s area median income rising 18% over that time, the building could legally raise rents by as much as 17%, according to Rose Community Management.
“It is now necessary to raise rents at the Lafayette Apartments to keep pace with inflation and rising property payroll and operating costs to ensure the property remains in good working order,” the Rose Community Management spokesperson said in a statement. “…We look forward to continuing to serve residents in this affordable apartment community.”
Jonathan Rose says it has completed over $9 million in repairs and maintenance since buying the property, including roof replacements, balcony and chimney updates, modernization of the water heaters, and improvements to the unit floors, countertops and kitchen appliances.
However, residents say conditions have deteriorated since Jonathan Rose acquired the 340-unit property in May 2016.
Issues have included neglected maintenance requests, rodent infestations, unsafe and unhealthy living conditions, and unusable common areas, according to TWU.
“This property has been in such bad condition. They never pay attention to our maintenance requests,” Olivia said. “The pool has been closed for over 4 years. We have pest [infestations].”
The Lafayette Apartments swimming pool reopened on Aug. 18 after being closed for several years due to the pandemic and repairs, according to the property manager.
In light of the rent increases, some residents fear the owner is preparing to sell the apartments, though TWU didn’t elaborate on the basis for that speculation. Jonathan Rose didn’t comment on whether there are any plans to put the property on the market.
“That leaves the future of the community in limbo,” TWU said. “This community is facing exorbitant increases in rent coupled with a lack of maintenance repairs and living conditions that are unsafe and unhealthy. The management company must do better.”
A pair of 480-unit buildings in the massive Halley Rise mixed-use development in Reston is nearing completion.
The Arbor at Halley Rise, located at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive, includes a pair of towers built on a common podium. It will also include 9,500-square-feet of retail, outdoor courtyards, a pool, amenities areas, club rooms and a fitness center.
Fairfax County is in the early phases of considering a sign plan for the project. In the application, the developer notes that the branding of the apartment building was “inspired by the serenity of nature.”
“This concept focuses on creating a sanctuary at home,” the application says. “A stylish font paired with a vintage illustration set creates a system that feels chic yet comfortable.”
Construction on the apartment component began in July of last year. Retail is expected to deliver in October 2024, with opening slated for April 2025, according to a site plan.
At completion, Halley Rise will include nearly 2 million square feet of office space, 1,600 residential units, 246,000 square feet of retail, 5 acres of parks and 3,700 parking spaces. The development’s most recent addition was the long-anticipated opening of Wegmans in January.
The project is divided into two phases. The first phase, which will be completed this year, includes 90,000 square feet of retail, 480,000 square feet of office space, 532 residential units and 771 parking spots.
An office building adjacent to Freedom Hill Elementary School is the latest commercial property in Tysons to be considered for housing instead.
The owner of 8221 Old Courthouse Road has submitted a proposal to Fairfax County that would convert the existing three-story office building into 55 one and two-bedroom apartment units, including six designated as workforce housing.
Filed on Friday (Feb. 10), the application says the conversion will address the need for housing to serve Tysons’ growing population, while revitalizing an “underutilized” site, as the office market continues to cool.
“With pressure from newly delivered office space with high quality amenities growing, older office space in the Tysons office-heavy market is declining as demand for multifamily continues to increase,” Robert Brant, a legal agent for the property owner, wrote in a statement of justification. “The proposed office-to-residential conversion will infuse the neighborhood with some new renewed foot traffic.”
Built in 1986, the office building is on a 87,472-square-foot site owned by 8221 Old Courthouse Road LC, an affiliate of the housing developer Dittmar Company, according to county property records.
Current tenants include Northern Virginia Foot & Ankle Associates, an Atlantic Union Bank and the software company Armedia. However, vacancies “are expected to increase dramatically in the next few years,” the application says.
Renovations are also needed, but the owner has determined they’re “not viable” based on “the current and future outlook for the office market.”
“However, the property is well suited for residential use, being located on the edge of Tysons and adjacent to an elementary school site,” Brant said.
According to the application, the shell of the existing building would be retained, along with a 5-foot-tall brick wall separating the property from Freedom Hill Elementary. No changes to the building footprint or height are proposed.
However, the developer is seeking to eliminate 90 spaces from the surface parking lot, leaving 66 total spaces to serve the new residents.
The parking reduction will allow for a 7,000-square-foot, publicly accessible park along Old Courthouse Road, featuring “a meandering trail,” benches and gardens. The applicant also intends to provide approximately 8,400 square feet of private, outdoor amenity space for residents, including outdoor seating and grilling stations.
According to the submitted plan, the project will reduce the amount of impervious surface, which currently covers 81% of the property, and add landscaping, including an 8-foot-wide buffer between the street and sidewalk on both Old Courthouse Road to the north and Lord Fairfax Drive to the west.
As part of the project, the applicant says it will widen the sidewalks on Old Courthouse and Lord Fairfax to 8 feet wide and 6 feet, respectively.
“New pedestrian paths in the public park space, around the building, along the southern Property line, and to the building entrances at the front and rear…will be provided,” the application says.
The rezoning application hasn’t yet been formally accepted for review by the county.
Photo via Google Maps
Herndon’s Arrowbrook Centre (2340 Silver Way) is rapidly building out its 28-acre mixed use community.
South Asian grocery store Hello2India has signed a lease at mixed-use project, which is located off the Dulles Toll Road.
According to a report by Northern Virginia Magazine, roughly 50% of retail space has been leased.
The grocery store will take up roughly 13,000 square feet of space at the development.
The residential component of the project includes 274 affordable apartments, along with a dog park, soccer field, tennis courts, playground and picnic pavilion.
Additional development is also planned at the campus.
Ornery Beer Company Public House has also signed a lease at the site. It’s expected to open in the third or fourth quarter of the year.
The grocery and developer did not return requests for comment from FFXnow.
Residents of Faraday Park, an apartment community in Reston, may have noticed that several pending maintenance issues have been recently resolved.
Rooney Properties recently resolved maintenance issues at the community, according to a statement from the company.
“We take the concerns of our residents and larger community incredibly seriously. There is one remaining maintenance issue that is actively being resolved and scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks,” Rooney Properties said in a statement to FFXnow.
The resolution comes months after a Restonian contacted the company to address the issues on the site. For example, cables and wires that were strewn on a portion of the property were recently removed.
However, a vault still remains raised above the surface and a sidewalk extension appears to be incomplete, according to Adam Rubenstein, the resident.
Rubenstein said he was told that a contractor was unavailable to complete the work.
“Recently, after contacting the press, they suddenly were able to find a contractor and fix a couple of issues,” Rubenstein said.
The spokesperson for the company noted that none of the issues brought to the company’s attention “pose a safety risk to the community.” The spokesperson did not elaborate on what issues were resolved and exactly when they were resolved.
FFXnow contacted the company for a statement in early December about the maintenance issues. Several days later, wires on the property were removed.
The spokesperson did not respond to several requests for additional information.
A 259-unit apartment community built in the late 1980s is getting a new owner and new name as part of multi-million-dollar effort to preserve the complex as an affordable housing project.
As anticipated, developers AHC Inc. and Insight Property Group have acquired the Colvin Woods apartments in an effort to preserve the complex. As part of the change in ownership, the community will be rebranded as Haven Reston.
“Haven is Insight Property Group’s workforce and affordable housing brand. It is normal for them to rebrand with it,” an Insight spokesperson told FFXnow.
The acquisition follows the approval of a $15 million Housing Blueprint loan in early August.
“Partnering with local jurisdictions to address the urgent need for workforce and affordable housing in the DC Metro area has proven to be something that Insight is particularly well suited for,” said Insight Group partner Mae Klinger.
While the community has historically been a market-affordable community, no rent restrictions are currently in place to preserve that affordability. The complex includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, a leasing office, clubhouse and swimming pool.
The new owners will institute a phased approach to ensure that 60% of the units are occupied by residents earning a maximum 60% of the area median income and 40% of the units are occupied by residents earning no more than 80% of the AMI.
“Preserving the affordable housing in this beautiful woodland area, full of nearby amenities, is central to our mission of helping residents thrive,” AHC President and CEO Paul Bernard said.
Through October 2025, current leases with residents who are in good standing will remain unaffected. But by October 2027, all units will be preserved as affordable. After 10 years, the property will be refinanced through low-income housing tax credits — supporting a rehabilitation of the overall property, according to the county.
The new team plans to upgrade the building’s facade, common areas, amenities and landscaped areas. Gates Hudson will continue to manage the property.
The redevelopment of the Vantage Hill condominiums in Reston could move forward on a faster track than previously anticipated.
At the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday (Aug. 2), the board unanimously approved a request to expedite the redevelopment of the southwest portion of the property — largely the pool area, which closed years ago — with 28 townhouses.
The 152-unit complex was built in 1962 and was later converted into a condominium community known as Vantage Hill condominium. The development team, CM Vantage LLC, plans to redevelop the abandoned pool area for for-sale residential units.
“The sale is intended to generate revenue to address a backlog of capital improvements facing the existing condominium development,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said.
The redevelopment application is set to go before the Fairfax County Planning Commission on Nov. 2. The applicant wants a set and expedited date for a hearing before the board once the commission approves the project.
A public hearing before the board — which is typically tied to a vote — is currently set for Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Plans to redevelop the community have been brewing for years, as the boxy condominium homes continue on a steady decline in maintenance.
Sales generated from the for-sale townhomes are expected to help finance $4.5 million in needed upgrades. Target items include new windows and doors, upgraded heating, new plumbing, a bigger playground, and metered electrical service for each unit.
Virginia Reports Second Case of Monkeypox — “The patient is an adult male resident of the Northern region of Virginia who was exposed out of state. The Virginia patient did not require hospitalization and is isolating at home. To protect patient privacy, no further information will be provided.” [VDH]
Discrimination Lawsuit Details Issues at Annandale Apartments — “The Fairfax County Circuit Court heard a case [Friday] that shined a light on the filthy and inhumane conditions at Fairmont Gardens in Annandale. Dean Sanchez, a former leasing agent, is suing the Donaldson Group, the company that owns the apartment complex…Sanchez reports the apartments are infested with mice, bedbugs, roaches, and mold.” [Annandale Today]
Man Arrested in McLean Charged in Capitol Storming — “A U.S. Naval reservist who was assigned to an agency that operates spy satellites told an undercover FBI agent that he stormed the U.S. Capitol with members of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group and has espoused anti-government and antisemitic ideologies, federal authorities said in court records unsealed on Thursday.” [NBC4]
Lawsuit Alleges FCPS Mishandled Sexual Assault Complaint — “Lawyers for a former Fairfax County student recently filed an amended complaint against the Fairfax County School Board outlining allegations of an unsafe environment that led to repeated sexual harassment and sexual assaults of the student.” [Inside NoVA/WTOP]
Metro Introduces $2 Weeknight Fares — “Lower-priced unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus monthly passes are now on sale for travel beginning July 1, providing more flexibility and value to customers who may no longer be commuting five days a week. And beginning Monday, June 27, all customers traveling on Metrorail after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays will benefit from a flat fare of $2 per one-way trip.” [WMATA]
Police Investigate Fairfax City Shooting — “The founder of a non-profit that builds schools for girls in Africa was found shot to death inside his Fairfax city home Friday morning.” [NBC4]
Falls Church Abortion Clinic Plans Expansion — “Falls Church Healthcare Center is working to expand capacity because they suspect they’ll soon get more out-of-state patients. They are looking to add more appointments, considering adding an extra day for scheduling and hiring nurse practitioners to deliver care.” [DCist]
New Lorton Fire Station Gets Grand Opening — “The new $14 million fire station is significantly larger, has energy efficient and environmentally sustainable features, and was outfitted to comfortably accommodate both male and female members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and the volunteer fire company.” [On the MoVe]
It’s Monday — Rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 80 and low of 68. Sunrise at 5:47 am and sunset at 8:40 pm. [Weather.gov]
Police Arrest Suspect in Car Part Thefts — “A 33-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of vehicle parts in residential parking garages in Fairfax County and Fairfax City…The first theft was reported on April 19 in the 5800 block of Trinity Parkway in Centreville.” [ALXnow]
Fairfax Man Charged for Loudoun County Bomb Threat — “An 18-year-old man from Fairfax was arrested on Tuesday and charged in connection with a bomb threat that was emailed to Dominion High School on May 19.” [Patch]
Fairfax County to Study Free Bus Service — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff to analyze the pros and cons of making Fairfax Connector buses fare free for all riders, building off of a recently approved program providing 50% discounts to low-income riders. The results will be presented to the board at its transportation committee meeting on Sept. 30. [Patch]
Affordable Housing Units Open for Rent — The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development was recently notified of potential vacancies in apartments targeted toward lower-income residents. There are currently available units in Oakton’s Dwell Vienna Metro Apartments, the Passport Apartments in Herndon, and The Kingston and Hanover in Tysons. [HCD]
Construction Firm Makes Reston Office Its HQ — “General contracting firm Winmar Construction Inc., one of the largest private companies in Greater Washington, is moving its headquarters from Georgetown to Reston. Rockville commercial real estate firm Edge said Tuesday it represented Winmar in a lease for 7,000 square feet at 2100 Reston Parkway.” [Washington Business Journal]
Vienna Proposes Change to Historic Register Criteria — “At the request of Historic Vienna Inc., the Vienna Town Council on July 11 will hold a public hearing to change the definition of ‘historic’ as ‘at least 100 years old.'” The town currently limits its register of historic sites and places to properties that existed before 1900. [Sun Gazette]
Repaved Wakefield Courts to Reopen — “After months of repairs and conversion of existing courts to pickleball courts, it’s time to officially open the renewed and renovated Wakefield Park tennis and pickleball court complex…Please join us on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 9 a.m. for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a demonstration of [pickleball] and light refreshments.” [FCPA]
It’s Thursday — Possible light rain in the morning. High of 75 and low of 66. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:35 pm. [Weather.gov]
Improperly discarded smoking materials caused a West Falls Church apartment fire on Sunday (May 29) that damaged 11 units, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said.
Around 2:51 p.m., crews from the county and Arlington County Fire Department responded to the 2900 block of Dover Lane and saw fire visible from the third-floor balcony, according to a press release.
There were three people in the apartment at the time of the fire, which a neighbor saw on the balcony and alerted the building occupants to, the release said. Everyone evacuated before the fire department arrived.
Due to the hot temperatures that day, and the location of the fire, the City of Fairfax Fire Department also responded.
“Crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly,” the release said. “There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported.”
The fire caused about $158,500 in damage and displaced “multiple people,” according to the FCFRD. Smoke alarms did not go off because of the location of the fire.
The local American Red Cross says it assisted 11 families in the wake of the fire.
“Trained disaster workers provided emotional support and financial resources for essentials like safe shelter, food and clothing,” said Ashley Henyan, a spokesperson with the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region Red Cross. “Volunteer teams also assisted with replacing medications or medical assistive devices — according to need. In the days and weeks ahead, Red Cross caseworkers will follow up with impacted families as they continue down the road to recovery.”
Henyan says families and individuals affected by this or any other disaster can call 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance.
Photos courtesy of @xthefirephoto
