Stop The misuse of 6121 FRANCONIA Road
What's Happening
Why This Project Should Be Stopped
Why This Project Should Be Stopped
- The Franconia Governmental Center and police station at 6121 Franconia Rd will be vacated soon.
- A new facility is being built near Manchester Lakes Shopping Center to replace it.
- Fairfax County plans a land use change for the vacated site.
- A private developer would be allowed to build a 4-story, 120-unit apartment complex.
- Units are designated for residents earning 0% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
- This includes unemployed individuals with housing vouchers.
- No alternative community-serving uses (like parks, green spaces, civic spaces, education and workforce development centers, public safety infrastructure, or arts and culture facilities) were proposed. Only an "Urban Park" was proposed for the apartment complex..
Why This Project Should Be Stopped
Why This Project Should Be Stopped
Why This Project Should Be Stopped
- Misuse of Public Land: This is taxpayer-owned land—being handed to private developers for a project that does not serve the broader community.
- Environmental Health Risks: The site is within 550 feet of five gas stations, potentially exposing future residents to toxic pollutants like benzene, a known carcinogen.
- Limited Local Input: The Board has rushed this plan forward, ignoring widespread community concerns and failing to seek sufficient public feedback.
- Infrastructure Strain: This project will increase demand on schools, roads, and emergency services—without any assurance of added resources or planning.
- Unclear Support Strategy: The development targets low- to no-income residents, including chronically homeless individuals, yet lacks details about services for mental health, substance abuse, or employment.
Important Legal Catch: The Battle for Franconia's Future
Important Legal Catch: The Battle for Franconia's Future
Important Legal Catch: The Battle for Franconia's Future
- The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) temporarily owns the Franconia Governmental Center property.
- By contract, if the land is found unsuitable for residential use, the Housing Authority must return the property to the Board of Supervisors.
- The suitability of the site is in question due to its proximity to five gas stations, which pose a serious health hazard for potential residents, especially vulnerable populations.
🔁 Key Steps for the Project to Proceed:
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment must be approved.
- Rezoning of the property must be approved.
- If these approvals are not granted, the Housing Authority must give the land back.
What Can You Do?
Important Legal Catch: The Battle for Franconia's Future
Important Legal Catch: The Battle for Franconia's Future
- Time is running out — on May 13th, 2025, your elected officials are poised to approve the next step in handing your land over to developers. Speak up now, or risk losing it for good."
- Email Your Elected Officials: Tell them you oppose the Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezoning for this project. It's Easy - Just click: Email Your Elected Officials
- Make your voice heard—it's never been easier. Submit a short recorded statement to let elected officials know you oppose this action. Show them that voters are watching—and that we care.
We’ve got everything covered. You just bring your voice.
You read. We handle the magic behind the scenes to do the heavy lifting and get your statement submitted to the public hearing.
- Saturday, May 10: Drop In anytime between 11:30am-3:00pm @ John Marshall Library - Large Meeting Room 6209 Rose Hill Dr., Alexandria
- Sunday, May 11***: Drop In anytime between 3:00-6:00pm @ Franconia Fire Station - Bingo Hall 6300 Beulah St., Alexandria (Use the driveway to the left of the building, park in the rear & enter through the door from the parking lot.)*** YES, we know May 11 is Mother's Day, but it couldn't be helped because all recorded statements are due to the county by 9am on Monday, May 12. Just drop in before or after you see your Mom and/or kids...your Mom and/or kids will be proud of your civic engagement!!