MVCCA Committee Says No to Transit Center in Gum Springs

The planning and zoning committee of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens' Associations approved a resolution Monday opposing the construction of a new $5.7 million Route 1 transit center at Fordson Road.

However, in a joint session, the MVCCA’s transportation committee tabled the same resolution until they could hear from Fairfax County transportation officials.

The resolution asserts that construction of a transit center on the site, known as the Old Belle Haven Lodge property, would conflict with the county’s comprehensive plan. It also states that a transit center could adversely affect the quality of life for nearby residents due to air, light, sound and noise pollution, among other issues.

Before approving the resolution, the planning and zoning committee removed language that supported the creation of a new retail center and restaurant, a plan put forth by property owner Marx Realty and Improvement Co. The committee felt the retail center and restaurant should be addressed separately.

“The vote from planning and zoning was the right vote because it supports the community, and at the same time, it’s not saying we oppose the transit center, but it’s asking them to look at other sites that may be more viable,” said Queenie Cox, president of the New Gum Springs Civic Association. Cox presented the resolution at Monday’s meeting.

The county’s preferred design for the transit center entails closing the section of Fordson Road that currently intersects Route 1 and rerouting Fordson Road to connect with Boswell Avenue. A second option would build the center on the same site but preserve the current route of Fordson Road.

Members of the New Gum Springs Civic Association  on their community last month, and complained about potential increases in bus and foot traffic. They also had security questions.

Philip Schanzer, Marx Realty's vice president of construction and development, has said the company plans to build a small-scale retail development on the site. Marx Realty has already filed a site plan with the county.