On the Docket: Plans for 44 Homes on Michael Faraday Drive

After six postponements since December, Pulte Home’s Lofts at Reston Station will finally go before the Fairfax County Planning Commission this week.

It might not move quickly though. A Fairfax County Planning staff report recommends denial of the application to rezone an industrial area, currently a one-story office building, on Michael Faraday Drive and built 44 residences. The plan calls for 12 2-over-2 townhouses and 32 multifamily units on a 1 1/2-acre plot of land.

The parcel is about one-third of a mile from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, and will eventually be connected by interior streets, including an extension of Reston Station Blvd, plans show.

The planning staff report basically says that is too much housing attempting to be crammed into a small space.

The staff report takes issues with the configuration of open space; the amount of surface parking (27 spaces, which they say should be in structured parking); a poorly designed pocket park; and lack of landscaping in connecting to public space.

The report also mentions concerns about how trash and recycling trucks will function in the crowded layout.

The staff report suggest an alternative layout or removing two townhouse units in order to open up space in the development.

The public hearing is Thursday at 8:15 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Rendering of multifamily building along future Reston Station Blvd at Michael Faraday Drive/Credit: Fairfax County