Va. Condo Project Advances Despite Affordability Issue
Despite concerns over the absence of on-site affordable housing, a 23-story, 240-unit condo development project in Fairfax County, Va., has been given the green light with an 8-1-1 vote. However, some supervisors conceded that county staff were justified in recommending the denial of the application, primarily due to the prospective developer's proposal to offer cash or off-site workforce housing in place of on-site affordable units. In a bid to address the issue, the developer has agreed to contribute approximately $4.8 million to the county, arguing that significant increases in condo fees could render affordable housing unattainable for owners, potentially forcing them to sell. This move has ignited discussions about the best approach to balancing upscale development with affordable housing in the area.