By Bobbi Bowman, The McLean Ear
MCLEAN, VA – A developer wants to build 49 townhouses on what is now a parking lot behind an existing office building near the intersection of
Proposed location for 49 townhouses in downtown McLean
Elm Street and Fleetwood Road in downtown McLean.
Presenting the preliminary plans to the McLean Planning Committee last night, John Lester of EYA, a Bethesda townhouse development company, said the project would include the townhouses with two-car garages and a new three-story parking garage facing Elm Street for the office workers. EYA was hired by JBG, a real estate company which owns the property.
“We think there is a strong market for this in this location” for townhouses close to shopping and restaurants, selling for $700,000 – $900,000 with 2000 – 2900 square feet, he said.
EYA has built over 3,000 houses in 30 communities, Lester said. The company specializes in in-fill townhouse developments in Washington, D.C. and in the suburbs inside the Beltway. Their motto:
“Life within walking distance”.
The project is partially bounded by McLean Crest, also a townhouse development. The address: 6862 Elm St.
“This development is trying to get more people in downtown,” said Stuart Mendelsohn, an attorney representing EYA. Mendelsohn is the former Dranesville supervisor.
The five acre tract is zoned for commercial and townhouse development. Planning committee member Maya Huber reminded her colleagues that some had hoped for apartments on the site. She also said the community had hoped for housing for the elderly, but an earlier plan for such a development fell through.
Next step: The developer needs to submit a specific plan which will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the Planning Committee.
The McLean Ear 