'Green' Neabsco development gains steam

A Merrifield-based developer plans to bring green roofs -- an environmentally friendly trend largely seen in European and urban design -- to a mixed-use project in the U.S. 1 corridor.

"A lot of a time a green roof will be something there won't be access to so you'll have this vegetative roof that is very environmentally positive," but doesn't offer any recreational uses, said Sherman Patrick, planner for Compton & Duling, the law firm representing Uniwest, on Thursday.

But the rooftops for two mixed-used buildings would have courtyards filled with greenery and trees, one featuring a pool and deck that would not only absorb stormwater runoff and reduce air pollutants but would also offer a place for residents to go in their leisure time, he said.

The two five-story buildings, with retail on the first levels and, between the two, a total of 360 multi-family units above, are part of the proposed Neabsco Common development on the west side of Neabsco Mills Road.

And after tabling a decision in early April, the Prince William Planning Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve the request to rezoning of roughly 22 acres for the development that would also include two five-story freestanding hotels, two four-story 80,000 square foot office buildings and a bank with drive-through window service.

The project would be built adjacent to the Northern Virginia Community College campus.

Commissioner Rene M. Fry, Dumfries District, was absent from the meeting.

"It's one of the few proposals I've seen come through that is truly integrating mixed uses," Occoquan District Commissioner Kim Hosen said at the public hearing held at the McCoart Administration Center.

"I'm extremely pleased that the applicant has taken into consideration the quality of construction," said Commissioner Bruce Holley, Neabsco District. "I think it's a jewel in the Potomac Communities revitalization plan."

The added traffic to already congested roadways in that area presented what at-large Commissioner Gary Friedman described as a "glaring problem."

"We don't make any progress in addressing those problems when you add residential development," he said at the meeting.

But the developers' commitment to widening Neabsco Mills Road from two to four lanes between Dale Boulevard and the entrance roads to the community college and Freedom High School, as well as adding several turn lanes, would keep the roadway at its current level of service.

Additionally, Patrick said, the developer would proffer $3 to $4 million for other road improvements.

Commissioners also voted 7-0 to approve a special use permit for a drive-through bank at Neabsco Common.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is scheduled to hear both proposals on May 20.

Staff writer Elisa Glushefski can be reached at 703-878-8062.