Fairfax County’s first affordable housing conversion project breaks ground in Merrifield – FFXnow

Report on Affordable Housing Development in Merrifield Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A significant initiative to increase affordable housing in Merrifield has officially commenced, emphasizing the commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 1: No Poverty.

Project Overview

1. Location and Scope
   • The project involves repurposing a vacant four-floor office building at 2990 Telestar Court into an 80-unit affordable apartment complex.
   • Units will include one- and two-bedroom apartments.
   • Rental rates will target households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, supporting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
2. Stakeholders and Partnerships
   • Fairfax County officials and developer Conifer Realty are leading the project.
   • The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) partnered with Conifer Realty and Joseph Browne Development Associates.
   • A 99-year ground lease was secured by FCRHA for the property.
3. Funding and Approval
   • The Board of Supervisors approved financing supported by $8 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
   • The building was acquired from Inova, which previously used it as administrative headquarters until 2022.
   • A second office building conversion at 8110 Gatehouse Road into a live/work development also received approval, indicating ongoing efforts to address housing needs.

Project Impact and Timeline

• The development is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
• It will provide housing for 80 families, contributing to community stability and economic growth, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
• The project represents Fairfax County’s first office-to-residential conversion specifically addressing affordable housing needs, promoting sustainable urban development.

Statements from Officials

• Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay highlighted the importance of converting underutilized properties to meet affordable housing goals and support the local economy.
• Lisa Kaseman, Executive Vice President for Development and Acquisitions at Conifer, emphasized the significance of enabling residents to live in the communities where they work, fostering social inclusion (SDG 10) and sustainable cities (SDG 11).
• McKay expressed optimism about continuing momentum and collaboration with private partners to expand affordable housing projects.

Additional Affordable Housing Initiatives in Fairfax County

1. Community of Faith United Methodist Church Project
   • Plans are underway for a proposed 90-apartment affordable housing development in Chantilly.
2. Franconia Governmental Center Proposal
   • The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended advancing a proposal to allow affordable housing on this site, further supporting SDG 11.

Conclusion

The Merrifield affordable housing project exemplifies Fairfax County’s dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing housing affordability, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable urban development. Continued efforts and partnerships are expected to expand affordable housing availability across the region, contributing to resilient and inclusive communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article focuses on creating affordable housing in Merrifield, which directly relates to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Providing affordable housing for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income supports poverty alleviation efforts.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The project aims to provide affordable housing options to lower-income groups, addressing inequality in housing access.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • By enabling people to live in the communities where they work, the project supports sustained economic growth and productive employment.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services and ownership of property.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
   • Implied by the focus on converting vacant office buildings into affordable housing units for low- to moderate-income households.
2. Indicator for SDG 1.4: Proportion of population living in households with access to affordable housing.
   • Rental rates aimed at households earning between 30% and 80% of area median income serve as a measure of affordability.
3. Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income with access to affordable housing.
   • The project targets households within a specific income bracket, indicating efforts to reduce inequalities in housing access.
4. Indicator for SDG 8.3: Number of affordable housing units created that enable workers to live near their workplaces.
   • The article highlights the importance of people living in the communities where they work, supporting economic productivity.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ffxnow.com