MSNV Expansion
On December 4, 2007, MSNV attorneys filed a “Special Exception Amendment Application” with the Fairfax County Department of Planning & Zoning, Zoning Evaluation Division.
MSNV plans to expand the student age range from the current 24 months to 4th grade to 18 months to the 8th grade. The number of students will increase from the current 135 to 179. The physical school structure will increase by 7,000 sq. ft.
Perhaps the most intrusive expansion is in after hours and weekend meetings. Currently MSNV is allowed 14 after hour weekday meetings that exceed 10 people. The SE requests 20 meetings exceeding 26 people. This is a substantial increase that allows unlimted meetings of any number less then 26 people.
The weekend request is similarly excessive.Currently they are allowed 8 meeting with all parking onsite. Their request is for 12 meetings of greater then 26 people. This will mean more MSNV on neighborhood streets. This also means unlimited meetings of less then 26 people. All this contributes to or already excessive traffic.
At the May 9, 2007 HTOCA Board meeting the board approved a resolution opposing any expansion by the Montessori School of Northern Virginia.
The Montessori School of Northern Virginia (MSNV) is planning a major expansion of their operation in our neighborhood. Plans call for an increase in student population with a corresponding expansion in the structure of the building. MSNV has stated they are looking to expand their grades from their current 3 rd grade to 6 th with a corresponding increase in student population from the current 135 to a maximum of 231. In order to accommodate the student increase they need to either build out their structure or add a floor. There would also be an increase in the school's parking lot.
At a meeting of the HTOCA Board and concerned neighbors the school said that they have not yet filed for a Special Exception (SE) to the R2 zoning (residential 2 houses per acre,) but they have been working with county officials and their own engineers and lawyers to plan this expansion. When asked about a proposed timetable they indicated the possibility of filing for the SE this fall with the various approvals and construction taking several years. Neighbors reiterated the traffic and safety concerns about MSNV.
If you wish to express any concerns about this expansion please contact anyone on the HTOCA Board and/or contact the Mason District Supervisor:
Ms. Penny Gross
Mason District Supervisor
6507 Columbia Pike
Annandale , Va. 22003
To voice your concerns with MSNV directly please call 703 256-9577.
Information will be posted as becomes available. |
