Dubois and Hudgens are uptight about these two companies jumping the gun on digging up the Hunter Mill Rd. area, after the angry hearings of recent days. No one did more to further the development than these two, now they are afraid of being targeted for electoral elimination in 2007, after watching the outrage over Metro West. Throw them both out of office; they can't be trusted. Make sure that Gerry Connolly, Sharon Bulova and Dana Kauffman are bounced along with them.

Looks to me like they spent the last two weeks working with the PR folks on this statement. Where was the supervisors' outrage two weeks ago? Why weren't they at Oakton on Monday to calm the community down?

Gerry Connolly repeatedly calls citizen outrage a Republican plot against him. Wake up, Gerry..Citizens don't care about party politics. They care about their homes and their lifestyles.

PS I'm a Democrat.

Who do the supervisors think they are fooling? They continue to claim they have "taken no position", continue to claim "the process is open", but their actions tell an entirely different story. They have attempted to "lock down" the process by trying to block video taping and recording of key meetings. They ignore the majority of citizen's emails and letters. They rarely show up at meetings. The more citizens unite with a common message about misplaced density, the more the supervisors label them "close minded", "NIMBYs" and "rabble rousers". The supervisors directly and indirectly have worked to block resident stakeholders from process participation while facilitating developer insertion directly into the process and also failing to take necessary steps to keep developers out of what should be specific "public" only processes and functions. They allow the developers to make false statements without questioning them, yet publicly blast citizens accusing them of exaggerating the situation.

We have reached a point where it is so obvious that the supervisors have bent over backwards to help the developers. It seems the developers became too comfortable or too sloppy and were quoted saying that "there was an understanding that density increases would be granted". That in conjunction with their advertisement implying the project was very much a reality put the supervisors in a corner.

Were the supervisors upset about the advertisement taken out by the developers? Sure they were; it exposes what citizens have seen all along: a below the board working relationship between the supervisors and developers with a shared agenda for increased density in an area where the citizens don't want it, the plan will not allow it, and smart planning dictates against it.

I certainly hope the Post does some more digging into this. WCI/Renaissance, et al are no fools, and they would not be spending such large sums on advertising if they didn't already have a tacit agreement that their project would get a green light.

My fear is that the land use community outreach process conducted is so much window dressing. Citizens get a chance to comment and then the various government organizations go forward without regard to community input.

What a vast difference between land use planning and community involvement in Arlington and Fairfax Counties. In Arlington, citizen activism and input is welcomed as necessary and fruitful. In Fairfax, citizen activism is derided as petulant NIMBYism.

When will there be a story in the Post that studies developer-source funding of public officials?

The big question about the "parkview" ad was whether it was vision that had been played out before the supervisors and was expected to go down smoothly with the local population or a last ditch attempt to consolidate interest in a project that was losing ground.

In any case, it backfired as DuBois and Hudgins were left with no alternative but to disclaim the vision and the ad.

Any way you look at it, this press release was a victory for the citizens and a setback for the developers.

Message to developers: money can't buy you love.

The Supervisors' reprimand was a day late and a dollar short.

Why no mention of the developers' claim that they had an "understanding" that the property would be up-zoned? (An understanding with WHOM? Inquiring minds want to know!)

Why no mention of the fact that these nominators could participate in the "visioning" process, but other nominators could not?

Finally, why no explanation of why the county spent tens of thousands of tax dollars on a "visioning" process for this nomination, but not for others? Why is the community having to rely on FairGrowth and WMATA for public discussions of Metro West? Where was the "visioning process" for this mega-project?

Shocked, shocked I tell you!

Right. Try a new one DuBois and Hudgins.

I agree, if it had been true outrage we should have heard form them much sooner. Instead this is an orchestrated spin - and a poor one at that.

The developers' advertising scheme reminds me of something the West*Group did before Evans Farm was rezoned. When their hearings were held, they were able to say that they had huge demand and a waiting list for the homes they would be building. Apparently, the strategy is that if people will buy the homes, the supervisors should approve them. Even worse, the supervisors fall for it. Don't put any stock into the denouncement by Hudgins and DuBois. They didn't say they wouldn't approve an up-planning. They just keep talking about "vision," a thinly veiled reference to their own visions. It appears both of them believe the Hunter Mill corridor is an ideal location for higher densities.

There are a couple of ugly lessons here.
1. That kind of advertising works (sort of like ugly campaign ads, which seldom backfire).
2. The playing field is not level. Citizens associations cannot afford full-page ads--even in local papers.

Congratulations to the task force for taking over their own leadership. Too bad they can't do their own studies. They are still shackled by county staff's input and have no resources to seek alternative professional viewpoints.

I attended a meeting on the evening of October 18th where Suervisor DuBois spoke with about 20 community leaders about both the process and substance of what has been happening with the Hunter Mill Study Area. I will post about this now because I think the press release here is telling, in light of what it both says and does not say, when viewed in the context of what Supervisor DuBois both said and did not say at that meeting.

Supervisor DuBois said at one point during the meeting that she did not want to "tip her hand" on her thoughts about development in the Hunter Mill corridor, but she did. She said explicitly that she views the task force as a chance for the public to "seize an opportunity" to affect future growth in this area instead of "just saying no." Someone responded that what she was hearing was a unanimous answer of "yes" by the citizens to retaining the current plan. DuBois' response was "So, you are not interested in looking 10 years ahead?" Again she was was told, "Yes we are, and what we see in 10 years is retention of the current plan, which is working."

Even though Supervisor DuBois did say at one point that, if became clear that the community was united, she would "probably" support their position, I think we all came way understanding just how big the hole in that "probably" was.

I think the press release confirms the feeling a lot of us have that community voices will have to speak extremely loudly to overcome whatever voices are speaking quietly into the ears of our Supervisors.

Personally, I think it is imperative that we get to the bottom of the statement from David DeMarco, one of the putative developers, to Post reporter Lisa Rein for the 10/14 front-page story on growth in Fairfax, that "the land was purchased 'with an understanding' that a rezoning for higher density would follow."

The developers purchased the land for close to twice what it is worth per acre at market value for current zoning. That tells me that DeMarco was not making up this "understanding." Developers don't risk tens of millions of dollars based on wishful thinking.

Perhaps the Post will be interested in that question also.

I agree, Deborah, that this "understanding" must be fully explored. Let's consider the following questions:

1) What connection is there between the "understanding" and documented political contributions? i.e. Which Fairfax County representatives, if any, have specifically received contributions from this developer?

2) Are some of the political contributors tied in any way to the development of said land? i.e. Who will profit from this development aside from the developer?

3) What is the developer's history regarding political contributions and "favors" either given or received? i.e. Have there been any scandals associated with this developer?

4) To what lengths will the developer go to make certain that this "understanding" comes to pass? i.e. Does the developer have a history of using legal loopholes to usurp the rights/desires of the affected citizens? Has is brought lawsuits to ensure that its "vision" is carried out?

5) What is the history of the developer's relationship with its own customers? i.e. Have there been any major complaints and/or lawsuits filed because the developer has not followed through on its promises? Has there been alleged deceptive practices made by this developer in its efforts to sell its homes?

6) How far beyond its original "vision" has this developer gone? i.e. Has higher density resulted than what was originally stated?

7) Has the developer made any unwise land use decisions despite input from experts? i.e. Has the developer used controversial practices when developing land?

8) Has the developer ever developed land unfit for residential development? i.e. Has the developer developed land that has been chemically contaminated or that is situated in an unfit area (e.g. flood zone)? If so, what has been the outcome?

9) Has the developer ever denied land to those interested in building schools and other needed infrastructure? i.e. Does the developer's history show that the bottom line is more important than the communities involved?

The list of questions could go on and on. A little online research reveals a lot about this developer. I wonder if others have noted the inconsistencies in what this developer says and what is has been doing? Something is amiss...we need to find out more and ask some tough....even tougher questions!

Wouldn't it be worth making some connections with those who have dealt with this developer before? Wouldn't it be worth seeing how this developer has developed "understandings" with other county governments? Wouldn't it be worth finding out what happens after the developer leaves the scene of the "crime?" Wouldn't it be worth discovering the headaches before they start?

And, more importantly, wouldn't it be worth exposing this to the public at large? Wouldn't it be worth making the truth known?

Perhaps then we might be able to rewrite the history that K. Hovnanian has already written for us. What is being done to us is a travesty!

The more that is revealed about the dealings between the Board of Supervisors and developers in Fairfax County, the more it seems we need a "special" prosecutor and a grand jury to investigate (or the FBI). It was well before my time in Virginia, but old timers tell stories of zoning scandals in the 1960s and even criminal cases. Are these scandals re-occurring?

No one has yet suggested that any crimes have been committed, but when a developer makes a public statement that land was purchased with an understanding that rezoning would be forthcoming, the citizens have a right to know what has happened and whether the laws have been violated. I've known many developers over the years and have generally found them to be intelligent people. My experience suggests that Mr. DeMarco must have known what he was saying. What understandings were given and by whom? Did elected officials or county staff make explicit or tacit promises to developers?

Fairfax County government cannot operate under this cloud of suspicion. There needs to be an investigation that will get to the bottom of this situation.

If the County Supervisors wish to lay all this at the feet of the developers, perhaps they can explain why the Fairfax County tax assessment website has this note on the lots in question: "Price reflects anticipated rezoning"

Go to and look up lot 0183 09 0001 and its neighbors. From the profile page for the lot, select SALES from the menu on the left.

No wonder the developers think they have an understanding. Or perhaps the process suffering "critical harm" was the process where the Supervisors and Developers intended to steamroll the citizens.

The unanswered question is whether the $38 million price for the Bachman Farm will be factored in as a "comp" for assessments on the surrounding homes for tax year 2006. The price of those subdivided lots tripled when the land was sold in Feb.

thank god for our free press reporters - crawford of the mclean times and fisher of the wash post - who pulled aside the veil of the "process" behind which our supervisors were assisting the developers.

Dear M1903a3: Wow, THAT is a smoking gun!

I understand that citizens have now submitted a FOIA to the County seeking all records of the BOS and PC (including staff) reflecting communications with any of the developers or their agents (including lawyers) about changes in density for the Study Area property.

Open government is a fine thing....

Please also FOIA the architect's firm.

I read about the naturally occurring asbestoes. I know Dubois,etc can remove streams with a stroke of the pen but what is planned for this substance? Declassify it to playground sand? Build on top?

Our elected officials and the developers are making some major mistakes. They soon will be trying to bury them, but we will be there to catch them in the act! How presumptive of them to think we wouldn't uncover the truth...the whole truth! I think they would be wise to move on and forget that they ever had any "deals" with K. Hovnanian and WCI/Renaissance! Just do a little digging on these organizations to see what controversies and/or scandals they have been involved in!! And, this doesn't even include all the shoddy construction complaints that are out there!

It is too late to turn back now....our elected officials have been partially exposed. Will they risk full exposure? Time will tell.....

Jerry Starkey has some interesting statements here:

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051016/BUSINESS/510160326/1065/ENT11

Question....is Jerry talking about the yet unapproved plan to build a tower on the Bachman Farm site? Or is there another tower we don't know about somewhere? Could this be another slip of the tongue on WCI's part?

Please comment.....

This was written in February. So which towers is Sonny going to market this year? Is one of them the one that hasn't even been approved yet? Just curious.....

WCI Communities Acquires Renaissance Housing Corporation and Enters Mid-Atlantic Market

Bonita Springs, FL (Feb. 17, 2005) -- WCI Communities, Inc. (NYSE:WCI) today announced its acquisition of Renaissance Housing Corporation, a luxury home builder and high-rise tower developer based in Reston, Virginia. Renaissance operates in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The price and terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

WCI President Jerry Starkey said the acquisition is consistent with the company's strategy to expand beyond Florida and into new regions of the country to serve the primary/move-up, retirement and second home/luxury markets. "During the last five years, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has been one of the strongest housing markets in the United States with new home prices increasing 86% over this period," Starkey said. "It is particularly unique to find a homebuilder in this region that serves our target markets and is actively engaged in the high-rise tower business. The opportunity to expand our traditional homebuilding and tower business in this vibrant market is particularly appealing," he added.

Renaissance is actively marketing executive, estate and town homes in eight metropolitan locations and plans to introduce up to four new communities this year. The company recently completed a 12-story condominium containing 298 units in Reston, Virginia, and has plans to begin marketing two additional luxury towers before the end of the year.

Talk is cheap.Evidently the labor and materials in the home delivered as finished are too..the only thing missing was a bright yellow tag worded damaged/as is/discounted.
Not something expected from WCI. The lack of interest and cooperation to repair or replace items in the poorly constructed residence,
now 32 days after closing, we are still unable to occupy as planned. We had plenty of communication prior to paying (after waiting 17 months) ...for quality?
Better go somewhere else. Mr. Starkey doesn't return calls, his assistant did mention that I could repair the cabinets
as a week-end project. "Granny's cabinet service" What a great idea!!
When asking others in this community about their experience,discovered: I am not alone!!
WCI was a very respected builder at one time. Trust is earned over the years along
with respect. What we have here is fastfood
drive thru get it our way housing.
Anyone at PP, Ft Myers YOU know me.
Anyone wanting more information just ask.

One would expect to see a pelican or two
around a place with "Pelican" in the name.
That should have been a warning.

BTW before anyone buys anything make certain your understanding of luxury is
clearly defined in writting, not shown
in a model or brochure. This place is so luxurious we wouldn't dare try to stay there.

We are living a nightmare after moving in 30 days ago. Our "luxury" townhouse in leesburg va has mold/water in ceiling above master bedroom. We saw water damage at closing--builder agreed to repair--basically they "painted" over water spot and hoped we wouldnt notice. after my wife became ill shorthly after moving in--allergic reaction they sent in their"mold inspector" who found no moisture/mold in the home. My wife was still sick. We had our own inspector who actually cut holes and found the water damage/moisture. Oh, yeah, and then the "high-quality and qualified" day laborers they use to install appliances--well--the diswasher wasnt installed properly--major leak--they knew about this too--didnt tell us--and we figured it out when hardwood floor warping--dishwasher emitting mold/musty steam--when removed found water damage and mold underneath floorboards.toilet spewing water one day becasue wax-o'ring wasnt put on the base. our list goes on and on. We cant beleive they treat customers this way. They assured us during pre-drywall that our squeeky subfloors would be screwed down--well they were not. When we brought to their attention--they said oh, they must have missed a spot. "We bought 650 screws to screw inot your floors" Then when we had then remove floor boards to prove it--they found no screws and changed story to--"we dont screw in the subfloors cause manufacter doesnt require it." Lies, lies and more lies. Filthy furnace was fire and health hazrd as ducts corroded with drywall dust and wood floor sand dust. They have ignored us and not fixed problems on punch list--cabinet panels missing--several appliances were damaged and had to be repalced. This is "luxury:. DONT BUY WCI/RENAISSANCE HOME THEY ARE CROOKS AND LIARS AND DONT CARE ABOUT ANYTHING Except getting their bonuses for closing houses.