Controversy Surrounds Sitework at
Historic Marmota Farm

(Great Falls, September 15, 2021) Chainsaws and earth moving machines began clearing the 22-acre site of the former Marmota Farm on Monday September 13th to prepare the parcel for 11 single family homes to be developed by Toll Brothers.  The development of this site, which borders Georgetown Pike near the intersection with Innsbruck Avenue near the Grange, has been a source of debate among opponents of development and preservationists who consider the former farm as an important part of the historical, semi-rural heritage of Great Falls.

By-right subdivision

Plans to develop the site located at 9800 Georgetown Pike were approved by Fairfax County authorities in 2006 without any requirements for variances or special exceptions under the concept of a “By-right subdivision”.  The term “by-right” in this case means that it is a use permitted in a zoning district and is therefore not subject to special review and approval by a local government, or input from the nearby community.  Fairfax County Zoning regulations provide that the subdivision of land is a “privilege” conferred upon a landowner on whom rests a duty of compliance with reasonable conditions laid down by the Board of Supervisors for design, dedication, improvement, and restrictive use of land so as to conform to the adopted comprehensive plan for the physical and economic development of the County.  Because this is a “By-right” subdivision, it has also sparked questions, concerns, and frustration by some residents because there was no opportunity afforded to speak at a public hearing.  However, in this instance, the planned subdivision does not require such a hearing, as exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance were not sought.  Adding to this, settled Virginia case law provides that compliance with the valid rules and regulations adopted by a local government entitles the landowner to approval of the subdivision plat.

Grass roots efforts launched

Community opposition to the subdivision began in earnest in 2016 when a community group calling itself “Save Marmota Farm” held an organizational meeting at the Great Falls Library.  This group and others pursued a petition drive and sought County funding to transform the site into public parkland.  However, these efforts failed, as did other efforts by a well-known Great Falls architect and developer to acquire the site and build fewer homes that he believed would be more in keeping with the character of the surrounding community.

Heritage resources threatened

Because the site plan was approved in 2006, significant changes occurred in the rules governing stormwater management since that time.  As a consequence, GFCA persuaded County officials to revisit the plan’s specifications and review them for compliance with current State stormwater regulations.  That was accomplished in 2020 as were commitments to preserve trees and vegetation and the contributing parts of the historic roadbed along the frontage of Georgetown Pike.  However, County tree and land development officials are reviewing reconsidered their conclusions about a large heritage Oak that stands near the edge of the Marmota property.   this tree offered over the summer of 2021.  GFCA is actively working with these officials with the cooperation of the Dranesville Supervisor to ensure that every effort is made to avoid the loss of this specimen to land clearing and site work involved in building a walking trail and underground public water line that will serve the development to include consultations with an independent tree expert arranged by GFCA.  

National Landmark Designation

While GFCA continues to work to encourage cooperation with officials to preserve adjacent trees along the Federally designated historic Georgetown Pike, final determinations are still under review.  Similarly, significant efforts have been applied to ensure that the interconnection with the subdivision entrance to the Pike will not alter its historic roadbed.  Many residents of Great Falls, as well as many State and County Officials involved in the approvals and oversight of the Marmota development project are unaware that the landmark designation of the Georgetown Pike, the construction of which began in 1813, also includes what are referred to as contributing structures.  It is the preservation of such elements as the Pike's entire original roadbed, including grading, elevation, and direction with adjacent drainage ditches and unpaved right-of-way used for foot and horseback traffic and known as "summer roads" that GFCA and local historian, Karen Washburn, have been defending to County officials.

The Way Forward
The development of this open space of the former Marmota Farm is lamentable and represents a loss to many residents who moved to Great Falls because of the community’s peaceful and bucolic character.  But, as we have seen, over time, area growth and development coupled with the attractiveness and availability of the community’s open spaces have resulted in increases in population and density.  Some would say that is the price of “progress”.  Nevertheless, GFCA remains committed to the oversight of this project and will be attentive to the process from its planning stages through completion to ensure compliance with applicable subdivision requirements.  Through oversight and engagement with County officials, GFCA will seek assurances that site work and development activity do not result in adverse impacts on the immediate community.
(Images contributed by GFCA Land Use & Zoning Committee)