Zoning Appeals Pushed to January for Newport Academy’s Proposed McLean Facilities

Appeals of zoning determinations for controversial proposed therapy facilities in McLean will head to Fairfax County’s Board of Zoning Appeals in January.

Newport Academy, a therapy program for teens with mental health or addiction problems, wanted to open two treatment facilities — one along Davidson Road and another at 1318 Kurtz Road in the Salona Village neighborhood.

While the planned treatment facilities have received widespread community backlash, Newport Academy has hinged its claim on the two locations being by-right uses — a use that won’t require approval by the Board of Supervisors.

Fairfax County Zoning Administrator Leslie Johnson issued a letter in May saying that Newport Academy’s three adjacent properties at 1620, 1622 and 1624 Davidson Road would be a congregate living facility.

Newport Academy is trying to appeal the Davidson Road decision, saying that county staff overreached in its determination.

While Johnson later noted that Newport Academy is no longer planning to open a facility at the Davidson Road properties, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust told Tysons Reporter that the appeals process will continue for Davidson Road.

Foust said that Newport Academy plans to sell the properties, but doesn’t want the zoning determination to negatively impact future plans elsewhere.

In August, Johnson issued a letter saying that the Kurtz Road facility is a group residential facility — a win for Newport Academy.

Three appeals from McLean residents want the decision about 1318 Kurtz Road overturned.

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the four appeals at 9 a.m. on Jan 22.

First image via Google Maps