Planning commission recommends approval of George Mason Elementary modernization, drawing neighbors’ questions on fencing and trees

The Alexandria Planning Commission voted 6–1 to recommend City Council approval of the George Mason Elementary School modernization project at 2601 Cameron Mills Road, forwarding staff conditions but also hearing sustained neighborhood concern about fencing, mature-tree removals and loss of open space.

Abigail Harwell, urban planner with Planning and Zoning, described the project as a partial demolition and reconstruction that would retain the school’s original 1939 façade while building a new two-story facility to accommodate about 670 students and roughly 80 teachers and staff. The proposed site plan shows three on-site parking areas totaling 60 spaces; ACPS staff reported that they are working on a memorandum-of-understanding with Westminster Presbyterian Church to use 20 additional spaces during school hours.

Harwell said the design includes two courtyards, an interior glass library connecting north and south wings, expanded…