Commission recommends approval for 402‑unit Mark Center project with large parking reduction, calls for lighting safeguards near preserve

On Nov. 6 the Alexandria Planning Commission recommended approval of a development special use permit and site plan for a new 402‑unit residential building at 4880 Mark Center Drive that includes a special‑use request to reduce required parking by 99 spaces. The applicant proposes 419 counted spaces (plus 24 tandem spaces that cannot be counted toward minimums); staff said the project meets CDD‑4 regulations, preserves open space, exceeds stormwater management requirements and makes a nearly $1.3 million voluntary contribution to the housing trust fund.

Staff presenter Maggie Cooper explained site context, noting adjacent institutional neighbors including the Del Pepper Building and the Winkler Preserve, and highlighted a staff recommended lighting condition to minimize night‑time spill into the preserve. "We are recommending that you consider this language when considering your approval," Cooper said, describing the revised condition to limit exterior light intrusion into the preserved area.

Applicant counsel Kathy Puskar confirmed the parking ratio equates to roughly 1.04 spaces per unit (not counting tandem spaces), described coordination with the city and adjacent owners on shared access, and said the design takes advantage of the sloped site to tuck parking underground. Commissioners asked about grading and excavation; the applicant said the scheme uses the grade to minimize earth import and place parking levels into the slope.

After questioning and discussion the commission moved to recommend approval of the DSUP inclusive of the revised lighting condition; the motion passed with six votes in favor and one recusal.