Council approves Pathway Homes plan to add 15 deeply affordable units at 4010 University Drive

The Fairfax City Council on Feb. 25 approved a special exception that will let Pathway Homes expand the residential conversion at 4010 University Drive from 10 to 15 units.

Pathway Homes, a long-established nonprofit that combines supportive behavioral-health services with deeply affordable housing, told council members all 15 units would be offered to households earning 30% of area median income or below. "We're a behavioral health care organization built on a foundation of housing," said Dr. Silissa Lambert Woodard, president and CEO of Pathway Homes, describing their two pillars of supportive services and affordable housing.

Project details and rationale: The site, in the CR Commercial Retail district and Old Town Fairfax Historic Overlay, previously received a special use permit for upper-story residential and office space. The applicant requested a special exception to increase the maximum density to 28 dwelling units per acre to permit the additional five units. Lauren Herbenak, the applicant's urban planner, said the application aligns with the Old Town Small Area Plan and noted the building will keep office space on the ground floor for Pathway Homes' headquarters and install an elevator to ensure accessibility.

Public input and council reaction: A local resident, Evan Ramey, told the council "we can simply allow more housing to be built" and supported the additional units as "permanent supportive housing" located near services and transit. Council members praised the project as targeted affordable housing and approved the special exception unanimously after a motion and second.

Outcome and next steps: Council voted to approve the special exception; staff will follow the development-review steps for permits and construction. The project advances the city's stated goals to expand affordable housing and partner with nonprofit providers for deeply affordable units.