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Council authorizes EDA memorandum and moves forward with Virginia Village RFP; relocation policy and affordable housing remain focal points
Summary
Council authorized a memorandum of agreement with the Economic Development Authority to manage Virginia Village properties, clarified profit‑share and an early repayment trigger for EDA investment, and scheduled an upcoming work session on RFP scope; callers and several councilmembers asked that a revised relocation policy and community input be included in the RFP process.
The council on May 26 authorized the city manager to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Falls Church Economic Development Authority (EDA) governing management of Virginia Village properties and to move toward issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for a responsible affordable‑housing partner.
What the MOA does: Staff described three main changes to the draft MOA. It clarifies that if 302 Shirley Street (an EDA‑owned property in Virginia Village) is sold at fair market value but proceeds are explicitly plowed into a larger affordable‑housing project at Virginia Village, the EDA's profit‑share provisions would not apply. The MOA also includes a provision that, if properties remain unsold, the city will repay the EDA's remaining $475,000 investment by January 1, 2029, rather than leaving the funds indefinitely tied up.
RFP and relocation policy concerns: Staff said a draft RFP and small‑area plan/code language would be discussed at a May 18 work session and that staff planned to ask council on May 26 to authorize staff to release the RFP. Several councilmembers and public speakers asked that the city's revised relocation policy and a clear description of rights of return for incumbent residents be available in advance of or alongside the RFP; staff said they are compiling current resident AMI and rent data and will circulate Q&A materials and staff reports.
Why it matters: The MOA and RFP are the next steps toward a potential transfer of EDA‑owned units into an affordable‑housing solution. Council members and public commenters emphasized the importance of including community input, buffer/setback protections near Winter Hill, and an explicit relocation/return policy in procurement materials.
Next steps: Staff will present draft RFP language, small area plan and code amendment proposals at a May 18 work session and anticipates seeking authorization to release the RFP at the May 26 meeting; the EDA and planning/housing commissions will continue reviewing the scope and community input.
