VHC Health has launched an initiative to develop a new behavioral health facility in Glencarlyn by filing for land-use changes on August 29. This filing marks the beginning of what may become an extended review process for a county-owned property located at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road.
The hospital organization plans to lease part of the 11.5-acre site to construct a three-story facility, which will include 146 beds and be staffed by around 110 employees along with nine physicians. According to VHC Health’s filings, the facility would encompass approximately 131,000 square feet of interior space, featuring a floor-area ratio of 0.45—about half of what the current zoning allows.
In their filing, officials noted that the location was previously occupied by an urgent-care center, suggesting that the neighborhood is accustomed to medical uses and that the existing infrastructure would adequately support the proposed facility. “The success of the prior use demonstrates that medical facilities in this location can operate without adverse impacts to the community,” VHC Health representatives stated.
The next phase involves a completeness review conducted by county staff, as explained by Adrian Stanton, a VHC Health vice president and spokesperson for the development efforts. VHC Health is working in partnership with Tennessee-based Lifepoint Health on this project.
The chair of the County Board, Takis Karantonis, emphasized that the upcoming review process will be thorough, ensuring that county staff collaborates with the community to address any concerns that may arise. However, when pressed for specifics regarding the project, Karantonis refrained from commenting to maintain the integrity of the ongoing review process.
Concerns have been raised by advocacy group Arlingtonians for Responsible Land Use regarding the community’s role in the review process. They expressed doubts about whether county officials would genuinely consider community feedback, noting a shift from a historically bottom-up, data-driven community engagement approach.
“This brought confidence to the community in the decision-making process and ensured decisions were well informed, allowing the community to support these outcomes,” the organization said, while expressing concerns over a perceived lack of transparency.
The proposed behavioral health facility is designed with several features aimed at ensuring a modern and welcoming environment. Hospital officials indicated that the facility would feature high-quality materials like brick and concrete, with a facade that includes floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the northern side to enhance natural light and create an inviting main entrance.
Operating 24/7, the facility will have visitor hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with staffing organized into three eight-hour shifts. To proceed with the project, VHC Health must obtain a major site plan amendment and a use permit to operate the facility around the clock, as hospital facilities are currently allowed under the existing S-D zoning district.
Initially, VHC Health intended for the county to sell 5.8 acres of the site. However, Stanton noted that the current strategy involves securing a long-term lease for the parcel, with the specifics to be determined during the development-review process.
The estimated cost for the facility has surged to $160 million, almost double the initial projection when the project was first announced in early 2023. The facility’s design will include around 302 parking spaces, surpassing the 98 spaces mandated by the zoning ordinance, which VHC Health asserts is necessary to accommodate the projected use.
To enhance accessibility, a new private interior road connecting to S. Carlin Springs Road is proposed alongside a new left turn lane aimed at alleviating potential traffic congestion. The facility will also be visually buffered from neighboring properties by existing mature landscaping.
The procedural steps ahead include a completeness review by county staff, followed by a 90-day period for formal review. Subsequently, a site-plan review committee (SPRC) will evaluate the project, which could take up to four months. After this process, the proposal will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for a recommendation before reaching the County Board for final action.
Historically, the site has been earmarked for medical facilities since the late 1970s when the County Board approved plans that included a health pavilion and the Northern Virginia Doctors Medical Hospital. The county government purchased the property from VHC Health in 2019 after the original health pavilion was demolished.
The Glencarlyn Civic Association, which has been closely monitoring the proposal, has expressed concerns regarding a second entrance to the property along Carlin Springs Road. In a letter addressed to county officials before the formal submission, the association highlighted community opposition to this additional entryway, citing potential disruption for both pedestrians and drivers.
Hemel, president of the Glencarlyn Civic Association, questioned the need for an additional access point, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance safety in the area. The review process for this complex proposal could extend over a year, further postponing an already delayed timeline.
A community’s ability to engage in the planning process and influence outcomes appears to be a key concern as this project moves forward. The outcomes may significantly affect not only the residents of Glencarlyn but also the broader county community.
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