Subject:
Title
Approval Request for the Sale of Certain Land Rights on Town of Vienna Property, Necessary for the Construction of Fairfax County Project WW-000032-007, Accotink Gravity Sewer Improvements.
Body
Date(s) of Prior Council Consideration of this Issue:
- Sept. 23 and Jan. 27, 2024, Section 2.3-3711.3 closed session discussions for consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held property.
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
Request:
The Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County requests that the Town Council of the Town of Vienna grant certain land rights for a sanitary sewer easement in the Town of Vienna’s Moorfield Park (Vienna Dog Park) property, identified by Tax Map Number 048-1-13-C, in exchange for the sum of $107,224.00 of total compensation. Compensation includes $15,500 for the required land rights; and $91,724 for tree planting in the Town of Vienna.
Discussion:
Moorfield Park is a ten-acre (435,025 square feet) parcel. The proposed sanitary sewer easements contain a total area of 6,494 square feet on this parcel along the property line of the southern edge and western corner of the property as shown in attachment 1. A project location map is available in attachment 2, the appraisal is available in attachment 3, the offer for compensation is available in attachment 4. The proposed Deed of Easement has been reviewed by the Town Attorney and is available in attachment 5.
The purpose of the construction project is to increase the capacity of the Fairfax County sewer system to accommodate anticipated growth in northern Fairfax County. The duration of the proposed construction project on this parcel is estimated at three months; however, the exact start date is currently not available. The contract award date is projected for July 2025, with an anticipated construction start of August 2025. The overall construction duration for the entire project that includes construction outside of Vienna is approximately 36 months. These are estimated dates and durations and are subject to change.
The Vienna Dog Park and access to the dog park will not be impacted; however, approximately 50 trees must be removed from the proposed sanitary sewer easement. Fairfax County is providing compensation that will enable the Town of Vienna to adequately address this impact by planting new trees at an estimated two for one replacement ratio in other locations to support tree canopy goals and initiatives.
It should also be noted that existing easements are already located on this property.
Community Engagement:
Fairfax County hosted a public meeting to review the project and answer questions from the community on May 24, 2022. A project website with updates and Fairfax County points of contact can be found at:
<https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/capital-projects/accotink-gravity-sewer-improvements-project>
The Town of Vienna will also share Fairfax County construction status updates via Town media outlets once this information is available.
Background:
The Accotink Gravity Sewer Improvements Project is in the various street right of ways and in easements in the Hunters Branch Stream area in the vicinity of Nutley Drive. The project extends from approximately Chain Bridge Road to the north and Arlington Boulevard to the south. The project will include construction of approximately 15,000 linear feet (LF) of additional interceptor sewer using both open cut and trenchless construction methods. Various junction structures will be built to regulate flows between the existing interceptor and the newly constructed interceptor. The project will also include approximately 8,000 LF of cured-in-place lining of the existing interceptor.
Next Steps:
If approved by Council, the deed of easement will be executed.
Expected Completion Time Frame:
The duration of the proposed construction project on this parcel in Vienna is estimated at three months; however, the exact start date is not currently available. The contract award date is projected for July 2025, with an anticipated construction start of August 2025. The overall construction duration is planned to be approximately 36 months. These are estimated dates and durations and are subject to change.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna is a fiscally responsible and environmentally sustainable community
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town may approve proposed granting of easement rights to Fairfax County a sanitary sewer project and approve the acceptance of the proposed compensation in the discretion of the Town Council.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council grant certain land rights to Fairfax County for a sanitary sewer easement as described in this report and attachments 1-5 and accept the proposed sum as total compensation for the proposed easement, as presented.
Cost and Financing: $107,224 in compensation
Decision Needed by This date: March 24, 2025
Prior Funding Approval:
Not applicable.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to grant certain land rights to Fairfax County for a sanitary sewer easement as described in this report and attachments 1- 5 and accept the proposed sum of $107,224 as total compensation for the proposed easement, which includes compensation to plant trees in the Town of Vienna”.
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.