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The City of Manassas has received a significant proposal that
represents a major step toward advancing the community's
long-term housing objectives, especially for essential local
workers. Good Housing, a Northern Virginia-based developer
with considerable experience in building workforce and
attainable housing, has officially submitted detailed plans for
a 100-unit apartment building. This proposed development is
slated for The Landing at Cannon Branch, specifically on the
site of the former DMV building. This submission is a landmark
event, marking the first opportunity for the City to formally
consider a project that directly supports the housing and
neighborhood priorities explicitly outlined in their 2045
Comprehensive Plan.
Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger emphasizes the
project's human impact. "This proposal is not just about
construction--it's about the people who make Manassas
work," she says. "Our teachers, police officers, firefighters,
emergency responders, nurses, and other essential employees
deserve the opportunity to live in the community they serve.
We're committed to finding ways to make that possible while
maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency throughout
the process."
The foundational document for this effort is the Housing and
Neighborhoods section of the City's Comprehensive Plan,
which underscores the critical importance of maintaining a
well-balanced mix of housing options and ensuring both quality
and affordability are accessible to all residents. Reviewed
every five years through an extensive public engagement
process, this plan actively guides City policy, land-use, and
investment decisions related to housing and overall community
development. Building on this, the City worked with a diverse
stakeholder group in 2019 to develop a detailed Housing Plan
that rigorously assessed Manassas' existing housing stock,
identified critical demographic trends, and outlined clear,
actionable strategies to address local needs.
"While the City currently has programs and partnerships in
place to support renters, first-time homebuyers, and existing
neighborhoods, there remains a growing and undeniable need
for additional focused efforts," says City Manager Steve Burke.
He detailed the City Council's proactive steps to meet this
demand, including the establishment of a dedicated Housing
Advisory Board, the hiring of a Housing and Neighborhood
Coordinator, and the creation of a flexible Housing Investment
Fund to support new housing initiatives.
He notes the current proposal for the former DMV site aligns
with these established strategic goals and reflects the City's
concerted effort to make housing significantly more accessible
and attainable to the community's vital workforce.
The Good Housing proposal includes the following details:
· The construction of approximately 100 modern one- and
two-bedroom apartments.
· A commitment that the development will provide rents at an
affordable rate of 40-70% of the area's median income (AMI)
for 30 years. Depending on the size of the household, the
estimated rents are designed to be between $1,200 and
$2,200 a month.
· Priority leasing consideration for essential public sector
employees, including public safety personnel, teachers,
nurses, and other essential workers.
· Green Building certification, promoting sustainability.
· Units averaging approximately 900 square feet and feature
modern amenities.
· Architectural design consistent with The Landing's master
plan.
· Location is at the intersection of Gateway Drive and Godwin
Drive on about three acres.
The estimated total project cost for the development is
approximately $35 million. Good Housing has formally
proposed to purchase the City-owned property for $3 million.
If advanced and fully executed, the project expects to deliver
multiple community benefits:
· Increase attainable housing options for Manassas residents.
· Generate more than $250,000 in new annual real estate tax
revenue on a parcel that is currently tax-exempt.
· Provide the City with interest income through loan
repayment if low-interest financing is approved.
· Reinvest loan proceeds directly into the City's Housing
Investment Fund, earmarking them for future neighborhood
and housing initiatives.
For more information about the City's various housing
initiatives and its long-range planning documents, visit
manassasva.gov/housing and manasssasva.
gov/2045compplan.
Manassas Eyes Major Housing Boost:
100 New Affordable Homes Proposed for Essential Workers
~ Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire
Jeremy Wyant
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