VIRGINIA BRIEFING

LOUDOUN DEVELOPMENT

Mixed-Use Plan Is Approved

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a plan yesterday to remake a commercial area near Dulles International Airport into a pedestrian-friendly corridor with apartments, shops, offices and night spots.

Known as the Route 50 plan, the blueprint, approved by a vote of 5 to 4, calls for high-density condominiums and high-end retail and office development in a 1,500-acre area along Route 50 from the Fairfax County line west past the village of Arcola.

Supporters say the plan encourages the type of "Main Street" mixed use that allows people to live, work and play in the same area.

Opponents say it will further clog congested roads in southeastern Loudoun. They also criticized recent changes that allow residential development closer to the airport.

The plan, which increases the allowable number of homes in the area from 3,700 to 5,800, is one of three major land-use proposals before the supervisors this fall.

They are also considering a proposal to allow about 27,000 homes in a large swath of farmland and country lanes known as Dulles South near the airport.

And later this year, the board is expected to vote on a policy designed to restrict homebuilding in the county's rural west.

-- Amy Gardner

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AMENDMENT