IN THE NEWS: County to Profile Neighborhoods for Economic Development

Fairfax County officials are planning a series of studies to create commercial profiles of neighborhoods in the county that will inform future economic development initiatives, according to a recent FFX Now report that mentioned Rose Hill as one such area. Read the entire report here.

During a recent committee meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors discussed the program, which involves studying different communities to provide data-driven insights into their commercial districts. The first phase will focus on Bailey’s Crossroads and University Mall, considering factors such as diversity, geography, retail spending, community engagement, and more. The county plans to examine 86 shopping centers, including Rose Hill Plaza, across 26 special planning areas.

The Rose Hill Civic Association is available to assist county staff as they study the Rose Hill Plaza Shopping Center and create a commercial profile for our neighborhoods. We view the area as vibrant, diverse, and economically upscale in income and community attractions. We want to ensure that Fairfax County staff, most of whom don't live here, present an accurate picture of Rose Hill in their profiles. We believe that Rose Hill Plaza could benefit from an owner who will aggressively market the center, highlighting the area's positive attributes in ways that will attract exciting new restaurants and retailers and encourage existing businesses to stay.

The County's financial profile for the Rose Hill area is attached. Hopefully, the County staff will use the profile a part of its study and encourage the shopping center owner to utilize the information as it markets the center. We in Rose Hill conclude that the economic stability of the area is not as bleak as the County and the owner have alleged.