Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C. is honored to have been named the 2025 Large Business of the Year at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 39th Annual Best Business Awards. The event, held on May 6 at the Army Navy Country Club, brought together leaders from across Arlington to celebrate organizations that demonstrate excellence, community engagement, and innovation.

The award winners were selected based on five criteria: quality of service, business growth or stability, industry leadership, community impact, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. We are proud to be counted among the businesses making a positive difference in Arlington.

During the ceremony, Shareholder Tom Colucci delivered remarks in honor of our late founder, Martin D. “Art” Walsh, who was posthumously inducted into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame. His legacy of leadership and service continues to guide our work and values today.

We thank the Arlington Chamber of Commerce for this meaningful recognition and congratulate our fellow award recipients. Together, we remain committed to building a vibrant and thriving Arlington community.

We are pleased to announce that Katherine L. Schlinke has officially joined Walsh Colucci as an Associate in the Real Estate Transactions practice group in the firm’s Arlington office.

Kate’s path to the firm is marked by both legal experience and determination. A Texas-licensed attorney, Kate practiced real estate law and served as a national commercial escrow officer prior to relocating to Virginia. She managed a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate transactions and advised clients on complex title insurance and closing matters. After moving to Northern Virginia, Kate joined Walsh Colucci as a paralegal while preparing for admission to the Virginia Bar—demonstrating the commitment and collaborative spirit we value in our team.

Kate earned her law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.

We are excited to welcome Kate to the firm in her new role and look forward to the knowledge and energy she brings to our real estate team.

On April 5, 2025, the Arlington County Board unanimously approved a use permit for the redevelopment of an existing used car lot dating back to the 1960’s with the first new gas station to be built in Arlington County in recent memory. The gas station, to be located at the intersection of King Street and Chesterfield Road (4715 King Street), will include a convenience store and provide a much needed refueling opportunity in Arlington for customers heading westbound on King Street, as the nearest westbound stations are currently located in Alexandria and Bailey’s Crossroads. The site will also include a to be determined retail use or restaurant accessed off of Chesterfield Road. 

The redevelopment of the site will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property, but will also provide much needed streetscape improvements to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety in the area.  The existing curb cut along King Street will be relocated farther away from the intersection and a new streetscape including an improved sidewalk, landscape buffers, lighting and street trees will be installed.  The Chesterfield Road frontage will be improved to add on-street parking public parking spaces and align the travel lanes along Chesterfield while also adding a new streetscape, including a sidewalk, landscape buffer, lighting and street trees where no pedestrian improvements exist today. In addition, a new ADA compliant curb ramp will be installed on Chesterfield Road at the intersection with King Street to further enhance pedestrian safety for those crossing Chesterfield Road.  

Cathy Puskar and Jessica Washington with Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, & Walsh, P.C. represented the developer, Uptown Petro Holdings, LLC, in the entitlement process, including the preparation and submission of the application materials, coordination with the client and consultants, outreach to the community and negotiation with the County regarding use permit conditions to mitigate potential adverse impacts on the community.  Walsh Colucci is happy to have represented the developer in the creation of a community serving use at the property. 

Fairfax County is facing a significant increase in older residents that some refer to as the “Silver Tsunami.” The demand for senior housing in Fairfax County continues to grow, driven both by long-time residents wishing to remain near family, friends, and essential services, and by seniors relocating to the area to be closer to adult children and grandchildren. Age-restricted communities are intended to address the growing need and align with Fairfax County’s broader planning and housing objectives. Most recently, on February 4, 2025, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Rezoning Application RZ 2024-HM-00009 filed by the firm on behalf of Silverstone Senior Living for a new continuing care facility (CCF) in Reston.

Silverstone is a nationally recognized developer of senior living communities, and has a strong track record of delivering high-quality communities that offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, with projects completed in Virginia, Maryland, Texas, and Florida. Walsh, Colucci has worked for a number of years with Silverstone on successful local communities including The Providence at the Vienna Metro Station, The Trillium in Tysons and The Landing in Alexandria.

The approved community in Reston will consist of a three-story, 170,200 square-foot building with up to 131 units, including a mix of independent living and assisted living units, with the flexibility to include memory care. The project will offer a continuum of care, allowing residents to age in place as their healthcare needs change. Amenities are designed to promote resident wellness and social engagement, such as multiple dining venues; a health, wellness, and fitness spa; a perimeter fitness trail; resident gardens; and a sports court. An important component of the community is its wooded condition that will remain undisturbed, providing residents with natural views from their rooms, dining areas, and along the fitness trail.

Construction is expected to proceed on a two-year timeline, with one year for permitting and one year for construction. The facility is targeted to open in 2027.

For more information about the approval of senior living communities, please contact any of the firm’s zoning attorneys.

For more than 15 years, the timeframe for implementing certain local governmental approvals for residential and commercial development – including special exceptions, special use permits, conditional use permits, use permits, and Arlington 4.1 site plans – has been statutorily extended by the General Assembly.

Initially introduced in 2009 in response to the subprime mortgage housing crisis (under Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2209.1) and adjusted in 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic (under Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-2209.1:1), the legislature’s semi-annual actions have effectively extended the period of validity for the above-listed local government approvals through July 1, 2025.

The legislature during this year’s General Assembly session did not, however, provide a further extension. This means that unless otherwise provided for by the locality, the period of validity for certain outstanding zoning approvals (meaning construction has not yet commenced or the use has not yet been lawfully established) may automatically terminate by operation of the law on July 1, 2025.

Of note, timeline extension requests for outstanding Fairfax County projects should be submitted to the Department of Planning and Development prior to June 30, 2025. Requests for outstanding projects in Arlington County will be heard by the County Board at the Board’s June 14, 2025 meeting.  Requests for the City of Alexandria may not be based upon the state code provisions.

Applicants/developers with outstanding projects are advised to contact one of our land use attorneys or planners to assist in understanding the status of your approval(s) and process for obtaining such an extension.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) continues to advance Plan Forward, a multi-year initiative to comprehensively update the Countywide Policy Plan, which serves as the foundation for land use, development, and long-term planning decisions. Although the Policy Plan has been amended periodically, it has not undergone a comprehensive review since 1990. Recognizing the need for an extensive update, the Board authorized a Comprehensive Plan amendment on December 6, 2022, directing planning staff to modernize the Policy Plan and align it with the Countywide Strategic Plan, One Fairfax Policy, and other key initiatives. 

Goals of Plan Forward: 

• Review, update, and streamline existing Policy Plan elements. 

• Introduce new policies where necessary. 

• Ensure alignment with the County’s broader goals. 

Current Status of Plan Forward 

The County is now well into the public engagement phase of the process. Over the past year, planning staff have held multiple stakeholder meetings and solicited public input to refine key elements of the plan. The focus remains on Land Use, Environment, and Transportation policies, with ongoing discussions about incorporating policies related to Equity and Community Health. Public engagement will continue throughout the year, offering additional opportunities for stakeholder input. Clients should be aware that these changes may influence future land use policies, zoning regulations, and development standards across Fairfax County. 

How to Stay Involved: 

Plan Forward is actively undergoing review and refinement, making stakeholder participation essential. Consider the following ways to participate: 

• Provide input via survey: Plan Forward Survey (HERE) 

• Attend small-group meetings on specific policy topics 

• Submit feedback or questions to planning staff at PlanForwardFFX@PublicInput.com 

Why This Matters: 

Plan Forward represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape policies that will guide future development and redevelopment in Fairfax County. Clients should stay engaged to ensure their interests are considered in the updated Comprehensive Plan. 

This article was written by Zachary M. Fountain, a Planner with the Land Use & Zoning practice group in the Arlington office.  Please contact Lynne Strobel, Zachary Fountain or any of our attorneys or planners in our Arlington practice group for further information. 

 

On January 15, 2025, the Leesburg Town Council approved major updates to the Crescent District Master Plan (the “Plan”) maintaining the overall vision of the Plan while incorporating adjustments meant to account for the market realities of the post-COVID era and current neighborhood interests and needs.   

Updates focus on open space, walkability, and revitalizing mixed use development. 

The updated Plan centers on two pedestrian-oriented “activity centers” connected by a revitalized commercial corridor that promotes walkability and open space.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crescent District Organizational Framework (Crescent District Master Plan, January 14, 2025, pg. 69) 

Citing a struggling retail environment post-pandemic, lack of housing throughout the County, and feedback from stakeholders and neighbors highlighting the desire for increased walkability, the Plan adopts a medium density approach incorporating a balance of residential developments and commercial and retail services centered around open space features.  

The Plan implements this vision by designating five place types.  

The Activity Center Place Type incorporates a mixed-use plan including multi-family residential, employment and office space, retail, and grocery and medical facilities. Grounding these features is intentional open space to facilitate walkability and increased social connections throughout the Centers.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crescent District Place Types (Crescent District Master Plan, January 14, 2025, pg. 74) 

The Commercial Corridor Place Types incorporate commercial activity of the Activity Centers, supporting uses including office and employment, retail, and school and community facilities, while transitioning to the Mixed-Residential Place Type, where residential multifamily developments take priority, bordered by natural barriers like streams and the W&OD Trail. Parks & Open Space are integrated throughout, connecting the Crescent District with green space and access to the W&OD.  

Town Zoning Ordinance now out-of-step with Master Plan? 

The updated Master Plan also shrinks the overall size of the area subject to the Master Plan.  Consequently, the area zoned to the Crescent Design District under the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (the “Zoning Ordinance”) now exceeds the Master Plan area. Several areas of the zoning map now exist independently of the Plan map: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Town Zoning Map, Crescent Design District shown in diagonal hatching. 

The Zoning Ordinance established the Crescent Design District in 2013 with the goal of implementing the vision of the Master Plan, which could result in a proposal to amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance in the coming months to reconcile the Master Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. 

Please contact the Loudoun Office of Walsh Colucci if you have any questions about properties located in the Crescent District.

This article was written by Anna Ritter, an Associate with the Land Use & Zoning practice group out of the Loudoun Office.

 

At Walsh Colucci, the Eminent Domain Practice Group is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of property owners and businesses impacted by public projects throughout Virginia. Our team combines extensive experience with a client-focused approach to ensure those facing condemnation receive the protection and compensation they deserve. 

Expert Advocacy at Every Stage 

We assist clients at all stages of the eminent domain process, ensuring their rights are protected and their interests are effectively represented: 

• Design Phase: Our team reviews project plans to identify potential impacts and negotiates plan changes when appropriate, minimizing disruption to clients’ properties and businesses. 

• Appraisal Phase: We engage with the condemning authority’s appraisers to ensure our clients’ concerns about project impacts are properly evaluated and factored into compensation offers. 

• Negotiation Phase: Our attorneys review the condemning authority’s offer, provide clear advice on its fairness, and assist clients in preparing counteroffers that reflect the true value of their property. 

• Litigation Phase: When a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we vigorously advocate for our clients in court, ensuring their Constitutional right to just compensation is fulfilled through a settlement or court award. 

A Comprehensive Approach 

When you retain Walsh Colucci, you gain access to a multidisciplinary team with expertise not only in condemnation cases but also in zoning, transactional, tax, and estate planning matters. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your case — from lost profits to tax implications — are handled with precision and care.  

Proven Experience Across Complex Cases 

Our team has successfully represented a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to families whose homes are threatened by eminent domain. Our extensive experience includes litigating regulatory taking cases, inverse condemnation actions, and disputes involving power transmission lines before the Virginia State Corporation Commission and natural gas transmission lines before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This broad expertise positions us as a trusted advocate for property owners and businesses navigating the complexities of eminent domain. 

Client-Focused Results 

At Walsh Colucci, our objective is to handle eminent domain matters efficiently and effectively, ensuring our clients achieve the best possible outcomes. We pride ourselves on providing clear communication, strategic guidance, and dedicated advocacy at every step of the process. 

If you are facing an eminent domain issue, contact us today for a free initial consultation. Let our experienced team help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

 

Walsh Colucci proudly announces that Bryan Guidash, Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Prince William office, has been named the 2025 President of the HomeAid National Capital Region Board of Directors. Bryan’s journey with HomeAid began with a profound experience delivering essentials to a “tent city” in Prince William County, an event that sparked his commitment to community service. “I realized that HomeAid was something I should be a part of,” Bryan shared. “Taking part in something that had such immediate and clear results confirmed I had found the right way to give back.”

Since joining the Board, Bryan has served as Secretary in 2023, Vice President in 2024, and now steps into his role as President. Reflecting on his leadership vision, Bryan said, “My predecessors have set an incredible example. I hope to build on their work by increasing Board efficiency and enhancing volunteer opportunities. Expanding committee participation and involving more leaders from the Builder community will be a priority as we grow HomeAid’s impact.”

Bryan will be joined on the 2025 Executive Board by Vice President and President-Elect John Darvish (John Darvish Construction), Secretary Worth Jenkins (DRB Homes), Treasurer Rick Cole (The Long Companies), At-Large Member Alicia Skoug (Drees Homes), and Immediate Past President Tom Twomey (Stanley Martin Homes).

Congratulations to Bryan on this well-deserved leadership role! We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will bring to HomeAid and the communities it serves.