More delays plague development project near Leesburg Airport

LEESBURG, Va. (Map, News) - A planned vote on a development that would bring 1,000 homes and a major retail and office complex to a 500-acre property near Leesburg Airport could be delayed until September.

The agenda for the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors’ debate about Crosstrail on Tuesday suggested postponing the project for a third time. The project’s scope and proximity to the airport have generated criticism from neighbors and aviators for months.

The county planning staff had recommended rejecting the plan in June because it could generate up to 50,000 more daily vehicle trips on already congested roads near the Dulles Greenway and Leesburg.

But supervisors on both sides of the Crosstrail debate have urged more consideration before making a final decision.

Developers from the Peterson Companies have increased their contributions to neighboring roads and pledged to build 200,000 square feet of lucrative commercial office space as the project nears its final vote.

Leesburg Airport enthusiasts warn a bustling residential development near its borders could lead to future homeowner uproar over noise and danger from the airport’s traffic.

Developers said Crosstrail would bring the type of mixed-use development that employers, home and business owners are all looking for near Leesburg.

dgenz@dcexaminer.com