Fairfax CVS Gets Planning Commission Approval

The proposed CVS at the entrance of the Fairfax neighborhood will head to the City Council for consideration after 3-2 approval from the city's Planning Commission earlier this week.

The popular drugstore is planning to relocate its existing Crowfield location in the Big Lots shopping center. The $4.5 million move would put the store on a corner not far from competitors Walmart and Rite Aid.

But they're requesting a zoning change to general commercial. The current zoning limits use of the site for a handful of low-traffic, low-impact busiesses, like a daycare or beauty salon. 

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Presented to residents in September, the initial CVS plan brought tough questions from the neighborhood, with folks worried about traffic and the safety of a nearby park.

CVS and the landowners have proposed building a new park for the community on the far end of the large 7 acre lot, putting it closer to the neighborhood. They'll also add a new left turning lane exiting the Fairfax to help address traffic concerns.

Dennis Richardson, a resident in one of the closest houses to the proposed development, said that he likes the large commercial lot just the way it is: heavily wooded.

"What's that CVS going to do for my property values," he asked.

Planning Commission Chairman Jeffrey Smith supported the rezoning request and noted it was about economic development.

"We're looking at a viable business that's going to add more payroll," he said. The company representatives estimated the staff would increase by four because of the larger store.

Former Chairman Allen Wall voted against the request, pointing down Rivers Avenue to a host of department stores and drugstores that have struggled to find tenants as storefronts relocate.

"I believe that CVS has good intentions, but I believe they're not going to stay," he said.

Interim Planning Director Sarah Hanson noted the request will likely be placed on the City Council agenda for December.