New Plans Emerge For Former Uno Restaurant In Merrifield

MERRIFIELD, VA — A former Uno Pizzeria & Grill restaurant in Fairfax County could be replaced with a new Bank of America branch with a drive-through ATM, according to a proposal that recently cleared a county planning hurdle.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 10-0 on Oct. 14 to recommend approval of the project at 3058 Gate House Plaza, near the intersection of Arlington Boulevard (Route 50) and Gallows Road in Merrifield. Two commissioners were absent.

The proposal, submitted by Silver Gatehouse LLC, would bring a Bank of America branch to the former restaurant site, which is currently vacant.

According to county planning documents, the bank would include a drive-through lane with one automated teller machine but no teller service.

The project requires changes to the property's existing development approvals because Gate House Plaza already has four approved drive-through businesses, the maximum permitted under the current Comprehensive Plan.

Those businesses include Starbucks, Wendy's, Panda Express and a Sunoco gas station and car wash.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended adopting a Comprehensive Plan amendment that would allow an additional drive-through use at the shopping plaza.

Commissioners also recommended approval of a special exception amendment allowing the bank to operate with three vehicle stacking spaces, fewer than the minimum otherwise required.

Stacking spaces are designated areas where vehicles can wait for drive-through service without blocking other traffic.

Under the proposed development conditions, the bank would be required to follow submitted architectural plans, install directional signs to guide drive-through traffic and meet county landscaping and lighting requirements.

The proposal still requires approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors before moving forward.

If approved, the special exception would generally expire after 36 months unless construction begins and proceeds as required under county regulations.

The zoning application remains under review. Planning documents did not specify when construction could begin or when the bank might open.