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"Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: Clueless ()
Date: July 14, 2012 07:39PM

We are looking at a house in HerndonOak Hill that is near "Garchayne Park". I can't find anything about the park or its facilities, or even where the entrance is (I just see it listed on Google Maps). Is anyone familiar with this park?

Re: "Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: bennett ()
Date: July 14, 2012 08:36PM

It's just woods protected by the county. Not actually a park, but more like parkland.

Re: "Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: Clueless ()
Date: July 14, 2012 10:10PM

Is there any possibility that parkland such as this can be sold for development? If so, is there a way to get information about future development plans, zoning applications, etc.? We are moving to the area from New Jersey and don't know where to find out this info. Thanks!

Re: "Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: d233 ()
Date: July 14, 2012 11:00PM

Usually, property developers sell off excess land to the County to meet the zoning requirement of having a certain amount of preserved space for the number of houses built. The land is owned by the Park Authority and parkland is usually not sold to developers. Most buyers in the area find properties backing to parkland much more desirable, as it will likely not be sold. I wouldn't worry about it; the land behind my house is owned by the Park Authority as well and hasn't been developed in 40 years.

Re: "Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: Jerndon ()
Date: July 14, 2012 11:01PM

Clueless Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is there any possibility that parkland such as
> this can be sold for development? If so, is there
> a way to get information about future development
> plans, zoning applications, etc.? We are moving
> to the area from New Jersey and don't know where
> to find out this info. Thanks!


I suppose that it's technically possible in some way. e.g., the county could do a land swap or something like that, but unlikely.

It is in the County Comprehensive Plan as park land. You can see the plan on the Fairfax County site. They don't say much about it that I saw looking quickly other than just naming as one of that area's parks. I don't see any obvious road extensions or anything like that which would indicate development of the area.

If it's the area that I'm remembering, then I think you're OK. My son has a house nearby. I'm not sure whether there's a stream there or not but it's kind of low and I'm not sure that it's buildable. If so, then they likely would have filled it up with houses like they did all around it. But don't take my word for it if you're looking at property. The zoning office at the county should be able to point you in the right direction.

Re: "Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: Clueless ()
Date: July 15, 2012 12:11AM

Thank you. Very reassuring! Also a bit concerned about the fact that the area is not on public sewer. Is that something to be worried about?

Re: "Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: Jerndon1 ()
Date: July 15, 2012 12:54AM

Clueless Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thank you. Very reassuring! Also a bit concerned
> about the fact that the area is not on public
> sewer. Is that something to be worried about?

That has to do with zoning and the fact that the area is fairly rural and not newly developed. Septic tanks are perfectly safe.

Re: "Garchayne Park" in Herndon
Posted by: WestfieldDad ()
Date: July 15, 2012 12:51PM

Jerndon1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Clueless Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thank you. Very reassuring! Also a bit
> concerned
> > about the fact that the area is not on public
> > sewer. Is that something to be worried about?
>
> That has to do with zoning and the fact that the
> area is fairly rural and not newly developed.
> Septic tanks are perfectly safe.

I don't know what the rules are around here for septic tanks, but my parents have one where they live. Septic tanks are safe, but not necessarily trouble free. Couple things they have experienced over the many years they have lived in their house -

1) They have to have their system/field inspected every couple years to prove it's still working correctly - though the inspection procedure stresses the system in ways it will never be used (2 older people live in the house, all relatives are out of town - inspection based on flushing everything, draining several tubs/sinks/etc. all at the same time...).
2) Watch out how old the tank is - their original one was steel & the top fell in.
3) EPA/State rules regulating the system design/volume/etc change over the years -

A) When the top fell in, they obviously had to replace it. To meet code at that time had to get the tank & the field replaced with one up to code when replaced. Code required an anaerobic system.

B) Code changed to require an aerobic system. Existing tanks/fields grandfathered, but not permitted to sell the property with an anaerobic system.

C) Anaerobic system failed one of the inspections.

D) Required to replace entire system & field with new system based on aerobic design with constant stirring/etc.

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