Haydown Farm, also referred to as the “Brooks Farm,” is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land in Great Falls and one of  our last pristine meadows Please act now to help us save this 50 acre, secluded treasure of rolling horse pasture, lake, and woods  from inharmonious cluster development. 

This beautiful, open pasture in the "Heart of Great Falls," is under contract with a developer and that developer has filed an application with Fairfax County for rezoning AND Special Exception for Cluster Development. Please sign our petition and help oppose granting this rezoning from RA (Rural Agricultural) to RE (Residential Estate) and, most importantly express your opposition to the granting of a Special Exception for Cluster Development that will increase  the number of homes built. Haydown Farm is located between Springvale and Walker Roads. Please sign our petition and share with other residents.

This Cluster Development could have these adverse effects on Great Falls:  

1. Increase  traffic congestion and diminish road safety. Cluster development increases housing density above and beyond what the topography and neighborhoods allow. One of the most crucial aspects to Great Falls is managing the development and density in a town with two major crossroad arteries (Georgetown Pike and Walker Road). Potential overdevelopment leaves residents with increased traffic on  the already crowded country roads, with their restricted sight lines. It is imperative to unite for responsible development because increased traffic congestion poses both a safety threat and a could effect future property value.

2. Siphon off the water table. Most of us rely on wells, which tap the underground water table. Cluster development will put more pressure on the  water table and wells, thereby raising possible future issues with the main water supply that Great Falls residents rely on. 

3. Degrade local streams and ponds.  Rising development has already led to the degradation of many streams in Great Falls, leaving deep and wide, muddy holes where clear streams once flowed.  This cluster development, built around the very headwaters of Pond Branch stream, is likely to begin the erosion and degradation of that stream, which flows directly into the Potomac watershed.  Other ponds downstream from Haydown—such as Walker Lake pond, one of the largest ponds in Great Falls, are likely to see their water levels and quality adversely affected by muddy overflows.  

4. Devalue existing neighborhoods.   With many years of heavy construction traffic, the existing neighborhood roadbed will be pulverized,  school children will not be able to safely walk to the bus and dust and debris will infiltrate existing homes for years.  

Please join us to protect the "Heart of Great Falls" and the beauty and uniqueness of the rural community that we are all happy to call home, the safety of our citizens and their children and our community’s environmental quality. This is not simply a NIMBY (Not in my backyard issue). This affects the safety, environment and way of life for all Great Falls residents.