Bealeton Mixed-Use Proposal May Get August Hearing

That's the typical order of development for mixed-use communities.

But landowner Don Tharpe wants to turn that formula on its head with his White Marsh proposal at U.S. 17 and Independence Avenue in Bealeton.

In the project's first year, Tharpe wants to build 100,000 to 125,000 square feet of commercial space and possibly 30 homes, as the market warrants.

White Marsh calls for 278,000 square feet of commercial space and 310 detached and attached homes.

If Tharpe can deliver a big chunk of the commercial component up front, he will have accomplished what most developers "haven't been able to do," county planning commissioner John Meadows (Lee District), said in an interview.

Building a large portion of the commercial space early would allow Fauquier to collect millions in tax revenue before the public-service costs associated with White Marsh's homes would come into play, Tharpe has said.

For this reason, the proposal could be "a golden opportunity" for Fauquier, said Meadows, who represents Bealeton.

For the full story, read the July 1 Fauquier Times-Democrat