Politics & Government
Planning Commission Continues Downtown Master Plan Discussion
The Planning Commission began discussing how to finance public improvement projects needed for the Downtown Master Plan on Monday.
The Planning Commission continued its discussion of the Downtown Master Plan at Monday night's meeting which included possible funding options for necessary public improvement projects.
Town staff had discussed a number of strategies with Fairfax County Debt Manager, Leonard Wales. Senior Planner, Dana Heiberg explained the options as they continue to analyze the infrastructure and financial issues.
To make the Downtown Master Plan a success a number of public improvements are needed and the town needs to figure out how to fund those projects. The options included were tax increment financing, community development authorities, and a sanitary district option.
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Lisa Gilleran, Director of Community Development responded to Heiberg's proposal noting that the largest expense appears to be an $8.5 million parking garage. Gilleran questioned whether developers would be able to contribute to the expense and if not, how would the town pay for the necessary improvements.
"We hope to have a more informative piece of information the next time around," Heiberg said. Later this month town staff will continue to meet with consultants to gather more information and advice on how public improvements could be financed.
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Planning Commissioner Kevin Moses questioned whether the financing options for the Downtown Master Plan would be put to a public vote, such as a referendum, or if the Town Council would make a decision. Gilleran said a referendum doesn't appear to be necessary at this time and it will most likely be presented to the Town Council.
The Planning Commission made a motion to defer a vote and continue the discussion on the Downtown Master Plan, citing that more information is needed on the cost of public improvements and financing options.
The next public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at Herndon's Council Chambers, located at 765 Lynn St. The Planning Commission encouraged residents to attend the next public hearing and the next upcoming work session, to be held Oct. 18 in the Hoover Conference Room at 765 Lynn St.
