Planning Commission to Discuss Metro Study

Though the next big public workshop for the Herndon Metro Study isn't until Nov. 8, the Planning Commission will be discussing scenarios for the study on Monday at 7 p.m.

Kay Robertson, senior project planner for the Town of Herndon, said the Planning Commission will be working with the Metro study consultants, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., Monday night to come up with two land-use scenarios for the future.

"They're just going to be working on the framework," Robertson said. After Monday night's meeting VHB will begin to further define those scenarios and they will be presented in November.

The first public workshop on the Herndon Metro study was held in July. Consultants and town staff worked to collect information from the public and present case studies from other local Metro projects.

Robertson said they gauged public reaction taking notes on what people liked and disliked for Herndon. She said VHB has been taking input from the public and creating a report of existing conditions of soil, water, sewer, traffic and other elements.

Robertson said people should keep in mind that the decision to not include vehicle or kiss-and-ride access to the north side of the station was made years ago. "The vehicular access to the Metro station is gong to be on the south side of the toll road at the existing Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride garage," she said.

Through planning changes may eventually occur on the north side of the station and town officials want to know what the public might eventually like to see on the north side of the station, Robertson said. She added that in order for the current landowners in the station area to be motivated to change the existing densities would likely need to be increased.

Robertson said town officials are currently discussing what type of densities would be needed to motivate the landowners to redevelop the area. She said if the town is to become more transit oriented they must be mindful of the developer's needs, while also protecting the nearby neighborhoods. "It's a very challenging balance," she said.

As part of the study VHB is looking at access to the north side of the station, Robertson said. She said town planners are trying to ensure there is adequate access to the north side of the station, including bus and taxi access.

Robertson said the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's plans for access are extremely limited.

Robertson said the Virginia Department of Transportation is doing a review to update the environmental impact study for traffic in the area. "VDOT really doesn't see too much impact on Herndon Parkway at all," she said. "That's not to say we agree."

Public comments will be taken during the entire process through a website the consultants have set up for the study and the Planning Commission and Town Council will be scrutinizing and refining the plan through February 2011. A final plan is to be selected in June 2011.

Robertson said it is important for residents and business owners to be involved in the process. She said redevelopment can take 20 to 50 years and decisions made now will have long-term impacts on the future of Herndon.

The Planning Commission's work session will be held Monday at 7 p.m. in the Hoover Conference Room at 765 Lynn St.