It was a crazy day in Tysons;
Another major rezoning was approved by the Board of Supervisors, making LCOR’s Commons of McLean project the 5th major plan to attain approval. The plan proposes more than 2500 housing units and the possibility of some ground floor retail, though some supervisors pointed out the lack of definitive demonstration for retail was concerning. What the project does demonstrate is plenty of recreational spaces, road improvements including the much needed Chain Bridge Road extension, as well as an overall connectivity with the adjacent Scotts Run Station project. (WUSA-9)
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Residents seem pretty happy over the new silver line bus realignments after yesterday’s unanimous Supervisor vote to expand and improve service in North Fairfax. Included are 41 new or modified bus routes that better interconnect with the Silver Line from Reston, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Tysons, and McLean. Of course the 432 bus through north Vienna remains stuck in the mud after an effective and vocal minority have forced Fairfax’s hand in reviewing alternate paths in order to not “endanger children from those noisy dangerous buses”. Sadly many of the residents of this neighborhood are for the expanded bus service, which without they would have difficulty reaching the Silver Line stations in Tysons. (WTOP)
We also remain concerned about the focus of the Tysons circulator system and the minimal use of the Westpark Transit Station which is a real asset to the county, but will see fewer buses in 2014.
Lastly, I am very disappointed the County did not take an opportunity to review their bus fleet to make it more agile and cost effective. They ordered several 35′ buses for the expanded service as opposed to adding new 22′ buses which cost half the price, are more feasible for lower density suburban neighborhoods, and are still well sized for most anticipated loads.
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Tysons got some great culinary news yesterday as Chef Jose Andres (of Jaleo, Minibar, Cafe Atlantico, Zatinya, and America Eats fame) announced a new Tysons restaurant that will expand on last years very successful DC popup restaurant “America Eats”. The name of the restaurants might become Peach Grove, which was the original name of the land that Tysons sits on today. The menu will be an eclectic mix of Virginia specialties sourced from local farms. The restaurant will be located on the currently vacated former space of Michel Richard in the Ritz. My stomach is looking forward to it and, unlike some of the redevelopments in town, the wait will be short with the restaurant opening this Fall. (Washington Post)
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Tysons must becoming something because last night first lady Michelle Obama and Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAullife held a campaign fundraiser in town. Its not clear exactly where it was, but based on the tweets it was somewhere in the mall and evidently there was an incident with an LGBT protester.
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More pile testing is occurring at Arbor Row on Westpark Drive, Cityline’s ambitious approved rezoning. The property that has seen all the activity is the parcel owned by Hanover Company which ultimately will hold two new high rise towers. Hopefully this means that construction is about to begin, as this corridor is in dire need of some retail and restaurants.