The Planning Commission’s Tysons Committee is holding a workshop on Thursday, February 20 to discuss the first phase of the Tysons Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Staff will make a presentation, and a discussion will follow with the Committee members. For those of you who have been active in the process this is a good time to come out and air your grievances or help guide the conversation. It is important if you don’t want more fiasco’s like the Dulles Toll Road ramp debacle, and if you want to start seeing better walkway inter-connectivity and (god forbid) possible road diets to send comments digitally in advance or attend.
| Event Date: | Thursday, February 20, 2014 |
| Time: | 7:00 PM |
| Location: | Fairfax County Government Center – Board Auditorium 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA |
The meeting will cover five topics
1) An overview of where we are in the comprehensive plan and amendment process – If you were not aware there have been some changes made to the original 2010 plan including discussion of interim parking lots for the Silver Line, addition language concerning how to deal with rezonings that occur outside of the immediate 1/2 mile radius of the stations (in order to assure developers still contribute towards infrastructure needs), and a longer time horizon which includes plans for additional density extending beyond 2050.
2) Phase I implementation discussion – The comprehensive plan set up rules, tax districts, funding reserves, and infrastructure goals. How well have these goals been implemented so far in terms of the overall 35 year goal.
3) Planning Commission Questions – The Planning Commission will ask questions of the committee, likely on funding levels, infrastructure implementation, gaps, rezoning and development activity, etc.
4) Next Steps – We are 4 years into a 35 year concept. There are many, many more steps left. What will that entail? What are some noticeable changes people might finally start seeing?
5) Public Comments – An opportunity to ask questions, or as is more often the case, the airing of grievances. Often amusing, usually unproductive.
Seriously folks, you can’t sit back and complain about a lack of sidewalks, no bike lanes, dangerous intersections, and the overall general public disposition towards Tysons if you refuse to stand up and be counted. So long as actual residents and the community stay disengaged, the same old status quo will continue to guide the future of Tysons. Consider attending the meeting if you are able to and voice your opinion on what is needed and what are priorities.
*Based on the rescheduled VDOT meeting on Route 7 widening and bike improvements, I will not be able to attend this event (quite hypocritical I know). If anyone is attending please let us know in the hope of a possible post and summary of the workshop. I would be willing to provide a pitcher of beer for anyone who would do so.