When Scotts Run Station South was approved last year it was missing something… something that would make its near tongue twisting name make sense; oh yes, a Scotts Run Station North.
Instead of pursuing an additional 1 million+ square feet of new development Cityline pulled the plans and moved forward with a design to provide 700 temporary parking spaces for the McLean metro station.
Nearly two years after deferring decision Scotts Run North has returned to planning staff desks.
The proposed temporary parking lot was a stop gap to do something with the property while awaiting VDOT and Capital One coordination on the highly anticipated, absolutely necessary, Jones Branch Connector. The road link will finally provide a secondary pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular crossing of the otherwise impassible Beltway. With the plans progressed to a final alignment, Cityline is back in with their 1.5 million square foot mixed use neighborhood on the North side of Route 123.
The project is separated from the existing Gates of McLean neighborhood by Scotts Run, a water body which will be undergoing continued stream restoration and pedestrian trail access thanks to proffers that were associated with the overall Scotts Run Station rezoning. It will also be directly adjacent to the yet to be opened McLean metro station, on the site of the current temporary parking lot.
Because of the presence of the parking lot, don’t expect Scotts Run Station North to begin construction any time soon. Its more likely that Cityline will pursue development on their adjoining South property and continued construction at their also approved Arbor Row project in North Tysons prior to shifting their focus.
Unfortunately, the county is also taking this chance to review new on-ramps from the Dulles Toll Road directly onto the Jones Branch Connector which will delay the design and construction of the necessary link, as well as funnel highway traffic onto what was supposed to be a local and pedestrian friendly connection.
There has been no public meetings to discuss the connection, however on May 19th Fairfax County will be holding a public meeting to discuss many aspects of Tysons development which includes a segment for Jones Branch. We suggest those who are opposed to the continued status quo highway ramp-ification of Tysons to attend and voice your concerns.