Image of downtown Herndon with public shared parking program which is being reviewed for adjustments in parking requirements. Image provided by Town of Herndon
The Town of Hendon Planning Commission met Aug. 21 to solicit comments on whether parking requirements in the downtown should be reduced or remain as currently required. The commission is scheduled to make a recommendation to the Herndon Town Council relative to adjustments in the town’s parking requirements.
The town of Herndon’s comprehensive plan calls for mixed use development in the downtown, including residential uses of up to four stories in height. Among several areas planned for redevelopment are the Town of Herndon parking lots and other parcels in the area of Elden St., Center St., Station St. and the W&OD Trail.
The Planning Commission consists of seven citizens of the Town appointed by the Town Council. Members include: Chairman Kevin East, Bernadette Bettard, Robert Burk, George Burke, Paul LeReche, Kevin Moses, and Sean Regan. Commission members are appointed to serve a four-year term, unless appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term. “What we are not trying to do is reach any consensus, we are trying to get information,” said East. “We could do nothing, but that is probably not a good option right now.”
CURRENTLY THE PLANNING COMMISSION is looking at possible redevelopment of blocks in Herndon. Senior Planner Dana Heiberg informed the audience the planning committee is concerned with commercial area so there is no overflow of parking from residential areas to commercial parking area. The planning committee will be examining efficiency ratios for parking requirements in the downtown zoning districts. One question the planning commission must ask is what amount of parking is too little and how will they know what that is. “That as you may guess is an enormous task,” said East. Also there is a concern that there be adequate parking for local businesses.
Public Shared Parking was established in Herndon in the early 1990s. The town council has recently expressed interest in more flexibility to deal with parking and leasing licensed land for parking. Designated parking facilities can be provided by lease, license, or fee ownership. Most of the current parking lots are on properties owned by the Town of Herndon. The existing public shared parking (PSP) faculties includes lots on Station Street, Center-Vine lot, James Building, Lynn Street, Ahmed Leased Lot, the Herndon Municipal Center Surface Lot, and on-street public parking at the Herndon Fortnightly Library which amounts to approximately 360 spaces.
Town of Hendon zoning ordinance requires business owners to provide parking. In most of downtown there is not enough land, so the public share parking was developed so business could buy land for the spaces required. The majority of public share parking places do not have time restrictions on them.
“I am against the ratio of adding addition parking to existing businesses,” remarked Herndon businessman Steve Mitchell. “I am not convinced that we need to give away more parking until we understand it entirely... It looks to me as if we are leaning very heavily towards residential. I think we have a lot to study.” Other speakers stepped forward to voice their opinions. “Let’s just be fair and equitable as we come across please,” said Herndon real estate broker Arthur Nachman.
“I am in favor of visitor parking and handicap parking so all can use it... I can tell you as a landowner in downtown for the success of my business I would prefer to be over-parked than under-parked,” said Mitchell. “If we do not learn how to economic modeling, it does not matter what we pass here,” said Tim McGrath. “Public shared parking has been an oppressive thing since it was passed.”
“There is a lot of charming qualities in Herndon,” said Matt Valentini, a Vice President of Development with JBG Companies. “I would be very careful before I prescribe what the residents want. One of the charms of Herndon is it is a very walkable community… You got the wonderful W&OD trail that runs right through Herndon, that should be an amenity.”
“In the end you are going to need a very detailed study,” said Richard Stout, partner with Stout and Teague. “The town is in a position of saying if we have less parking we’ll get higher value for the site because we do not have to provide as much for the public. What kind of public bargain is that? This is a decision that should be deferred and made into the context of the development.”
MELISSA LANDAU spoke about the parking needs of Abrams Landau Law Firm and her real estate business. “As a residential retailer in the area, I can tell you when people look at properties they want to know where they are going to park... Homes are going to have lower property values when the parking is no good.” Landau concluded by requesting handicap parking for her office location on Center Street. “I thought the meeting went well, I am hoping they don’t change the density requirements for parking,” said Landau. “I think the town council is starting to listen, I am hoping things are getting better.”
"The current parking requirements need to be updated to better accommodate our business owners and visitors,” said Herndon Vice Mayor Jen Baker. “I'm eager to see the recommendation from the PC because a viable parking plan is a key ingredient to a vibrant downtown. Especially as we continue to expand and develop our historic district. Now is the time." A Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled at the Herndon Council Chamber on 765 Lynn Street on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.