<sh>Rezoning Applications Deferred
<bt>Two zoning applications heard by the Herndon Town Council at its public hearing last Tuesday, May 14 will be reheard at its next public hearing to be held on Tuesday, May 28. Both applications were deferred due to the council's lack of a work session the prior Tuesday, in lieu of the town's mayoral and council elections held May 7.
The zoning application for a 7.67-acre piece of property in an area commonly known as Fortnightly Boulevard located between the Herndon Harbor House and the W&OD Trail called for the construction of 114 residential units — 109 townhouses and five multi-family dwellings. The applicant, Carr Homes is seeking to rezone the property from residential to planned development-mixed use. Elizabeth Baker, representing the applicant, was met with resistance by the council and members of the community.
"They have their structures moved to the property line, making it a walled community — turning it into a ghetto," said Councilman Dennis Husch. "Carr is being mal-served by their hired guns," he said.
"There's no green space," said Austin Lane resident Ann Czonka, objecting to the application, as did Herndon residents Arthur Nachman and Judy Downer.
The other deferred zoning application calls for the construction of six to 11 single family residences on Bennett Street, just at the Town of Herndon corporate line and across the street from Herndon High School.
"There have to be benefits to the community to go from six to 11 dwelling units, and there's no benefit to the community," said Husch. "You better be prepared to show me some compelling reasons for rezoning or else it will be an easy decision," he said to Keith Martin representing D.R. Horton, Inc.
Several days after the May 14 hearing, Husch said Horton came back with "improved proposals. They're working."
Both zoning applications will be reheard at the Town Council public hearing next Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers located at 765 Lynn Street. The public is encouraged to attend and voice its concerns regarding the proposals.
<sh>Appointments
Confirmed
<bt>The Herndon Town Council has made several appointments of citizens serve on boards and committees. Anne Ballengee will join the Architectural Review Board/Heritage Preservation Review Board. Paul Le Reche will fill the unexpired post on the Planning Commission left by the resignation of Katherine Koelbel-Mull. Ellen Kaminsky, membership coordinator with the Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce, will take over as the chairman of the Herndon Cultural Arts Center Advisory Committee, replacing mayor-elect Richard "Rick" Thoesen as of Thursday, May 16.