Herndon Town Council approved to consider amendments to the zoning near the future Metro station. Photo by Reena Singh.
It may be easier for businesses to open their dream office space in the future near Herndon’s impending Silver Line Metro station.
The Herndon Town Council unanimously approved to consider an amendment to the Landmark Business Overlay District to change the requirements and regulations at the Aug. 12 meeting.
“I think tonight’s discussion went great,” said Mayor Lisa Merkel. “I am thankful that it was brought to our attention, that we were able to pull it off the consent agenda and flesh through quite a few issues. What I want to say to the public is that the council wants to hear from you.”
The Landmark district, according to the proposal, is located within 1,500 feet of the Dulles Toll Road northern boundary and the Fairfax County Parkway. The overlay also cannot be within 500 feet of a residential area.
The resolution allows the town staff to look into the pros and cons of the provisions of the amendment, which include increasing roof height and floor space, adding pedestrian trails and sidewalks en route to Herndon’s Metro station site and allowing multi-family dwelling units to be built.
If an amendment is passed in the future, business owners would still need to apply for a special exception for their requests, which would require a public hearing.
“So even if the ZOTA is approved, they would need a special exception,” said Vice Mayor Jennifer Baker. “I wanted that to be clear, because I felt that was a lot of what we got the comments about, from the public tonight and in writing. I feel like, from what I’m hearing, that we’re still protected and that we’re trying to streamline as we prepare for Metro.”
“Why is quadrangle requesting this to cover the entire overlay rather than just his property?” asked Councilman Dave Kirby.
Quadrangle letter to the Town Council was added to the proposal packet asking for an amendment to the current zoning requirements for the overlay, including adding mixed use zoning to the Fairbrooke Business Park The letter also suggested the zoning amendment change the maximum height requirements of the building.
The exact location of the overlay will be determined by the planning commission when they create the amendment proposal
“I think what I really would like to see is for the staff to say this is the total map, and this is the area that is really affected,” said councilman Jasbinder Singh. “Then we can see how far is the potential district from the parkway.”
He said he wanted the council members to be able to tell the planning commission what their wishes and expectations are for the amendment.
Mayor Merkel congratulated the council members for being able to approve the resolution despite their differences. She said that, even though it is only the council’s second public hearing of the fiscal year, she can see progress.