Update: Planning Commission Defers Vote on Reston Project

The Fairfax County Planning Commission deferred decision until next week on Lincoln Property Company’s plans to build 260 multifamily residences on what is now a parking lot at Sunrise Valley, Commerce Park and Association drives.

Hunter Mill Commissioner Frank de la Fe asked that the decision be delayed after Wednesday’s public hearing. Reason: the amount of the developer contribution to the Reston Road Fund — which will be used to help  make more than $2.6 billion in transportation improvements here over several decades — is not yet known.

De la Fe said more information on the road fund is expected this week. Lincoln Property Co. has agreed to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue proffers and money to provide public access to the private street.

There are still proffers that need to be worked out: the extension of a sidewalk along Association Drive; additional tree plantings along Sunrise Valley Drive; and the number of Universal Design Units (developer has offered 2 percent; county has asked for 5 percent).

Also an issue: the county staff report recommends an additional contribution to the Fairfax County Park Authority. The proposed plan is very urban in nature, with limited open space (about one-third of an acre) that will be used as small pocket parks. The lack of room for active play should be offset with $50,000 more towards county athletic fields. The developer has offered $25,000, in addition to $462,852 it has already committed for fields.

The board also heard John Hawthorne, an attorney representing IGS LLC, the owner of a nearby office building. He said this development would cause undue hardship and injury to IGS because of the office park’s private roads and infringement on that owner’s private property. Hawthorne said he also plans testimony at next week’s public hearing for Vornado’s plan to build a 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development in the same area.

Lincoln Property’s project is a seven-story building with trails connecting bikers and walkers to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. The plans call for a pool and a natural play area, among other amenities. There will be a dedicated cycle track fronting Sunrise Valley Drive.

Read more details in the county planning staff report.

The planning commission will make a decision whether to recommend the project for approval on Sept. 29.

Photos: Rendering of Lincoln Property Co. project at Sunrise Valley and Association drive/Credit: Fairfax County