More Delays, Few Answers on Downtown Herndon Redevelopment

In July last year, the Town of Herndon announced potential plans to begin the redevelopment of downtown Herndon with real estate company and partner Comstock later that year.

But more than a year later, residents and local elected officials are still awaiting the long-anticipated groundbreaking of the $85 million redevelopment project, which would transform nearly 4.7 acres of land in downtown Herndon into a vibrant mixed-use district.

Both parties have not yet closed on a deal to begin the project. In recent public statements, details explaining reasons for the delays have been scant.

“It is incredibly frustrating to not be able to share information,” wrote Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel on social media. “To maintain the town’s negotiation power and protect our taxpayers’ interest, we must remain silent until the deal is closed.”

Merkel said she feels “very confident” in the success of the project.

Town officials noted that a formal groundbreaking date has been anticipated but was never formally scheduled.

“We on Town Council all wish we could say more but we can’t,” wrote Signe Friedrichs in a social media statement.

At a town council meeting on Oct. 13, Town of Herndon resident Donielle Scherff expressed strong support for the project. Scherff manages a Facebook group with more than 500 members dedicated to the redevelopment project.

“There is more than a little frustration that our public/private partnership has yet to break ground,” Scherff said. “And I will echo the previous speaker that we crave more information.”

Residents saw some activity in the area when signage offering a peek into the project went up on a fence in front of the former Subaru dealership on 770 Elden Street in May.

The project includes 273 residential units, a new arts center, public space, an eight-level parking garage, and 18,000 square feet of boutique, restaurant, and retail space.

Photo via handout/Comstock