Urban planners are being recruited to map out a vision for Tysons Corner, part of an effort to guide development as Metrorail extends through the community.
The Tysons Land Use Task Force, a group charged with guiding development around the four planned Metro stations, is seeking a firm to provide recommendations for the potential reshaping of Tysons Corner.
The firm would “give us a model scenario” for new development, said Bill Lecos, task force member and Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce president.
“It became clear that this is new for Fairfax County,” Lecos said. “To do it right and to do it best … the task force just felt that bringing in an urban planning team [was necessary].”
The addition of rail to heavily urbanized Fairfax County is aimed at alleviating a frustrating traffic problem and building a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The rail line is slated to be operational by 2011, part of a larger project to connect with Washington Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County.
Yet to be determined is whether the rail will be built above or below ground through Tysons Corner. Both options have their advantages, but the decision is not crucial to planning for development in the area, said Sterling Wheeler, chief of policy and plan development for the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning.
“Visually, it’s a substantial difference,” he said. “But it doesn’t change the fundamental issue: How much development and what character development should occur in Tysons around those stations?”
The county hopes to have the urban planning firm chosen by fall.
At a glance
A firm selected to plan for development around Metro stations in Tysons Corner must give recommendations that address:
» Land use guidelines for growth that include possible mixes of uses, building height, intensity and density, as well as amenities such as parks and plazas
» Vehicular and pedestrian connectivity networks
» A green infrastructure system
» The amount of housing needed, including affordable units
Source: Request for proposal from Fairfax County
