Fairfax County residents and businesses alike are frustrated with the county’s first proposal to split the estimated $1.7 billion cost of transportation improvements in Tysons. The Fairfax County Board passed the Tysons plan in June, calling for the creation of a new street grid, expanded bus services, bike lanes and better sidewalks. Officials say the improvements will help capitalize on the construction of Metrorail stations from Tysons to Washington Dulles International Airport.
The county proposed that the public pay a larger share, $991 million, than the private sector, which would be responsible for $706 million of the project’s costs.
But residents said the county was asking too much of them and suggested officials get more from businesses and the state.
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce President Jim Corcoran countered that businesses were already paying a heavy price in Tysons and asking them for more could prompt those businesses to leave for Maryland or other jurisdictions.
“Businesses come to Fairfax County because, historically, we’ve had the right mix of a good business environment and good business citizens here,” Corcoran said. “The last thing you want to do is put this out of the reach of developers.”
Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, whose Hunter Mill District includes the Tysons area, said the county staff would present the board with a more complete proposal in April.
“We’ve seen it, we will be looking at it, and we know that we have to get the transportation infrastructure correct,” Hudgins said. “I think what staff has tried to do is provide enough tools that we can call upon the right mix that will not unduly burden the taxpayers and give a balanced share to the business community.”
Officials are still taking feedback online at fairfaxcounty.gov/tysons, and will hold another public meeting early next year.
