Observer Online | Viewpoints

Posted Oct. 19, 2007

A Big Debate Looms for a Huge Project

For decades, Herndon citizens and government leaders have discussed, planned and dreamed about rebuilding the downtown to have a greater emphasis on pedestrians, community activities and the small-town atmosphere of which we are so protective.

Portions of that dream have already been realized, with the construction a decade ago of the municipal center, Town Council chambers, Town Green and Fortnightly Library. Recently the Town Council has moved closer toward an agreement with a developer to bring more of the dream to reality.

And right now, workers are finishing up a long-planned project to rebuild the sidewalks and landscaping in the downtown area. The future has never looked so bright for Herndon's downtown.

But this week, a developer has come to town with a proposal to build a five-story, 130,000-square-foot complex on the highest parcel of land overlooking the downtown area. Based on the rendering featured on the front page of this week's Herndon edition, the development would tower over all of downtown Herndon.

From the looks of it, this development would overwhelm the downtown area. It would require substantially more parking than it seems the developer has allowed for, and I can't even imagine how the current plan would fit in with the desires of town historians. The property to be developed is in the Historic District.

The public debate on this proposal has just begun, but it seems the developer has some changes to make if this project is going to fit in with the downtown so many people in Herndon have envisioned for so long.