RESTON COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT CORPORATION

Board Meeting

January 11, 2007
Lake Anne Office Building
11484 Washington Plaza West
Reston, VA 20190

MINUTES

Board Members Present:
Kurt Pronske
Howard Green
Anne Strange
Robin Smyers
Phil Tobey
Walt Peter

Invited Guests:
Lee Rau, Fairfax County RHA
Fred Selden, Fairfax County Planning Division
Heidi Merkel, Fairfax County Planning Division
Goldie Harrison, Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s Office
Robert Fields, HCD
Bridgit Hill, HCD

Observers:
Joe Stowers, Lake Anne Revitalization TAP
Patrick Knight

President Pronske called the meeting to order at 7:30PM and invited public comments.   There were none.

Approval of the December 14 Minutes
Mr. Selden pointed out his name is spelled with an “e” in place of the “o”.   With this correction, the minutes were passed by acclimation.

Report of TAP/Design Guidelines Activity
Ms. Smyers and Mr. Tobey reported on the third meeting of the Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) with input from Mr. Stowers   All felt progress was being made but there were differing opinions on the rate at which they were proceeding. The consultants presented a summary of the design concepts proposed to date by the group for the Village.   These included residential, commercial and retail density and which uses are needed for a well-balanced Center.   Affordable Dwelling Units were acknowledged as part of the desired mix.   Mr.Tobey said these continued to be discussed and will hopefully be augmented by illustrative sketches prepared by the consultants for the next TAP meeting.   Mr Fields indicated the next TAP meeting is proposed for late January and the following meeting in early February.

Stowers expressed his opinion that the four or five illustrative sketches anticipated in the consultant contract are far to few to convey the eventual conclusions.   Mr. Fields pointed out that the primary contract product was text that would lead directly into the Comprehensive Plan language, supported by some illustrations for clarification.   Mr. Selden explained the need have design concepts defined to meet the community’s expectations but flexible enough to encourage new investment in the Village.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment(CPA)
Ms. Merkel summarized the background analysis currently underway based on Option “E” developed in the Charrette.   As explained by Mr. Selden in December’s meeting, the Planning staff normally develops three scenarios to evaluate impact on infrastructure, traffic and other factors.   As there was a general consensus on the acceptability of the level of development depicted in Scheme “E ”(1000dus, 70,000sf of office and 24,000sf of retail surrounding a plaza expanded northerly toward Baron Cameron Avenue).    it provides a point of reference, allowing staff to begin their analysis.   This is important as the target date for passing the Amendment is June of this year.

Staff have had their initial meeting with the ARB to introduce the Design Guidelines team. In answer to Anne Strange’s question on membership, Ms. Merkel t he ARB has a total of 11 members - 9 representing the magisterial districts, a chairperson, and a non-voting member who is a liaison from the History Commission. That Board will have input as Lake Anne has an Historic Overly District.   More meetings will be held as the Design Guidelines are developed.

Ms Merkel distributed a DRAFT of the schedule, explaining that the dates are timeframes only and subject to change.   The stipulated steps to approval include Public Hearings called by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.   In addition to these formal meetings, there may be community informational meetings called which would extend the timeline.

The Department of Planning will set up a Lake Anne page(s) to keep the public informed as the process moves forward.   This will be somewhat like that for Tyson’s Corner.   This will provide background information, links to other pages and to personal e-mail for those so desiring.

HCD Operations and Support
Mr.Fields introduced Bridgit Hill who has been designated as Lake Anne’s liasion.   She has a background in commercial real estate. Since joining HCD she has had considerable experience in working with revitalization Destricts in Springfield and the Richmond Highway corridor.   Ms. Hill will have an office here in this building and be here up to three days a week, beginning in approximately two months.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on February 8, 2007.

Adjournment
President Pronske adjourned the meeting at 9PM.