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Herndon Planning Commission seeks community input
On Tuesday, June 17, the Herndon Planning Commission will hold a special work session on the proposed hotel at the corner of Elden and Monroe streets beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Herndon Municipal Center, 777 Lynn St. in Herndon.Known as the Diamond Properties project, or the Element hotel, this proposal, if approved by the various review bodies and the Town Council, could have a major impact on many aspects of downtown Herndon.
To ensure a thorough review of the proposal and provide the highest degree of public participation, the Planning Commission has elected to utilize working groups. The working groups, each led by two members of the Planning Commission, will consist of:
Operations (very basic daily activities including traffic, loading areas, storm water, etc.)
Building and Landscape Design
Uses (what types of retail uses are desired and not desired)
Overall Impact on the Community (both positive and negative)
The Planning Commission work session and the individual working groups will be open to the public.
Carl Sivertsen, Chairman of the Planning Commission states, “The commission is hopeful that by looking at the details of the various parts as well as the whole, the commission and public will gain an in-depth understanding of the project, its merits and drawbacks.”
Sivertsen also expressed the desire of the commission to have the public actively participate.
“The commission is asking town residents and business people to get involved in this review along with us. We want people who care about Herndon to take some time and look at this project with us. The commission wants you to express your opinions and ideas as we work together in the evaluation of this project. We know that Herndon is a community of caring, passionate and talented individuals who want Herndon to be better tomorrow than it is today.”
The proposal is formally known as a zoning map amendment. The applicant is requesting to change the zoning classification of the 1.3 acres of land to Planned Development Downtown to permit the development of the proposed five-story hotel with street-level retail and a parking garage. The property includes 700 Lynn St., 711 Monroe St. and 721 Monroe St.
At its public hearing on May 5, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing until July 7 and concurred on the need for a special work session. The commission could also make a recommendation on the application at that hearing.
To participate at the work session, contact the Planning Commission at planning.commission@herndon-va.gov or call the Department of Community Development at 703-787-7380. Additional information is available at www.herndon-va.gov or the Department of Community Development, second floor of the Herndon Municipal Center, 777 Lynn St., Herndon.
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