Fairfax Citizens For Responsible Growth - FairGrowth
FairGrowth - Transit Oriented Development with Citizen Input
Fairfax Citizens for Responsible Growth, Inc. (FairGrowth) is a nonpartisan, countywide citizens group concerned with development and land-use decisions and their impact on traffic, transportation, schools, the environment, and other infrastructure and public services.
FairGrowth Urges Planners to Alter Proposal That Would Increase Traffic at Vienna Metro From 8,000 New Car Trips Per Day to 11,900

A proposal to alter the residential/commercial mix at the massive MetroWest development at Vienna Metro could increase traffic by nearly 50%.  Important data was not shared with the community prior to a public hearing.
Click here for FairGrowth's letter. 

Contact plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov to share your views by Tues. June 9th!

The Town of Vienna also sent a letter outlining its concerns.
Click here for Vienna's letter. 
County Data Shows That Roads, Transit Cannot Handle  Proposals for Tysons Corner

Data from Fairfax County planners shows that even an expanded Tysons transportation network could handle only a small fraction of the traffic that would be generated by a proposal backed by a county task force.  The Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition (GTCC) noted the data shows that even in the unlikely event that all transportation improvements were fully funded, (including MetroRail, hot lanes, miles of new roads, an internal Tysons bus circulator system, etc.), the maximum density the improvements could handle would be 83 million square feet.  This is well under half of the 220 million square feet called for by the task force.

Furthermore, the traffic analysis undermines claims that the Tysons Task Force plan is a “smart growth” proposal that keeps cars off the road.  In fact, county traffic data clearly shows that the task force vision would cause worse automobile traffic problems than any alternative examined.  Road capacity simply is not sufficient for the task force's proposals.  GTCC leaders called on the county to focus on a future for Tysons that will enhance our roads, our environment, and the greater region.

Given this data, GTCC leaders called upon the county to adhere to true smart growth principles and produce a balanced plan for Tysons that conforms with documented transportation capacity.

Click here to see the full press release.

The county's presentation of the traffic study (large file) is available here.
FairGrowth Calls on County to Maintain Transit-Oriented Development Principles at Tysons

In a presentation before the Fairfax County Planning Commission's Tysons Corner committee, FairGrowth noted that the Tysons Task Force recommendation for the area fell short of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) principles in several ways.  FairGrowth asked the Planning Commission to ensure that plans for Tysons Corner maintain key TOD principles that the Task Force neglected, specifically:
  • Adequate Public Facilities;
  • Balance With The Scale of Adjacent Communities, and;
  • Consensus Among Stakeholders.
Click here to view FairGrowth's presentation.
Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition Calls For Traffic Studies; Concerned About School & Park Impacts

The GTCC wrote to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to underscore the need for transportation improvements to go along with any increase in density at Tysons Corner.  However, traffic studies were not completed before the Tysons Task Force recommended massive new densities.
GTCC stressed the following points:
  1. Density (population) increases need to be triggered by infrastructure improvements; if the improved infrastructure is not available, the density increase should not be available. 
  2. The surrounding communities’ facilities should not be swamped by the outpouring of additional large populations from Tysons.
  3. Fairfax County taxes, such as real estate taxes, should not subsidize commercial development. 
Click here for the GTCC's full letter.
Tysons Proposal Needs Reality Check
Dissenting members of the Tysons Task Force express concern about the lack of critical information about traffic congestion; developer incentives; infrastructure requirements; and proposed densities far in excess of scenarios presented during the public outreach process.
Click here for the Task Force Members' Washington Post letter.
Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition Supports Call of Supervisors Foust and Smyth For More Public Input on Tysons Proposals

The GTCC applauds Supervisors Foust and Smyth for pointing out that the Tysons Task Froce proposal for 220 million square feet of development at Tysons Corner should be discussed by the public.  The 220 million figure far exceeds the proposals for 96 and 127 million square feet that the public was permitted to discuss, in a limited way, during the Task Force's deliberations.
Click here for the GTCC press release.

For a related story from the Fairfax Times, click here.
Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition Reaches Out to Homeowners, Community At Large

The GTCC issued a letter to community groups expressing concern that the Tysons Land Use Task Force may have lost sight of its mission to plan a transformation in Tysons Corner that respects surrounding communities.  Instead, the Task Force is suggesting densities that would result in more, not less, traffic even with the proposed Metro extension, in addition to further demands on schools, parks, taxpayers, etc.  See the GTCC's full letter.
Parks Can't Accommodate Proposed Tysons Density

The Fairfax County Parks Authority has reported that proposed density would overwhelm the "already deficient park system in Tysons Corner."  Open space, ball fields, and youth and adult sport and recreation facilities that are currently insufficient would somehow have to be expanded to accommodate an additional 70,000 proposed residents.  For details, see the Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition (GTCC) press release.
Citizens Group Questions Tysons Task Force's Response to Sewer Crisis

The Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition (GTCC0) has expressed concerns about the response of the Tysons Task Force to reports that proposed density in Tysons Corner would result in millions of additional gallons of sewage being produced each day.  Estimated costs to upgrade infrastructure could run over $100 million and would only provide a partial solution.  Costs to purchase addtional processing capacity are not included in the estimates.  Click here for more information.
FairGrowth Joins Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition

 Fairfax Citizens for Responsible Growth, Inc. has joined with other community groups to launch the Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition (GTCC).  The GTCC maintains that efforts to increase density at Tysons Corner should proceed only if there is a public transit system in place to prevent rampant road congestion, and urges the protection of schools, parks, sewers, athletic fields, and the environment.  The GTCC is requesting an assessment of the costs of public infrastructure that will be needed to accommodate proposed densities, and a firm, enforceable commitment that developers will pay their fair share.

The Coalition was formed due to the concerns of citizens throughout the area about plans to effectively quadruple the amount of building space in Tysons Corner, without adequate roads, schools, parks, and other facilities.

In addition to FairGrowth, GTCC has been formally endorsed by the McLean Citizens Association, the Providence District Council, the Westbriar Civic Association, and the Oakdale Park Civic Association.  Four Vienna Town Council members, including Mayor M. Jane Seeman, also have endorsed the coalition’s mission.

For details and the GTCC's Mission Statement, see the Coalition's letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
FairGrowth Issues Statement On Federal Transit
Administration's Concerns Over Tysons Rail

FairGrowth is strongly supportive of mass transit, but notes that the federal government's concerns about the proposed Metrorail extension are sound.    FairGrowth views the agency's determination as an opportunity to enhance our approach to how we address serious transportation and land-use challenges.  Alternative technologies and options now merit a serious, second look.  Click here for FairGrowth's full statement.

To view the Federal Transit Administration's letter to Gov. Kaine, click here.
McLean Citizens Association Issues Reminder That Tysons Density Cannot Be Increased Without Rail
Prior to the Federal Transit Administration's determination on the Metro extension, the McLean Citizens Association (MCA) noted that under Fairfax County policy, the presence of rail is necessary for any increase in density at Tysons Corner.  The MCA cites relevant portions of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.  Click here for the MCA's letter.
FairGrowth Submits Comments to the
Tysons Land Use Task Force
FairGrowth's comments focus on four areas:
  1. The need to enhance public participation in the Tysons Land Use planning process, because meaningful stakeholder collaboration is a key hallmark of genuine Transit Oriented Development, and to reduce the Task Force's reliance on pre-selected scenarios;
  2. The need to incorporate the Transit Oriented Development principle of Transit Node Coordination, which favors optimizing the mixtures of retail, residential, commercial, recreational and parking uses collectively and at each site along a transit line, instead of piecemeal planning;
  3. The need to ensure that higher densities are contingent upon the availability of adequate public facilities and infrastructure; and
  4. The need to ensure that the County is willing and able to enforce agreements, codes and other requirements so that residents do not pay the price of non-compliance, as has happened too often in the recent past.
    5.
Click here for FairGrowth's full comments and summary.
FairGrowth Submits Comments on Definition of
"Transit-Oriented Development"
FairGrowth seeks language addressing (1) oversight, enforcement and transparency measures; (2) the use of 3-D modeling; and (3) protections for lower-density zones against "density creep."  
Click here for full comments.
AAA Official: "We won't hold our breath" waiting for Fairfax to explain how roads will handle approved growth.  Times Community, 01/31/07

"Promises of Fairfax Traffic Cuts Unfulfilled"
- Washington Post, 12/24/06
The Washington Post reports that "Fairfax County's entire growth strategy is based on a bold promise: High-rise buildings around Metro stations can actually reduce traffic in the long run.... But Fairfax officials have done little to enforce compliance or otherwise encourage developers and employers to promote less driving.  County officials concede that companies have disregarded agreements to limit traffic at their buildings, without consequence."

The article further states that residents "question Fairfax's suitability for transportation demand management... Most of all, residents point to the county's lack of follow-up on more modest reduction promises in the past... This apparent lack of commitment to traffic reduction contrasts with efforts elsewhere in the Washington region."

CLICK HERE for the full article.
FairGrowth Comments on the high-density proposal at Tysons mall.
FairGrowth comments to VDOT on its 6-year program in support of bicycle commuting.
FairGrowth gave a presentation to Metro's Joint Development Task Force to illustrate problems with citizen interaction with Metro and proposed solutions.
Click here for the 10/16/06 presentation in .pdf format.
FairGrowth is proud to co-sponsor the
12-Point Citizens' Agenda for Responsible Growth - http://www.fairfaxcitizensagenda.org/
Add your voice at the Citizens' Agenda blog.
Coverage of the "Town Hall" Citizens' Agenda meeting:

  - "Work on Citizens' Agenda Begins," Fairfax/Vienna Times, 10/4/06

  - "Setting Growth Agenda - Citizens meet to develop new growth management strategy,"
Fairfax Connection, 10/6/04

- "Civic Groups Put Forward Citizens' Agenda," Sun Gazette, 10/6/06

Why should you participate?
"A Chance to Add Your Voice to Community Goals on Growth"
Washington Post "Voices of Fairfax" column by Providence District Council Chairman Charlie Hall, 9/28/06
FairGrowth comments to the County Park Authority, 8/28/06
FairGrowth notes that parks must keep pace with a growing population.
Tysons Comments, 8/17/06 - In response to the Tysons Land Use Task Force's request for comments on Draft Guiding Planning Principles, FairGrowth provided a submission on August 17.  First, the comments expressed that there should be greater emphasis on community involvement throughout the land-use decision making process.  Currently, the community is asked to comment on specific proposals.  Instead, FairGrowth suggested that the community should first outline its vision for an area, and proposals should then be presented and considered in that context. 

Second, FairGrowth agreed with others saying that higher density should be contingent upon the availability of adequate public facilities, such as police, fire and other emergency services; schools, including core facilities such as cafeterias, libraries and gymnasiums; recreational centers and areas, including public athletic fields, swimming pools, parks, trails, and open space; local and major road networks; and public transit.  Although state law makes this difficult at the zoning phase, localities are empowered to consider such factors during the earlier planning phase.

Third, FairGrowth suggested that, consistent with good TOD practices, transit node sites (such as rail stations and bus stops) should be coordinated with each other, and balanced with available public facilities, in order to optimize the mixture of retail, residential, commercial, recreational and parking uses collectively and at each site.

FairGrowth's full comments are available at
http://www.fairgrowth.org/TysonsComments.pdf

Defining "Transit Oriented Development:"
Fairfax County's Planning Commission has formed a committee to develop criteria for TOD.  FairGrowth encourages public participation in this process.
Click here for details on the Commission's TOD committee.

FairGrowth's Presentation to the TOD committee - 08/06/06 (.pdf)

Citizen Presentation - "What About the Transit?" - 08/06/06 (.pdf)

FairGrowth was asked to provide comments on TOD by the Fairfax/Vienna Times.   FairGrowth's response:
"Transit-oriented development is a good concept that can be distorted by special interests to win lucrative high-density rezoning.  The public must be fully engaged in planning for TOD, which should include a mix of uses to encourage walking and transit. Fairfax must learn to measure impacts on schools, parks, roads and transit comprehensively and to consider more than one station at a time. Necessary improvements should not be limited to the development site.  Citizens should oversee traffic control measures and the phasing-in of developments. Taller buildings should be within strict boundaries, tapering down to blend with existing communities."  Click here for the full article. 
FairGrowth Salutes Dr. Gridlock
Dr. Gridlock is leaving the Washington Post after 20 years of writing his outstanding column on traffic and transit.  He will be missed.
FairGrowth Guest Column:  "Hard Lessons on Land Use"
Washington Post, 5/11/06
For the Post's Fairfax Focus blog on this column, click here.
FairGrowth Expands Mission, Washington Post, 4/23/06
This story describes how FairGrowth "burst onto the scene in Fairfax County" last year, how hundreds of active citizens have impacted land-use decisions, and FairGrowth's plans to stay involved.  Click here for the article.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the MetroWest re-zoning application by a vote of 8 to 1 on March 27th.  The project was approved despite the widespread calls for significant improvements.

Click here for a Washington Post story; a follow-up Post story;
a Fairfax/Vienna Times article; and add your voice to the Post's blog.
MetroWest was approved with inadequate safeguards.  In addition, the massive size of this project will doubtless give rise to errors and oversights.  FairGrowth is determined to ensure that promises are kept, and will monitor this project through its implementation stages.  Despite the outcome in this case, the citizens of Fairfax have much of which to be proud.  We have injected an element of concern for impacts on citizens in the land-use process that was too often lacking in the County. 

There are many other issues throughout Fairfax, and FairGrowth will continue to be part of the debate.  By standing together, we can have an increasingly positive impact on the paths our County chooses to take as we move forward.  In addition to this site, a number of groups across the County are using the information and resource sharing tools found at the FairGrowth Network site.  We look forward to continuing to work with our fellow citizens on an ongoing basis.

Connection Editorial:
MetroWest "falls far short of being 'smart growth'...  The county has given too much away without getting enough of the right things in return.  Not smart."
Background points on key MetroWest problems - Click Here.

Wash. Post on Planning Commission Decision - link to story; link to blog

Coverage of the Feb. 8 Planning Commission Hearing:
A 3-D "model" of the proposed development at Vienna Metro is now available (2.3 meg .pdf).
This is a large file which can take several minutes to download even with a high-speed connection.
A smaller .pdf file brochure on the model is available HERE.

CONCERNS ABOUT METRO WEST
Fairfax Citizens for Responsible Growth, Inc. (FairGrowth) supports the concept of "Transit Oriented Development" - TOD, or "smart growth" - which encourages residents to live, shop, work and play in a pedestrian-friendly environment that reduces the need to use cars.

FairGrowth is concerned that the Metro West proposal for the former Fairlee development at Vienna Metro is being portrayed as a TOD project, when in fact it violates many core TOD principles.  There are many reasons why Metro West, which would place roughly 5,000 new residents on Route 66, just one exit from the Beltway, is likely to fail to live up to its pedestrian-friendly portrayal, resulting in another townhouse/condo canyon that would be the complete opposite of transit-oriented development.

In order to avoid this outcome, FairGrowth urges the county and developer to initiate a wide-ranging, open discussion with community members and all stakeholders to address a myriad of specific concerns prior to the site's rezoning, tentatively scheduled for early 2006.   

Among the concerns:
  • Many Metro parking issues remain in limbo (roughly 650 Metro parking spaces stand to be lost, and hundreds more will be lost during years of construction, with no assurance of temporary replacements);
    •
  • There are vastly conflicting estimates on the number of school-age children the project could generate (click for more details);
    •
  • The Parks Authority has noted that nearby parks and ball fields are overcrowded now, so new residents will have to drive to find recreation - the opposite of TOD (click for more details);
    •
  • Plans call for locked gates and new traffic lanes that will prevent pedestrians from reaching Metro and retail - the opposite of TOD (click for more details);
  • Many neighborhoods and the Town Council of Vienna were excluded from discussions, contrary to TOD principles;
    •
  • Military base realignment plans threaten to profoundly disrupt the office market, without which the convenience retail (grocery stores, etc.) that are needed to make TOD work will not appear;
    •
  • Phasing to ensure retail and offices are provided in proportion to housing remains in doubt.
    •
FairGrowth calls upon all members of the community and stakeholders to seek ways to balance the need for new development with the needs and rights of homeowners, schoolchildren, park users, the environment, and commuters.
FairGrowth has issued comments on efforts to establish standards for Transit Oriented Development (also called "TOD" or "Smart Growth.")
Click Here For FairGrowth's Preliminary "Vision" for the Vienna Metro Site

The Washington Post has set up other blogs that are easy-to-use community forums.  Share your thoughts!  Two categories of interest are blogs on:
Development & Growth
Neighborhoods
To join our mailing list or contact us: fairgrowth@fairgrowth.org

FairGrowth joined other community groups in asking Governor-Elect Tim Kaine to focus equally on transportation and growth issues, as the two are closely linked.  Click here for joint Press Release.

Results of the April 19th Town Hall Meeting -
Development In Fairfax: Are We Heading for A Breakdown?

Two U.S. Congressmen, A State Senator, Several State Delegates & Candidates, Vienna Town Council Members, School Board Members And One County Supervisor Were Among The Officials On Hand to Hear The Concerns Of Approximately 600 Citizens.  As Fairfax County Citizens, We Are:
  • Dedicated to Empowerment and Inclusion
  • Demanding Accountability
  • Deserving of Recognition as Stakeholders
    Get the April 19Town Hall Meeting Brochure Here
    Go to "News" for Press Coverage of the April 19th Meeting