Observer Online | Viewpoints

Posted Feb. 8, 2008

Another Downtown Plan in Jeopardy

Well, 10 days ago the Dulles Rail project seemed like it was coming off the rails as the federal government surprised everyone with strong, negative comments against the proposal.

This week, a big portion of the future development of downtown Herndon seems like it may be swirling down the drain, as well. JPI announced in a letter to Town Manager Art Anselene on Tuesday that it wanted to suspend a contract to consolidate several public and private parcels of land in downtown Herndon to build a commercial and residential center, along with the planned arts center.

JPI cited a disagreement with the private landowners who were selling their land to JPI for the project, as well as deepening concerns among JPI leadership about the risks the company would be taking, and fears about whether JPI could get the property rezoned to the high-density use its investors wanted.

There were two proposals underway that would affect downtown Herndon, and the JPI plan was only one of them. The second proposal, a plan by Diamond Properties to build a hotel and retail space at the corner of Monroe and Elden streets, seems to be moving forward on a regular pace. In fact, the proposal by Diamond has been presented at several public meetings, and planners have adjusted their vision of the project to fit in with comments and concerns from community members.

Many people had doubts about the JPI proposal. If this project dies it doesn't mean downtown Herndon won't someday be what we all envision, it just means it will take a little longer, and probably cost more.