Although a developer has “proffered” to pay for construction and maintenance of a park in central McLean, some opposition has emerged that could squelch the deal, according to several members of the McLean Planning Committee.
The park at “Civic Place” will be discussed on Monday, March 5, during a town meeting on revitalization to be held at the McLean Community Center. It is sponsored by Supervisor Stuart Mendelsohn (R-Dranesville).
MPC President and business owner Shirley Elliott said she is “concerned” that given an opportunity to establish a downtown park, McLean won’t take it.
In Vienna, an effort is under way to establish a park between Maple and Church Streets near the Freeman House and the W & OD Trail. But because the proposed park there would be established “after the fact,” the process is weighed down by the need for fundraising and vacating buildings, she said.
By comparison, McLean can have a park that anchors its Main Street for free, say MPC members. “It’s a civic thing. It will be here for everyone, for all time,” said Elliott.
OPPONENTS SAY the road should remain open to permit traffic from Fire and Rescue Station 1, which faces Laughlin Avenue where it intersects with Lowell just south of the proposed park.
Veterinarian Gordon Davis, whose office is on Lowell Avenue, has also voiced opposition; Clark and Davis could not be reached for comment.
The park would occupy space formerly known as Mrs. Beale’s outdoor market. Another local business, Wooly Knits, moved out to make room for redevelopment. One house will also be removed at the Emerson Avenue end of the property.
One version of a design plan calls for the west end of Lowell Avenue to be vacated to allow an area for public events.
“The design for closing half the road is really spectacular,” said MPC member Barbara Soderquist. “There are so many functions the citizens could have there -- Reindog Parades, sidewalk art shows, a Taste of McLean,” said Soderquist, a member of the planning committee. “We still have space to use, but it would be so much better if we could expand it. It would really give something to McLean.”
Madison Homes, which is developing Civic Place, a mixed-use facility with condos, retail, and office uses in the same block, has profferred permanent maintenance of the park, said Elliott.
“In Vienna, they are trying to create a park in the center of town. Trying to fund that thing, after the fact, is a big deal. This is just being offered.”
“What everybody has seen is just a proposal. We are in the design stage. What can we do to make this work for everybody?” said Elliott.
In addition to the park, discussion at Tuesday’s town meeting will center on the other elements of the proposed revitalization of downtown McLean: a roundabout at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Drive, and changes to two gas stations at the same intersection.
New streetlights have been approved by Dominion Virginia Power, and designs are complete for upgraded sidewalks and crosswalks throughout the downtown area.