The Town of Herndon has reached an agreement with Fairfax County Public Schools to lease part of its office space at 397 Herndon Parkway for the school district to store maintenance vehicles.
Although undergoing construction to complete the new Herndon Police station, the building has two additional office spaces available for rent from the town.
“If this is successful, this will be the first lease for this side of the building,” said Mary Tuohy, director of finance, at a March 15 Town Council work session.
Tuohy explained the town was fortunate to have the county as its tenant at the location for multiple reasons.
“This is a win-win situation,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about checks bouncing or them moving out after a year.”
Through the lease the county will pay the town $18 per square foot, or $235,656 for its first year of rent, with a 3 percent included escalation for each additional year of the proposed initial five-year contract.
In addition, FCPS has agreed to pay for their tenant build-out costs and has assumed responsibility for minor repairs, maintenance and custodial services — saving the town money.
The lease also designates 43 parking spaces in the rear of the building for the county maintenance vehicles to be parked as well as 30 additional spaces for the approximate 60 maintenance employees to park.
Although council members and planning commissioners initially expressed concerns over the amount of parking, as well as the possibility for hazardous fluid spills and leakage, Tuohy assured the lease allowed some leverage for the town.
“The town is not locked into committing to 30 parking spaces in case the police department needs more,” said Tuohy, adding because there is a “kick-out” clause — after three years the town can ask for selected parking spaces back if needed.
In addition, Tuohy said it will be made clear to the county that vehicles with hazardous materials will not be permitted and if an oil spill, or any other spill, occurs, they have 72 hours to clean it up.
“I think if you look at the long-term,” said council member Steven Mitchell, “this is a substantial tenant and I think this is positive for the town.”
The lease is scheduled to begin April 1, 2005 and run through March 31, 2010 before renewal.
<b1>— Brynn Grimley