Members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors say they will take the time to get proposed “Parking Reimagined” zoning, policy and procedural changes done right, rather than force them through despite concerns that continue to fester in the community.
The comments came as board members on March 21 set public hearings for April 19 (Planning Commission) and June 6 (Board of Supervisors) on what would be the most comprehensive changes to parking requirements in Fairfax County since the late 1980s.
“If more time is necessary, we’ll allow more time. We may or may not meet these days,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay (D), acknowledging “there is a lot of confusion still in the community.”
More than confusion, contended Supervisor Penelope Gross (D-Mason), who said some of the proposals in the draft document have created “a good deal of consternation” among her constituents.
“This one seems to have hit a nerve. Some people have identified it as a bait-and-switch,” since an earlier draft presented to the public last summer is now markedly revised, Gross said.
But, she contended, the revisions are merely a natural outgrowth of developing a policy.
“We have had additional input” since last summer, she said. “It’s like editing a draft and editing a draft and editing a draft.”
“And that will continue throughout the process,” McKay said. “Let’s continue that conversation, that evolution.”
The sweeping new rules as now proposed would institute a tiered parking framework for various areas, with fewer spaces required in high-density and revitalization areas. There also would be new rules for off-street parking and loading, bicycle parking and stacking spaces.
Supervisor Patrick Herrity (R-Springfield) voted to advertise the hearings, but said more changes were going to be necessary to win him over to the new policy.
“We’ve got some work to do,” Herrity said. “I’m hoping . . . we listen to our constituents.”
While the details are yet to be worked through, it’s almost a sure bet that some new rules and regulations will be adopted.
“One thing I think is universally believed is the current regulations do not work, and we’ve got to do something,” McKay said.
For updates on the proposal, see the Website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov and search for “Parking Reimagined.”
