Re: Vienna Seeks to Suck on County Tit for Maple Avenue Vacancies
Posted by:
Consultant
()
Date: September 20, 2019 12:06PM
At no cost, here are the findings from Vienna's economic development strategy and market study:
1. There is no unifying architectural theme to the various commercial properties along Maple Avenue. As such the street appeal is lacking, almost absent. Making matters worse, the empty storefronts drive potential customers to other locations (see Mosaic, Reston Town Center, Fairfax Corner, etc.)
2. The existing collection of commercial properties holds little appeal to consumers. Vienna does not need another beauty salon or coffee shop.
3. The Town Council's handling of MAC made things go from bad to worse. For example, approving the development of a Sunrise Living facility adjacent to the W&OD trail makes no sense. While a senior-living center makes sense for Vienna, not in this particular location.
4. Given the heavy traffic and the tight sidewalks, Maple Avenue provides little appeal with respect to walking.
5. Parking is atrocious. Period. The absence of even a single parking garage, convenient to retail and restaurants, drives consumers away from Vienna and to neighboring areas.
What makes no sense to me is why the town council does not focus its attention to get a developer (or two) to revitalize the area around the W&OD trail between Church Street and the Caboose?
Imagine on either side of the trail along Dominion Road and Mill Street a collection of retail and restaurants. Adjacent to the trail is a pedestrian plaza, featuring grassy areas, fountains, and other such features. Vienna could use this space for its weekly farmers market.
Developing this area would extend the town green further west and away from Maple Avenue, giving people an appealing place to eat, shop, and relax.