Subject:
Title
Request for approval of site plan modifications of requirements and landscape plan for proposed Vienna-Carter Library and parking garage located at 101 Maple Ave., E.
Body
Since 2018, the Town has collaborated with Fairfax County in the County’s plan to develop a new library facility at 101 Maple Ave., E. The property is currently the site of the Patrick Henry Library, which will be renamed the Vienna-Carter Library upon completion. The project includes dedicated Town parking spaces within a new shared parking garage.
In 2019, Grimm and Parker Architects conducted a feasibility study to explore conceptual design options for the new library and parking structure. Subsequently, the Town and Fairfax County formalized an agreement in which the Town committed to funding the design and construction of at least 84 public parking spaces within the garage. The construction is being financed through $2.4 million from the Town’s 2020 Capital Improvement Program (originally designated for another parking garage) and an additional $2.3 million grant from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA).
The site plan and architectural designs have undergone extensive review by Town staff and have been presented at multiple work sessions and meetings with the Board of Architectural Review, the Planning Commission, and the Town Council. The project is now at a critical stage requiring regulatory approvals to proceed. These include modifications to the requirements for the front and rear yard setbacks, tree canopy. In addition, the project must receive Town Council approval for its landscape plan.
The application for these approvals was submitted on Feb. 3, 2023, and has been reviewed based on the zoning regulations in place at that time, when the property was zoned C-2 General Commercial. It has since been reclassified to the AC (Avenue Center) District, but the C-2 that was in effect at the time of application still prevails for this project.
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
12/4/2023 - Consider Continuing Agreement with Fairfax County to Renovate Patrick Henry Library and Build a Parking Garage and Amending Financial Participation in Project
11/13/2023 - Presentation on Patrick Henry Library Garage Design Review and Closed Session
9/12/2022 - Approve continued participation in Development Agreement for Patrick Henry Library public parking
6/13/2022 - Conference Session to Discuss Concept Design Phase for Redevelopment of Patrick Henry Library and Options for Moving Forward with Project or Terminating Agreement
6/7/2022 - Discuss continued participation in Development Agreement for Patrick Henry Library public parking
1/24/2022 - Approve funding for Patrick Henry Library Parking Garage Design
6/11/2020 - Approve design and construction agreement with Fairfax County to develop garage and parking
1/27/2020 - Adopt Resolution to apply for NVTA funding for garage
11/4/2019 - Approve Resolution to apply for NVTA funding for garage
8/19/2019 - Presentation of Feasibility Study
9/17/2018 - Agreement for Feasibility Study
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
Departmental Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the modifications requested and the proposed landscape plan with any recommended changes by the Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review.
Town Attorney Recommendation: Upon a finding that the requested site plan modifications do not impair the health, safety and morals of the town or the integrity of Chapter 18, the Town Council may review and approve, deny or modify the proposed site plan modifications in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the requested modifications of requirements for the Vienna-Carter Library and parking garage related to front and rear yard setbacks, tree canopy and loading space for the property located at 101 Maple Ave, E, as presented.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve the requested modifications of requirements for the Vienna-Carter Library and parking garage related to front and rear yard setbacks, tree canopy, and loading space for the property located at 101 Maple Ave., E."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.
AND
“Upon a finding that the proposed site plan modifications do not impair the health, safety and morals of the Town or of Chapter 18, I move to approve the landscape plan for the Vienna-Carter Library and parking garage located at 101 Maple Ave., E.”
Or
"I move to approve the landscape plan for the Vienna-Carter Library and parking garage located at 101 Maple Ave E. with the changes to plant materials as approved by staff and the extension of the planter on Maple Ave E."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.