FAIRFAX COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (TAC)
Meeting Summary
Regular Meeting – July 16, 2013 at 7:30 PM – FCDOT, 4050 Legato Rd, Fairfax, VA 22033
TAC Members in Attendance: Chairman Jeff Parnes (Sully), Vice Chairman Jenifer Joy Madden (Hunter Mill), Ed. L. Tennyson (At-Large), Kevin Morse (Braddock), Micah Himmel (Dranesville), Frank Cohn (Mt. Vernon), and Eric Thiel (Springfield).
TAC Members Absent: Ann Pimley (Fairfax Area Disability Board), Secretary Roger Hoskin (Mason), and Harry Zimmerman (Lee).
Others in Attendance: FCDOT Staff: Calvin Lam and Dan Rathbone.
Note Taker: Eric D. Thiel
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Parnes at 7:35 PM.
Main Topics Discussed
Recommendations on Parking Requirements in Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Outside Tysons – Dan Rathbone (FCDOT)
Dan Rathbone gave a presentation (title above) on FCDOT’s study of parking minimums and maximums (etc.) in non-Tysons Corner areas. The study is in response to BOS concerns about the lack of applicability of requirements developed for Tysons Corner to other areas in the county. The BOS initially expressed their concern in November 2010 during a briefing on the requirements for the Tysons area. Specifically, the BOS felt that parking maximums and low minimum parking requirements in non-Tysons areas and near residences needed further study.
Mr. Rathbone pointed out that in general, parking density studies are almost always controversial due to significant differences in opinion between the various interested parties. The study is limited to Metrorail areas since TOD appears to be most effective near access to mass transit. FCDOT staff used data from a Traffic Demand Management (TDM) and Parking study, and from three areas in the county and data from neighboring jurisdictions to aid in their analysis.
Data considered included: surveys of office parking lots; employee surveys to determine numbers of vehicle trips and commuting preferences; TDM programs’ ability to impact Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) trips; and analysis of parking requirements in nearby jurisdictions (Alexandria and Montgomery Counties).
TDM can be shown to have significant impact on SOV trips (5-25%), but forecasting results is challenging. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has studies parking use rates verses area type — Fairfax County is approximately 20% below standard rates.
The study is really looking at increasing transit use by office and retail workers. In residential areas, it is difficult to link parking space density with use of transit. This drove the study to look at parking densities in neighboring jurisdictions.
Micah Himmel (TAC, Providence District) asked about flexibility in parking density for medical offices. Mr. Rathbone indicated that exemptions were not yet included in the preliminary parking standards, but that these issues did need to be examined.
Implementation of the proposed standards would require developers near the Metro stations to show that the minimum parking values, if used, are feasible for their development.
TAC members suggested explicit inclusion of bicycle, motorcycle, and electric vehicles and charging stations as part of the overall package.
TAC members indicated general agreement with the parking standards. The plan is scheduled for briefing to the Planning Commission on October 30 and the BOS in December 2013.
Welcome New TAC Member
The TAC welcomed Mr. Micah Himmel who was appointed as the Providence District Representative to the TAC by the BOS at its meeting on June 18, 2013.
TAC Achievement Award
Roger Hoskin asked for more time. The subcommittee will report its recommendation at the next meeting.
Other Business
The meeting’s Notes from the June 18 was unanimously approved.
There is interest in reconvening the 2012 Transportation Funding Outreach activity. The original study looked at options (with public input) to obtain an estimated $300 million per year to cover projected funding needs. The new state plan is expected to provide $75 million per year. The new look at the issue will examine obtaining an additional $75 million per year and also determine if that is the correct value. The activity will include examination of how the money is spent locally and “cull/prioritize” the projects list.
Frank Cohn asked that his proposal on “Infrastructure Right of Way” be temporarily tabled due to the “Network Transit Study”. If that study does not address the issues he is raising then we will reexamine his proposal.
Jennifer Joy Madden suggested that the TAC should examine the “last mile” transit issue as it seems under-examined. She cited multiple potential health benefits, etc. by increased walking/biking, etc., if there were safe pathways to reliable transit. Ms. Madden presented a draft TAC point paper on the topic.
Topics for Future Meetings:
- August 20, 2013: Board Four-Year Transportation Plan – Karyn Moreland, FCDOT
- September 17, 2012: Route 1 Transit Center Study – Caijun Luo, FCDOT
- Columbia Pike Street Car Line Progress (and additional possible candidates)
- CTB Determination of Corridor of Statewide Importance through Loudoun/Prince William Counties
- Regional Transit System Plan
- Comprehensive Plan staff and Planning Commission discussions with TAC on what their vision is for future development and any changes in planning and zoning guidelines that may be needed to account for future work environment given the pace and impacts of technology advances (including guest speaker to explain impact of self-driving/smart cars, buses and trucks on traffic, roadways and intersections).
- The projected loading statistics for the Dulles Metrorail Silver Line. With all the redevelopment approved for the McLean station, how much capacity is left for the other three Tysons Corner stations and Wiehle Avenue?
- Momentum: The Next Generation of Metro
- Mobility & Transportation Options Survey
Announcements:
Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
August 6, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
August 20, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
September 3, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
September 17, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
October 1, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
October 15, 2013 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)