Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova took questions from citizens during an online discussion. Here was one of the questions applicable to our area:
"What will be the cost to the taxpayers for each of the projects: the Metro extension and the Tyson's Corner renovation? How will those projects be paid for? At present, the Metro extension through Tyson's Corner represents a major headache for McLean residents: no parking for residents to use the Metro. Why not take over the old Mitre building and build a parking lot there? By adding something like 100,000 new residents in Tyson's corner, an estimated 10,000 more cars will use Rt. 123 each day. How will Fairfax County deal with this traffic?"
Sharon Bulova: "I know that this construction phase is quite a mess and not easy for residents and commuters to endure. I believe the payoff will be considerable when Rail to Dulles is completed and we begin to realize the Vision for Tysons.
"Phase 1 of the Dulles Rail project is currently on time and within budget, scheduled for completion in 2013. The entire project from Falls Church to Loudoun County is being paid for using the following formula: 16.1 percent from Fairfax County, 4.8 percent from Loudoun County, 4.1 percent from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, and 75 percent from Dulles Toll Road revenue, less contributions from the Federal Transit Authority and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"Fairfax County created two special tax districts to fund the majority of our contribution. In the Phase 1 Tax District, commercial landowners agreed to pay up to 29 cents per $100 of the assessed value of their commercial and industrial properties, up to a total of $400 million. Phase 2 District property owners agreed to pay up to 25 cents per $100, up to a total of $330 million. The remainder of the County’s commitment will come from other sources which may include a funds from a future Transportation Bond and/or funds from the C&I (Commercial and Industrial) tax.
"Costs of the redevelopment of Tysons Corner will be borne by landowners, developers, business owners and residents, as they will all see great benefit from achieving the new vision for Tysons. Remember that the redevelopment of Tysons will occur over 20 to 30 years. We are working with landowners and developers to ensure the needs of the community, such as locations for fire and police stations, schools, athletic fields and parks, and transportation improvements, are met with a fair contribution from all those that stand to benefit.
"A key component of the Tysons redevelopment that is currently being developed by Fairfax County transportation staff is ensuring residents have easy access to the four Metro stations. For more information, please visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/tmsams/."
