When Democrats ran for the Board of Supervisors in 2007, they ran against over development, and bad development. It was often perceived that Democrats were standing against all development, but that isn’t the case. We’re looking for managed, planned development of the county that is in line with what can be sustained without harming the prosperity of our community.

This isn’t an easy needle to thread, and the input of the community is critical to making development decisions. Developers and businesses are having their voices heard before the Council and Planning Commission, but in the midst of the a recession that has residents looking to their jobs and wallets more than the field next door, the voice of the community has been quiet when it comes to discussions of development.

(Kincora is proposed for the western side of Rt 7 at Rt 28.)

Into this context appears a reapplication of what might be one of the only development projects that was actually denied by the previous Board of Supervisors, Kincora.

Around 1000 A.D., Kincora was the capital of Ireland and home of Brian Boru, Ireland’s first “High King.” During this period, Kincora served as the seat of Irish commerce and knowledge.

Utilizing this “unification” theme, the Kincora Mixed-Use Development will be an amenity-rich community of unsurpassed architectural quality, smart design, and environmental sustainability – at the crossroads of Loudoun County’s “knowledge” and “commerce” corridors. When complete, this dynamic 424-acre pedestrian friendly commerce center will be a model for sustainable development mixed-use projects, including over 165 acres of natural protected wetlands, parks, and trails. – Kincora-va.com

Tonight, Monday May 10th, there will be a public hearing on Kincora, a development that is not included in the current plans for the county, has been previously denied, and faces serious questions about funding in its current form. Supervisor Andrea McGimsey has asked for the community to come and speak their minds on this proposed change to the county plan.

Dear Neighbor,

Developers are proposing a major mixed use project called Kincora at the intersection of Route 7 and 28.  They have submitted a rezoning application that includes apartment buildings/residential units (not currently allowed under the county’s comprehensive plan), office buildings, and retail.  Many citizens in our district live near the Kincora site and drive on Route 7 and 28, and we need your input as the Board of Supervisors begins to consider the application.

Please attend the Public Hearing next Monday evening to share your thoughts directly with all members of the Board of Supervisors on this proposed development.

Date: Monday, May 10, 2010

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Board Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, SE, Leesburg

To speak at the public hearing, call 703-771-5072 to sign up; you can also sign up at the hearing.  Directions to the Government Center are available online.

There are multiple items before Kincora on the public hearing agenda.  I do not anticipate many speakers for those items, but you may want to bring a book to read while you are waiting for your turn to speak. – Supervisor Andrea McGimsey

Here’s a map of where the hearing will be:

View Larger Map

In talking with Supervisor McGimsey about Kincora, she pointed out that mixed-use development is generally a good idea, when it is done according to plan (think Dulles Town Center), but that there are real questions to be raised about putting residential developments right alongside major highways. Kincora would put residential houses alongside Loudoun County’s two main highways, with the potential traffic and health considerations of such development to consider, it is critical that the community come to the hearing and make their voices heard.