TLC Technical Assistance Projects

Mixed-Use Development

Harbor Station Multimodal Commuter Center: Prince William County, VA (2010)

This study served as a follow up to the Commuter Ferry Feasibility Study, currently being conducted by Prince William County, through a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Multimodal Grant. The study examined the possibilities of creating a multimodal commuter center served by commuter rail, bus and ferry services around a planned mixed-use development. This project was completed for $30,000.

Harbor Station Rendering

Please follow the links below to review the final documents developed for this project.

Harbor Station Multimodal Commuter Station Study - Final Report (3.7 MB)

Harbor Station Multimodal Commuter Station Study - Final Report - Appendix A: Existing Conditions (4.4 MB)

Harbor Station Multimodal Commuter Station Study - Final Report - Appendix B: Benchmark Study (5.5 MB)

Potomac Avenue Metro Station Revitalization Strategy: District of Columbia(2007)

Potomac Avenue Metro Station Area ScopingThe District of Columbia applied through the Office of Planning for technical assistance in developing a scope of work for a Neighborhood Plan that will build on previous planning efforts around the Potomac Avenue Metro Station. This scope of work combines agency stakeholder and public input in setting realistic goals and objectives for future planning efforts in this neighborhood. This scope of work builds upon previous efforts from a Community Charrette that was part of the 2004 American Planning Association’s Convention in Washington, DC. They addressed pedestrian and transit enhancements, as well as improvements to the public space surrounding the station and along Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Potomac Avenue, SE. This project will address infill development in an urban environment, particularly with respect to the revitalization of public space surrounding the station. It is believed that the pedestrian experience will be enhanced, which will in turn attract commercial development to the area.

One of the major benefits of the Potomac Avenue Metro Station scoping process was to convene community and agency stakeholders to discuss challenges around the study area, and current and planned initiatives. This input will provide the Office of Planning with a stable platform upon which to further the Revitalization Strategy developed through this scoping process. This project was completed for $20,000.

Please follow the link below to review the scope of work developed for this project:

Potomac Avenue Revitalization Strategy: Draft Statement of Work

Public Presentation on Density Issues: Region-wide (2007)

In addition to the 5 location-specific projects to be funded as part of the pilot TLC Technical Assistance Program in FY 2007, the TPB also approved an additional public presentation project intended to have region-wide application. This presentation was in response to applications by College Park and Takoma Park, and is available to other jurisdictions as requested. A version of this presentation was recently recorded on video and posted in five segments on YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/MWCOGTLC).

Public Presentation MeetingSeveral jurisdictions proposed public education presentations as part or all of their proposals. Coincidentally, they were focused on how to plan for creative development solutions around some type of transportation facility, whether it is at a major intersection, a transit station, or along a corridor. These applications represent a regional need for information and communication resources about in-fill development and other activity center core development options. Therefore, a sixth project was proposed for inclusion in the TLC Pilot Program. The TLC lead consultant, Reconnecting America, was hired to develop a basic presentation on how to incorporate density into a variety of places, as well as preparing a briefing on issues each municipality has addressed. The consultant will offer the presentation once in each of the following jurisdictions:

  • College Park specifically requested a public presentation in its application. The city seeks to better understand the role of density in the city’s revitalization process and to determine appropriate density levels for various segments of the Route 1 corridor.
  • Takoma Park requested technical assistance for the development of a series of workshops designed to provide the community with the expertise needed to evaluate future development and in-fill projects.

Sustainability of Mixed-Use Development at Commuter Rail Stations: Prince William County, VA (2009)

Woodbridge StationThis study examined the possibilities of creating a successful mixed-use development and mass transit node adjacent to the Woodbridge VRE Station. Strategy and policy recommendations developed through the project provided the County with a template for reviewing development adjacent to commuter rail stations and making long-range land-use and transportation planning decisions for these facilities.

The consultant explored transit-oriented development opportunities in the area surrounding Woodbridge’s Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Station and tested the impact of various land-use and multimodal transportation scenarios. The key intention was to understand the implications of creating a vibrant, walkable mixed-use development north of US Route 1 and a mass transit node (MUD/MTN) in the vicinity of the Woodbridge Station.

The consultant developed three concept alternatives based on the context analysis and known, specific parameters that affect development in commuter rail station areas. The alternatives were developed in collaboration with the County and they illustrated the range of land use intensities. The concept alternatives process was documented in a working paper that discussed key development considerations, a determination of susceptibility to change, program alternatives, examples of analogous developments, and transportation considerations.

The consultant completed a technical memorandum that highlighted key findings from the context analysis and alternatives processes. The findings included overarching issues and findings, VRE and transportation considerations, development implications, and issues and findings surrounding the three alternatives. These key findings came from planning and design conclusions related to the building program, prototype building patterns, density options, mixed use opportunities, and overall urban design framework. This project was completed for $30,000.

Please follow the link below to review the study developed for this project.

Sustainability of Mixed-Use Development around Woodbridge VRE Station (8.8 MB)

 

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