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Here's a vote for Kincora
Kincora has been pushed to the county's back burner for months, but it's slowly working its way toward the Planning Commission for a vote by Loudoun's Board of Supervisors.
Supervisors have already taken the right step in giving their OK (via a special exception) to the baseball stadium part of the development. It's now time for our county leaders to step to the plate and hit a home run.
Several factors weigh in favor of the mixed-use Kincora development, proposed at the intersection of Route 28 and Route 7 between Dulles Town Center and One Loudoun.
First, there's a $70 million proffer hanging in the balance. NA Dulles Real Estate Investor LLC, Kincora's developers, would pay to finish sections of Russell Branch Parkway to Nokes Boulevard and Nokes to Gloucester Parkway. This would allow drivers to take Sycolin Road all the way from Leesburg to the Dulles Town Center without ever getting onto Route 28 or Route 7. Sounds like a no-brainer.
Some argue that there will be more density, additional traffic and environmental concerns with the construction of Kincora. We disagree.
A recent Urban Land Institute report, along with a study by Fairfax-based Fulton Research, indicated that business/retail and office development with residential is the future of economic development in the northern Route 28 corridor. Mixed-use projects are more favorable and create smart growth -- not runaway growth.
Let's look at growth. The county's population is expanding out east -- people want amenities and services near where they work and live. The ballpark would provide family-oriented entertainment -- something desperately lacking in Loudoun. It would offer a great pro sports alternative, rather than driving to D.C. or Maryland.
Naysayers don't like the residential component in the current proposal, the second application the Kincora developers have filed with the county. But the plan includes a partnership with Middleburg-based Windy Hill Foundation to build more than 200 affordable dwelling units (ADUs). The residential component of Kincora -- 1,400 condos or apartments -- would encourage the Loudoun workforce to live, work and shop here. This is a real opportunity for the county to secure much-needed ADUs.
The ballpark would offer multiple uses for county schools, parks and rec, and college and youth teams. Already, The Levine School of Music wants to relocate there in a proposed 118,000-square-foot performing arts center. And 160 of Kincora's 424 acres would be dedicated to bicycle paths, trails and open park space. This will not be one big parking lot.
Kincora would be an economic engine for the county, providing up to 10,000 jobs (not including construction) and generating -- at buildout -- $16 million annually for the county's coffers.
A favorable vote could move Loudoun into the future with high hopes. A diverse county, with diverse needs, must employ a visionary thought process. Supervisors have a chance to create something special here. Please, don't strike out.
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