Economic Development Strategy Drafted For Town Of Vienna

Vienna VA

14 September, 2021

10:29 AM

Description

VIENNA, VA — A draft of an economic development strategy for the Town of Vienna has been released and will be discussed at an upcoming meeting in September. The town has put a greater focus on economic development with the hiring of its first economic development manager Natalie Monkou in late 2019. In early 2021, Vienna Town Council voted to contract with real estate strategy firm Streetsense to conduct a market study and create an economic development strategy. That economic development strategy draft suggests policies, programs, and capital improvement programs for the town and its partners to make Vienna a business-friendly environment and a locally-serving destination. The draft strategy includes the following recommendations: Ease restrictions for non-permanent frontage zone activationAllow blade signs on commercial corridorsDevelop storefront and sidewalk activation design guidelinesAllow outdoor dining and create self-certification processAdopt generic use approach and incorporate permitted use tables in zoning codeDevelop trail-adjacent building design guidelinesAllow as-of-right mixed use development on Maple Ave (long-term recommendation) (above recommendations would be addressed by Code Create Vienna zoning ordinance update) Digitize and simplify business permitting processCreate a business incubation program for targeted industry categoriesProvide incentives for commercial space improvementsCreate a web page for Town job postings and workforce training opportunitiesExpand tactical placemaking design projectsCreate a Town Green Activation, Events, and Animation programComplete sidewalks on Mill/Dominion with pedestrian lightingDevelop streetscape master planConduct a town-wide parking feasibility studyEstablish parking management districtCreate side-by-side trails for bicyclists and pedestriansCreate a pre-development incentive program (long-term recommendation)Revising ground floor zoning for Avenue East/West (long-term recommendation) Residents can attend a meeting to discuss the proposed economic development strategy and their priorities for implementation on Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register to attend virtually on Zoom or join in person at Town Hall. The economic development strategy as well as a commercial market study were launched by the town to provide a roadmap to business recovery and investment decisions in the coming years. The market study was released in May. See the full draft economic development strategy ahead of the Sept. 30 meeting.