Virginia Officials Exploring Air Rights for Development In Rosslyn, East Falls Church

Will mixed-use building complexes built in air rights above Rosslyn and East Falls Church Metro stations generate revenues for badly needed road work in Northern Virginia?

That’s the question Virginia’s Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnerships (OTP3) and Department of Transportation (VDOT) are looking to answer.

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Wednesday that officials were looking into potential developments over I-66 in Rosslyn and East Falls Church in conjunction with Arlington County. Developers would pay to lease the air space above the Metro stations – the air rights – in order to construct their buildings, and the money would go toward improving transportation.

“By leasing airspace above certain transportation facilities owned by the Commonwealth, we can better utilize our existing infrastructure to generate additional revenues to fund future transportation improvements, while at the same time attracting new jobs and economic development,” McDonnell said in a statement Wednesday. “Additionally, by co-locating these potential developments around existing Metro stations and other major transportation facilities, we can reduce congestion and create more livable communities.” 

VDOT has issued a request for information (RFI) to the private sector to gather input on how best to proceed and how feasible the plan is.

Officials have located possible development sites for both Rosslyn and East Falls Church, where mixed-use developments could hold office space, residential and retail units and more.

The Rosslyn site is just east of the North Lynn Street Overpass. In East Falls Church, officials are keeping a wide scope and looking at the area east of the Route 29 overpass, as well as the Metro tracks in the median. The site could also include a land development on the existing parking lot. (Click here for VDOT’s RFI and diagrams of the prospective development sites.)

The Commonwealth is hoping to issue a request for project proposals later this fall, after firms have provided their input on the Commonwealth’s ideas.

According to the governor’s office, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation generated $40 million in FY 2011 through leases, with long-term lease income projected at $868 million. 

Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield), a supporter of air rights exploration in the county, said his colleagues on the Board should take McDonnell’s announcement as a hint and a way to help fund Silver Line costs.

“Dulles toll road users are on the hook for over $2 billion to pay for metro to Dulles,” he said in a statement. “Proceeds from air rights could go a long way to reduce the projected burden on toll road users and protect the health of this critical economic corridor.

“The partners responsible for this RFI obviously see the value in air rights with their statement today, and see their feasibility in Northern Virginia. We should be exploring similar options along the Dulles toll road corridor.”