Maud Robinson Sidewalk Project Public Hearing Planned In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — On Monday, Vienna Town Council will host a public hearing on the Maud Robinson Sidewalk Project.

In early 2020, the town announced Maud Robinson, a former Council member and the wife of late mayor Charles Robinson, left the majority of her estate to fund sidewalks in areas where they're not being planned or funded. Maud Robinson died on March 11, 2019, following the death of her husband Charles Robinson on Jan. 3, 2000.

With that trust designated for sidewalk projects, the town began identifying potential locations for sidewalks. Locations considered for sidewalks already have existing curb and gutter.

The potential locations for sidewalks and estimated costs for design are:

• Even side of Alma Street SE from Delano Drive SE to Follin Lane SE: $60,000
• Odd side of Birch Street SW from Battle Street SW to Plum Street SW: $70,000
• Even side of Blackstone Terrace NW from Lawyers Road NW to Holmes Drive NW: $40,000
• Odd side of Charles Street SE from Locust Street SE to Branch Road SE: $25,000
• Both sides of Cherry Circle SW from Cul-de-sac to Cottage St SW: $30,000
• West side of Elmar Drive SE/SW from Park Street SE to Desale Street SW: $60,000
• Odd side of Oak Street SW from Center Street S to Birch Street SW: $70,000
• Both sides of Symphony Circle SW from Cul-de-sac to Melody Lane SW: $65,000
• Odd side of Timber Lane SW from Tapawingo Road SW to Harmony Drive SW: $50,000

Residents have expressed a mix of support and opposition for the potential sidewalk locations. Two open house meetings were held between Feb. 16 and March 4 to gather input and provide sidewalk project information to residents.

A survey of homeowners at impacted locations was also conducted. Out of the 275 homeowners polled, 67.3 percent responded. The survey found 44.3 percent of respondents support sidewalks and 55.7 percent oppose sidewalks. Various comments argued that cul-de-sacs do not need sidewalks, and some said there is no safety issue spurring a need for sidewalks. Other opposed comments questioned the impact on trees and front yards.

On the other side, those who support sidewalks argued that sidewalks are long overdue amid concerns of children walking in the street and the large number of walkers in Vienna.

The town has also received petitions opposing sidewalks from residents of Branch Circle SE, Woodview Circle, and Oak Street SW.

Town Council will receive more input from the public at Monday's meeting. Town staff recommend Town Council approve sidewalk projects for the proposed locations.

If Town Council approves the sidewalk project locations, town staff will continue community engagement and week professional engineering services to design construction drawings and documents. On Feb. 24, Town Council approved up to $500,000 for engineering services for the sidewalk projects. About $150,000 has already been spent on previously approved projects. Staff will also recommend Town Council authorize an increase of $250,000 to the previously approved amount for design services.