Politics & Government

Supervisors Defer Decision on Terraset Plans

Board will revisit issue of big renovation and expansion of Terraset Elementary School in January.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday deferred decision on the plans for Terraset Elementary School's renovation and expansion.

Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins suggested the supervisors revisit the issue in January. 

The Fairfax County Planning Commission last week recommended for approval the renovation and expansion plans, which include five new building additions, a new kiss-and-ride area and nearly double the capacity for the 36-year-old school at 11411 Ridge Heights Rd.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, the plan will proceed without a new soccer field that received complaints that it would interfere with a softball field that was built with Title IX funds. 

A Nov. 15 staff report highlighted some of the plans, which include:

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

* A 3,400-square foot administrative addition to the front entrance.

* A 7,613-square-foot art and music addition

* An 11,100-square-foot media and classroom addition.

* A 3,919-square-foot School Age Child Care addition

* A 7,521-square-foot west classroom addition

* A new kiss-and-ride area

* Removing the dual pedestrian bridges and replacing it with one centrally located bridge.

* New parking areas in various locations

* Two asphalt play areas at the rear of the school

* Several stormwater management features.

* Reduction in the tree canopy along the western boundary of the property to accommodate 15-space parking area and stormwater management features. Existing vegetation along the western boundary will also be reduced to a minimum width of approximately 40 feet.

Click here to see the entire staff report.

Mike Rolband of Wetlands Studies and Solutions had previously expressed concern with stormwater management issues at Terraset and at a renovation and expansion at nearby Sunrise Valley Elementary School. However, the staff report says these issues have been addressed.

The additional space will increase the capacity of Terraset from 600 students (487 are enrolled for 2012-13) to nearly 900.

Former principal Ellen Cury said last school year that the expansion was being designed to accommodate a potential influx of population brought to Reston by the opening of Metro's Silver Line in late 2013. Residents can likely expect south Reston elementary school boundaries to be redrawn after the renovation is completed.

Schools advocate John Farrell that was built with Title IX money a decade ago.

 

To keep up with all FCPS and Reston development news, subscribe to Reston Patch's free daily newsletter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here