Moorefield Loses Some Favor as Site For Center

The project's density will depend on whether it is served by mass transit.

The minimum density will be 2,500 residential units and 5.5 million square feet of commercial space, said Chris Thomas, a spokesman for the developer, Loudoun Civic and Transit Center LLC. If a bus rapid transit system arrives, the development will increase to 3,750 residential units and 7 million square feet. And if rail arrives, the development will increase to 6,000 residential units and 9.75 million square feet.

Thomas said the project's success is not contingent on rail access.

"Even if rail never arrives, Moorefield Station will still be the largest development in the county because of its role as a [bus] transit center," he said.

County officials said the arrival of Metro is crucial in traffic-clogged eastern Loudoun.

"That area has serious transportation issues," Supervisor Andrea McGimsey (D-Potomac) said. She said an improved transportation network is important to the area no matter where the new government center is located.

The two Leesburg sites under consideration are the Village at Leesburg, at Route 7 and River Creek Parkway, and Oaklawn, at the Battlefield Parkway interchange of the Dulles Greenway. Both developments are mixed-used projects.

Unless the board makes a change in plans, the county will request detailed proposals from the developers of Moorefield Station and the two Leesburg sites next month, said County Administrator Kirby M. Bowers. The developers will have several months to come up with topographical maps, conceptual site plans and other in-depth information about their sites, and county staff members will then make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

Bowers said that the board will host a public hearing before making a final decision, which he expects will occur after at least a year.