Clyde's Update

Thanks AFGM. I sent in my email of support and asked him to do what he could to expedite the process as we've been delayed for a year and a half now!

 

Another note, the outdoor patio is already approved. Was done so two years ago. I don't think they can get that disapproved. The only modification Clyde's is asking for is to change the front from wood to stone, and to add a little more space. The space request is related to refined architectural drawings, that originally underestimated the size requirements. They are moving a Vermont "tavern" and barn down to this location for reassemble. It was only recently they got into the actual dimensions, hence, leading to the additional square footage request.

 

I sent Mr. Snow my letter of support:

Looking at it now, I could have been more eloquent, but it gets the point across. As I mentioned in the letter, I cannot believe that any of these people have eaten at a Clydes establishment. I've eaten at a few, including the 'tavern' in Washington D.C.. All the establishments are 'upscale' and hardly condusive to excessive noise, etc.

I hope that the county approves these changes and allows them to go forward. That said, whoever is in control of the land is busy getting the land ready, and the road changes in place.




Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

bike4fun-
The rezoning request from commercial to residential is on the south side of Waxpool Road, just east of the Greenway. They want to convert it from commercial zoning to a 254 unit apartment complex.
The zoning change along Wynridge near the Greenway is to change a buffer from 50 feet to 10 feet, primarily due to the fact that the road location was moved a bit from it's original planned location.
Since both changes, as well as a third one across from Overland Park, are on the same application the notice sign reflected all the changes.

 

NeilZ et al: Great example of the right kind of letter: brief, positive, to the point, and clear on what you want them to do. Next BoS business mtg is next Tuesday 9:30 a.m., and even if people can't attend to voice support, e-mails work very well. Mail to bos@loudoun.gov and you will receive an auto reply when a copy has been sent to each member's email acct. Include Clyde's/FOR THE RECORD/and the date in the subject line, and not only will it be treated as comment of record for that mtg, but often they will get a printout in their meeting packet depending on how far in advance of the meeting it arrives. Best of luck to all of you in getting this resolved quickly.

Barbara Munsey, from South Riding.

 

<<grinchy voice>> OH the noise, noise, NOISE, NOISE!

anyone else hear that .... no....just me????? ok ... carry on

 

The modifications that Clyde's wants, in addition to the change in the facade, are as follows:

· Add 150 banquet seats (total seating for 761 patrons);
· Increase the size of the restaurant/banquet facility from 25,000 square feet to 28,000 square feet; and
· Provide an outdoor patio bar (704 square feet) on the east side of the restaurant.

The original special exception has been approved. So Clyde's is coming, regardless of what the President of Ashburn Farms HOA, AFGM, is saying.

I think it is a very small person who takes pleasure in vilifying people who have legitimate concerns. In addition to the ten special events per year that Clyde's will be allowed to hold, they are building a banquet facility where there will be weddings and various other celebrations (indoor and outdoor) throughout the year, and to top it all off, they are open until 2:00 in the morning. Since a restaurant and banquet facility require a special exception on this parcel, it is every citizens right to let the Board of Supervisors know how they feel.

 

I'm glad you live where there is no noise, but if the current trends hold up, good luck and keeping it. Noise pollution is a serious problem and the EPA is starting to keep tabs on it.

 

coopstar-
I agree with you that every concerned person has a right to have their opnion heard and to voice their concerns.
As you and AFGM pointed out, Clyde's can be built regardless of this
special exception application because they have already been approved once.
I look at this second special exception application as an opportunity to get more concessions/guarantees from Clyde's that address the concerns of residents.
For example....getting additional landscaping, limiting the hours outdoor events can occur, ensure that parking will be available at the school admin building, .etc. They seemed willing to seriously look at this.
If there is continued opposition and this application is turned down, the end result will probably be that Clyde's is still built, but will be a less attractive building and they will have NO additional conditions of approval required.
Give me a call if you want to talk about this further 703-729-7320.
Cliff

 

You're darn right. There's been a rash of "ampitheaters" being built that pollute the air with "nightly festivals". Not in my back yard! I want to live in a natural environment, listening to the gentle rustling of 70 mph traffic on the nearby Greenway.

 

Coopstar,

Unfortunately, I think you've taken some of the fall out on my opinions of those complaining about noise. Those complaining that live across a major highway. As I mentioned earlier, but I agree it may have been lost, there was some legitmate suggests about Clyde's in the meeting. I believe Cliff summarized them nicely.
I appologize if it appeared I was "villifying" you personally, that was not my intent.

As for "outing" me...!!...

For those who have asked me privately, I have told them I am the President of the Ashburn Farm Association. I've tried to keep that "officially" out of the forum, because I do not speak for my Association in this forum. The opinions I state in this forum are my own. They will continue as such. Now that the "cat is out of the bag" I am going to go live with Carol!

 

Just out of curiousity - are there any plans for a wall along the Greenway to dampen some of the noise from the cars/trucks?

 

I think the only way we'd get a sound wall is if the Greedway sees it as a way to jack the rates up.

 

I think we could force them to do it if we can get a sound test done in some of those house right off of it. If the sound level exceed EPA limits at rush hour they could be forced to put them up. On thing about the Greenway noise, it is constant. It is the loudest during rush hour and I'm fairly certain it could damage hearing over time.

 

Homer, I looked up some noise pollution information to better understand your concerns. Here is the link I used - http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/noise_and_nuisance/noise_pollution/
Even though it references Australia I think the points are interesting. I also found the solutions interesting. Some examples of noise pollution:
Traffic
If looking for a quieter place to live, avoid areas near major roads, bus routes and intersections. Before choosing a property, it’s wise to check with your local government to find out where any new roads or freeways are planned.
Well when I moved here in 2000 I knew the greenway existed and also knew that traffic would continue to increase with growth.
Barking dogs
Dog owners have a responsibility to make sure their dogs don’t cause annoyance.
I'm glad you aren't my neighbor as I have two dogs who bark at the cat next door. I suppose cat owners are exempt from allowing their pets to roam freely and stimulate my dog's noise pollution.
Aircraft
Before choosing a property, it’s wise to check aircraft operations with the local airport.
Do you intend to take on noise pollution with Dulles Airport?
Neighbours
Being a thoughtful neighbour means ensuring noise in your household doesn’t annoy other people. Sometimes it’s the timing of noise that creates the problem. Lawnmowers can disrupt sleep or rest if operated early in the morning.
I can count like clockwork when my neighbors mow their lawns - typically it is before I rise and shine on Saturday or Sunday morning. I've also been victimized by their incessant leaf blowers and power washers. Sigh, it is a community afterall so I'll deal with it.
Air-conditioners
Should be positioned to prevent disturbance to neighbours.
When I sit on my porch I can hear the whirr of my neighbor's air conditioner. And my own. But the tradeoff is that it cool's our house.
Anyway, I'm not being perjorative, rather I thought these points would add to the discussion and as a responsible citizen who cares what others think I felt compelled to post.

 

I realize I am veering off topic here with the sound wall talk but a Greenway sound wall may be a tough sell. The Greenway was in place before the houses. We all knew it was there when we bought our homes. It would be different if it was built afterwards or widened and thus increasing the noise. In addition, it's my understanding that when sound walls are built the cost is actually paid by the property owners in the neighboring communities by way of special property tax assessments stretched out over several years but I could be wrong about that.

 

I'd pay that tax. And here is a monkey wrench to all of your arguments. The Beltway was there before all the houses on it and they are putting up sound walls? Why? Because it is a problem. I really don't understand you people who would rather point a finger at people and say "Haha, what an idiot. They should have ....". To you I say, I hope you never have to live with the noise like some of us do. The Greenway was much more quiet three years ago and volume and noise levels have increased dramatically.

 

It was widened two years ago from the toll to Claiborne. They aren't done yet.

 

Homer,
I am not pointing a finger and saying HAHA. I myself live along the Greenway and would love to see a sound wall installed. My point is that it's tougher to get one if the road was there first. If the road were proposed to be built after the homes were in place the residents have a bit more leverage. The community would cause such a stink about the potential noise the designer/builder of the road would be compelled to include them in the plans. It's tougher to get them after the fact because no one is compelled to do so. That's not saying it can't be done.
As far as the Beltway argument. The Beltway currently handles three times the traffic it was designed for and has been widened to the point where the buffer is gone. That is the argument the residents used to get the walls built. Plus the Beltway has been there 40 years and many places are just now getting walls. That shows just how tough it is to get them after the fact.

 

I'm excited about Clyde's coming to Broadlands and I also like the idea of a workout\raquetball facility for the community. It would be even better if it had an indoor pool!! Let's make sure we get both!

As for growth...I'm all for additional ammeneties in Ashburn. I've been here since 1993 and have watched the growth with facination and anticipation. We DO need the ammenties to go along with the housing.