Effort To Stop Sidewalk Project On Vienna Street Fails

VIENNA, VA — A motion to pause a project adding a sidewalk on one side of a residential street failed with a Vienna Town Council vote Monday.

Funding for sidewalk projects had been left by the trust of the late Councilmember Maud Robinson, wife of late mayor Charles Robinson. The $7 million — the majority of her estate — was left to fund sidewalks in areas where they're not being planned or funded.

Melody Lane, located between Lullaby Lane S and Desale Street SW, is close to Cunningham Park, Cunningham Park Elementary School and Vienna Woods Swim & Tennis Club.

In November 2021, Town Council authorized engineering reports for sidewalk projects on Melody Lane SW and several other roads. The final design was authorized in November 2022. Engineering studies have resulted in a recommendation for sidewalk on the even side.

On Monday, Councilmember Nisha Patel proposed stopping any more engineering studies on the final design of sidewalk on the even number side of Melody Lane SW. Patel cited a resident petition against the sidewalk on the even side of Melody Lane mentioning concerns of drainage issues, safety and potential impacts to trees.

"It's a very low traffic area and they propose that there are other streets in town that need a sidewalk more than Melody Lane," said Patel.

Patel said proposed sidewalks wouldn't be continuous from the even side of Melody Lane to Desale Street SW, Symphony Circle SW and Lullaby Lane S. However, a sidewalk on the odd side would be continuous to Symphony Circle SW and Desale Street SW to the north.

Patel also noted the limitations from the trust requiring sidewalks go where there is existing curb and gutter.

"We're not able to put in sidewalks where we might feel that they're necessary or more practical, because we have to follow the guidelines of this trust," said Patel.

The recommendation for sidewalk on the even side was partly due to the odd side having a larger slope that would require more earth work and retaining walls, according to Horner. On the impacts to trees, Horner said six trees would likely need to come down on the even side of Melody Lane for the sidewalk project.

On the odd side, three trees would be in the way and need to come down. However, Horner said 13 others on the odd side would not be in the path of the sidewalk but could be impacted by grading requirements.

On the drainage concern on Melody Lane, acting director of public works Christine Horner said Melody Lane has no inlets. Stormwater on the road drains down to Desale Street SW, where there is an inlet that carries the water to a stream.

Other councilmembers spoke in support of sidewalk on the even side instead of the even side.

Councilmember Steve Potter argued Melody Lane is an active street with children walking to Cunningham Park Elementary and Thoreau Middle School.

"The topography of Melody [Lane] passes poses a danger as drivers have limited visibility when they crest over the hill," said Potter. "There have been several close calls as folks are coming and going into the Vienna Woods pool."

Mayor Linda Colbert mentioned residents on Symphony Circle have shared feedback on where they feel it is safe for children to cross walking to school. Those residents expressed concerns about crossing Lullaby Lane due to traffic from the busy Tapawingo Street SW. The mayor believes it would be safer for children to walk on the even side of Melody Lane SW and turn on Lullaby Lane without crossing.

All councilmembers except Patel voted against the motion.

More information on the Robinson Trust Sidewalk Initiative is available on the town's website.