Banks, Banks and More Banks

When a community sticks its head in the sand, odd economic forces may unexpectedly fill the vacuum. In Vienna's case (and also along other parts of Route 123) we are now seeing this with the "bank boom".

Read Washington Post Article.

Vienna is now facing a situation where we have no control. Major Fortune 500 companies are buying land and building new banks with no regard to the best interests of Vienna. By not having any type of incentive zoning, we end up with major 'corners' in Town populated by 1-story banks. Does this seem like bright long-range planning?

And to all the naysayers, smart communities do indeed INFLUENCE these types of projects to their preferred desire. Sitting back and just taking it is a complete lack of vision.

Comment seen on the subject from a Town Board member:

Yes, I would agree that there are "Banks Aplenty" in our Town! Problem that I see is that they encourage folk coming up and down 123 to "drive in and stop by..." - So these types of institutions are not beneficial to our personal community, but serve to accomodate our "Drive-Thru Traffic"....Back to my Earlier Point - Instead of allowing a bank to take over an entire VALUABLE corner of 123, and build (what I think is a pretty UN attractive building that will stay there for 50+ years). Let's get SMART - Allow the bank to be on the GROUND FLOOR of such a structure -Put (if possible?) 2 levels of parking underneath - The bank can SHARE first floor space with a small restaurant? piano bar? boutique? dry cleaner?...Next Two Levels - PROFESSIONAL - dentists, attorneys, civel enginners, whatever....Then Two Levels - CONDOS - older citizens, young couples, won't add to the traffic if services/stores are nearby...What's the Big Deal here? Not looking for a HUGE BUILDING - Just a moderate one, done well, that has parking, encourages walking, is affordable, varied, architechturally compatible, attractive and convenient. I can't see the harm in that, and I do see the advantage. For the Record, I voted "NAY" for the Commerce Bank building elevation. I am not opposed to a bank. I am opposed to a single story, single useage sturcture encompassing 100% of a vital Vienna Commercial Corner.