Vienna wants public’s input on what it should do with former Faith Baptist Church

The time has come for Vienna to decide as a community how the former Faith Baptist Church property at 301 Center Street South can best be utilized.

The Town of Vienna launched a survey earlier this week to gather public feedback on potential future uses for the 3-acre site, now known as the Annex.

Open to town residents and non-residents, the community perspective questionnaire is part of a long-term use study that the town has undertaken after hiring the consulting firm Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site in November.

“We want to ensure the reimagined Annex property evolves into something the entire community can enjoy,” Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert said. “That’s why it’s important for community members to respond to our survey and let us know what they see as priorities or unmet needs. Their input will help inform the Town Council’s decision on what comes next for the Annex.”

What's next for the Annex? The Town wants your feedback on how the 301 Center St. S. property should be used. Tell us your thoughts at the Community Workshop on Tuesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the @VPDVA Community Room or take the online survey: https://t.co/k5QwKZot4T. pic.twitter.com/DnBtWi7xHy

— Town of Vienna, VA (@TownofViennaVA) March 7, 2023

When the town purchased the former church for $5.5 million in 2020, the acquisition was seen as a fortuitously timed fix to the impending challenge of finding a temporary home for the Vienna Police Department while its new station was under construction.

Now that the police have moved into the new station, however, the town council has been reluctant to commit any funds to the church property, including for repairs, without having a long-term plan in place.

Intended to guide the consulting firm, the community questionnaire asks respondents what activities they value in Vienna and what amenities are currently lacking in the town, from recreational and educational opportunities to public art and retail options.

The survey will be open through May 1. Community members will also get to provide feedback at an in-person workshop that will be held in the new police station (215 Center Street South) at 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28.

The town council will discuss the study’s goals at a conference session on March 20. The consultant is scheduled to present its final recommendations on June 12.