Supporters urge council to OK TIF‑backed bonds for Viva White Oak; neighbors press for updated transportation analysis

The County Council held a lengthy public hearing July 14 on expedited Bill 31-26, which would authorize issuance of special obligation bonds payable from tax increment and special tax revenues for public infrastructure in the Viva White Oak Development District.

Adrianna Hochberg, acting development ombudsman testifying for the county executive, said the district encompasses roughly 280 acres and will include mixed uses, with initial phases expected to deliver a town center anchored by Costco, nearly 1,000 multifamily units, 1,100 townhomes and medical office space. "This expedited bill authorizes the county to take the next step, which is the issuance of bonds to fund the eligible public infrastructure improvements," Hochberg said, and emphasized the bonds will not be issued on the county’s full faith and credit.

Developer and East County representatives described projected economic benefits: Theresa Stegman of MCB Real Estate said the first phase will deliver over 2,000 housing units, significant retail and medical office space, and that TIF is needed to finance roughly $160 million of public infrastructure. "TIF is the only way to fund the $160,000,000 of public infrastructure necessary," Stegman said. Radwan Choudhary, chair of the East County Citizen Advisory Board, urged approval, calling the project a long‑overdue investment that will bring jobs and housing to East County.

Several civic‑association speakers and a former committee member raised concerns about transportation planning and the need for current, data‑driven analysis. Barry Weitz, president of the North White Oak Civic Association, said existing access is constrained and criticized reliance on an 11‑year‑old traffic study, asking for clearer demonstration that proposed roadway improvements will be adequate at full build‑out. "What specific roadway improvements are proposed? What traffic conditions are they intended to address? How much congestion relief will they provide?" Weitz asked.

Proponents argued the development will generate jobs and new tax revenue and that bonds payable from TIF revenues do not obligate general‑fund taxpayers. The council closed the hearing after taking testimony; supporters urged a vote before the August recess to prevent delays to closing and construction timetables.