Differing Visions for the Future, Alex McVeigh, Reston Connection, December 14, 2010

 Reston 2020 offers alternative vision for Reston Town Center.

The Reston 2020 committee, part of the Reston Citizens Association, presented an alternate vision for the future of Reston Town Center Dec. 7 at the weekly meeting of the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force. Their vision was meant to be an alternative to the report presented by the Reston Town Center subcommittee Nov. 5.

The Reston Town Center subcommittee placed a priority on expanding the existing urban core to get it closer to the proposed Reston Parkway Metro stop. Reston 2020's report suggested that the subcommittee's report is lacking in several fields.

"The Town Center Subcommittee report recommends excessive development and understates requirements for robust internal infrastructure and key quality of life amenities," the report reads. "[We] need a vision and plan for Reston Town Center that meets three key objectives: meets future economic growth expectations, opportunities and restraints, sustains multi-faceted world class planned community in an urban setting and abides by [transit oriented development] principles and best practices."

THE REPORT recommends a population-driven 20-year plan that balanced the various populations -- residential and workforce -- with Reston's quality of life in an urban setting....

Reston 2020's alternative vision for Reston Town Center includes a tunnel under the Dulles Toll Road, a new elementary school, a large park at Reston Town Center North and a fine arts center, among other things. Reston 2020 presented their alternative vision to the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force at their Dec. 7 meeting.

For the rest of this thorough report on the discussion of the future of Reston Town Center, please click here.