RCA Approves Resolution on Proposed RA Land Swap at Lake Anne, November 11, 2013

Whereas, the revitalization of the Lake Anne Village Center should make it a model for renewal of the Reston Village Centers, and,

Whereas, the Reston Association (RA) and Lake Anne Development Partners (LADP) are proposing a land swap of a forested area of dedicated open space near the center of the redevelopment area in return for less desirable land on the periphery, and,

Whereas, preservation of the forested parcel would be consistent with Fairfax County's tree canopy goals and the Comprehensive Plan for this Land Unit, and,

Whereas, the RA land, with some enhancements, could serve as a wooded pocket park that would add visual, recreational and environmental benefits to the area, and,

Whereas, experts from both RA and LADP have said this land is of particular value and that the alternatives have not been fully considered, and,

Whereas, no environmental impact study has been performed on the subject parcels, and,

Whereas, other potentially feasible options for the needed parking exist, including additional rooftop parking and constructing the garage in part of the existing parking area of the Lake Anne of Reston, a Condominium Association (LARCA), and, 

Whereas, as Reston’s redevelopment proceeds, the current proposal will create a precedent for Reston’s natural areas that is contrary to the RA Board’s environmental policies adopted in 2010 and 2011,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The Reston Citizens Association strongly urges that RA defer the current land swap proposal, and requests that the County deadline for the commencement of construction be delayed until all alternatives for parking have been fully examined.

Approved by the Reston Citizens Association Board of Directors via email on November 11, 2013, by a vote of 8 to 1, with one abstention.