PRC Zoning Amendment Update, Coalition for a Planned Reston

 

 

This is a message from the Coalition for a Planned Reston (CPR), a volunteer group of residents from the Reston Citizens Association, Reclaim Reston, and Reston 20/20, who are concerned with planning and zoning issues that threaten our planned, diverse and welcoming community. Winter has arrived with a fury and the struggle continues to stop Fairfax County’s effort to pass a zoning amendment increasing the density of Reston. Here is an update of what you may have missed during the holidays:   What we didn’t hear: No word from Supervisor Hudgins on her commitment to meet with the community to discuss possible amendments to the Reston Master Plan. Remember, at the October 23, 2017 community meeting attended by more than 900 Reston residents, Supervisor Hudgins said, “I want to listen and hear your views. I want to make sure I hear and understand your views with any kind of change that we make. . . . I’m willing to hear the concerns. I want to mitigate the concerns. And I want to work with you to do that.” No response from Supervisor Hudgins to a letter from the Reston Association.  The RA’s letter outlined areas to amend the Reston Master Plan that might alleviate the County staff’s felt need to increase the density increase for the Planned Community area of Reston (PRC). Not a peep from Fairfax County planning staff in response to a letter from the Reston Association.  The RA requested information about the source of a road on the map of the grid of streets that would link Isaac Newton Square with American Dream Way; the road would destroy the Hidden Creek Country Club golf course. Silence from Supervisor Hudgins in response to requests from CPR. CPR asked to meet to discuss possible amendments to the Reston Master Plan following the beginning of the term of the new Hunters Mill Planning Commissioner, John Carter, on January 10.  What we did hear:   The County has announced their meeting schedule on the proposed Reston PRC Zoning Ordinance Amendment to permit significant density increases. March 6, 2018 - Board of Supervisors Authorization Item April 5, 2018 - Planning Commission Public Hearing May 15, 2018 - Board of Supervisors Public Hearing What we need to do:   Community involvement did cause the County to blink—as the calendar for moving forward with the zoning amendment was delayed—but it appears that our officials are counting on the surge of citizen concern to subside in the winter chill as the County simply moves forward without engaging with us. In the coming days CPR will- Submit to Supervisor Hudgins specific proposed changes to the Reston Master Plan as discussed with in the community meeting held on December 11. Commence an outreach effort to the County Board of Supervisors and planning staff. Intensify and improve our community communication via Facebook and other social media. Seek additional volunteers who are willing to work hard on Reston land use issues.  Please reply to this email or join our “Planned Reston” Facebook page  to send us a private message if you are able to commit to more time and energy to keeping Reston a Planned Community.   CPR will be reaching out to you for your input and involvement. Keep reaching out to us with your questions, recommendations and requests to volunteer.   Sincerely, Coalition for a Planned Reston