Bill, it may not be limited to paying zoning board members.

I think it's a little more subtle: you vote our way, we support/fund your pet project, support your political campaign, etc. (Not thinking zoning board, just in general.)

Hi Ray! I hope you are right. Common sense should prevail.

No, in fact I know A LOT of people "out of town" who think it's a bad idea too.

Be careful what you wish for Sally. Some folks think the County should buy it and convert it to sports fields, etc. I live near a Reston soccer field, which is very nice for stargazing and fun with the grandkids, but we put up with a good bit of trash on our street and up on the field (left more by the adult-size pick up games than the youth leagues) and also a bit of pot smoking that happens -- basically good kids who used to play here, grow up and decide this is a safe area to "relax" if you will.

Please read Larry Butler’s memo of October 5, 2012 which can be found at http://bit.ly/Z50j9o. This addresses multiple implications. The golf course is a good neighbor, and pretty too. I love the spot on Sunrise Valley Drive where the Sheraton & Westin high rises are on the one side, and the open space of the golf course on the other. A good balance.

That doesn't seem to be the case,Sally.Maybe you should take some lessons.

Ray

Northwestern is trying to entirely avoid the rezoning process. That's the object of the BZA appeal.

They want to redevelop the golf course "by-right," without a Board of Supervisors public hearing or vote.

The County Zoning Administrator has ruled that any change requires a re-zoning.

That's the question for the BZA on May 22.

Thanks, John. Everyone needs to be diligent to stop any shenanigans from occurring. It should be obvious that the opposition to such nonsense is virtually unanimous, and isn't it time the will of the people prevailed?

Eve - that is a good question. I should do a story on what the golfer's think. Stay tuned.

Eve, I'm a golfer. I've been playing the course for about 30 years. As a freshman hot-head at SLHS, I played the last hole with my putter during golf team tryouts and missed the cut by one stroke. I played a memorable round with my uncle on the day before my wedding. Lots of experiences there - good & bad. In any case, the loss of Reston National wouldn't be a disaster for the golfing community. It would be inconvenient for many, but there are other courses around, which I'm playing exclusively until Northwestern Mutual Life drops this boondoggle. The more important issues for me are the loss of open space that this represents and the damage to the concept of Reston as a planned community.

They are also acutely aware of when potential voters and the media point out that they are way overstepping boundaries. If the people you mention begin to fear that all of their decisions will be looked at in the light you mention, you may see them rally to the "oppose" side. It will score them political points for actually doing the right thing.

Ease up, there, Bill

BZA members are appointed by the Circuit Court not elected. The Board of Supervisors makes nominations to the Court.

BZA members get paid $50(?) per meeting which happen on Wednesday mornings for 3 hours. To get ready, most members put in 10-20 hours in the week before the meeting reviewing the staff reports and, frequently, visiting the site.

These folks are you fellow citizens who are serving out of a sense of public service.

None of them are doing it for the money.

Don't let that tinfoil hat scratch your scalp

Northwestern bought the property with the existing zoning in place which limited the use of the property to a golf course.

This is a binary case. The owners either have get a rezoning to redevelop or they can develop without many restrictions, no public hearings & no Supervisors' vote. So, no, there isn't a compromise and, I could swear that we've had this same exchange before.

RNG is among the most profitable courses in the DC area. It makes it's money selling rounds to the public, especially corporate and trade association outings. So there's no cohort of loyal members to cry havoc as there might be at a course with an extensive dues paying membership.

I'm not familiar with the term "binary case" unless you mean a Yes/No, rather than compromise- which as I re-read your comment must be what you mean. What grounds would the County have for denying a zoning change? This seems to be such a common situation, that seems to often fall in the owner's favor- if it does shouldn't we be considering other alternatives? It just seems like if we had started by saying "Hey RNG we don't want any changes- but what are you thinking?" at least we wouldn't have this polarized situation.

Regarding RNG profitability- how do we know it's among the most profitable? If it is why couldn't RA consider purchasing it and running it as a profit center?

It still seems like the course users are awfully quiet- this is Reston, we get cranky over everything.

After playing travel soccer and AAU baseball, my son became a golfer in high school at HHS. He played the Junior Golf competition circuit having started later than most of his competition (who typically start playing seriously in elementary school). My son called Reston National his home golf course during high school because it is a public course, has an inviting & affordable junior program, is an excellent golf course, and we are Reston residents. After trying the normal college path for a few years, my son did not find his passion. He took a few years off to decide what he wanted to do. Today I report he is happy and thriving and will graduate this year to pursue a career as a teaching Golf Professional! Reston National was an integral and influential contributor in formalizing his PASSION IN LIFE!

Rngc

Laura,

I would like to be the first "golfer" to admit that this is not about a compromise position, not about preserving green space and not about putting anything on the RNGC site other than a golf course! There, I said it. Probably said what many, many others believe, only they have chosen to cloak their view as some type of " don't pave over paradise perspective." Bottom line, we want our golf course.
Now, you might think that's selfish, and that's ok, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But let's look at a few things about living, working, playing and LOVING Reston VA. First, the golf course is not only used by Restonites. I have played golf at RN for nearly 20 years, have played with people from all over the county, all over the country, all over the world! If you have never been there, or to any golf course for that matter, you should. It is peaceful, relaxing, quiet. It can be a time for solitude, a time for friendly competition, a time to connect with old friends, or establish new ones.
I've lived on the golf course for almost 10 years, even worked there part time for a couple of seasons. I watched the young Irish boy and countless other young boys and girls find a passion for the game and learn a lot about themselves in the process.

I am also a golfer. True golfers understand that the game has to be a game of honor - there are no refs or officials - just your honesty to record your score in accordance with USGA rules. For most of us we’re not playing for our livelihoods; this is our passion, our pleasure, our relaxation and we enter and leave the course with a clear conscience. We accept "penalties" to our score - because those are the rules. What GREAT VALUES to teach our children.

He is not active because he is in school in Myrtle Beach, SC and focusing on completion of his school course requirements, starting his PGA course and playing requirements as well as looking for a job at a course.

Nancy

That's great news about your son. Maybe he can give my son, who played AAU baseball with him, a lesson when they both get back in town.

John - I remember you & your son - hope all has been well. RE - lesson - he's hoping to stay south - he doesn't like cold after being in the south for several years. Say Hi to all.

Continued from above -
Like Nancy's son I have seen many of them grow up to be fine young men and women. Many return to RNGC for summer jobs, working the summer camps that the RNGC Academy holds every year. That's something else you need to witness if you never have. Hundreds of youngsters, OUTSIDE! playing week in and week out, learning the game, making new friends, and having fun! That's what a golf course brings to a community.
RNGC does have a strong, loyal cliental. As John mentioned, it is a public course but it does offer memberships on various levels. Check their web site. They also have league play for men and women, host outings for local organizations, school booster clubs, charities and not for profits. That's what a golf course brings to a community.
Connie mentioned that the golf course is a good neighbor, and she's right. It's a neighbor whose open space is used from dawn until twilight as long as there is no snow on the ground!
Now, I know there are some folks out there who will say, "oh, he just wants to keep his precious golf course"; well you know what, they would be right, because it is precious. It's part of our community, it's part of Reston, it's part of why we all decided to live here. Let's not loose site of that.
Karen, if you are looking for more perspective from an avid RNGC golfer I'd be happy to work with you.

KB- this is exactly my concern. If you start from a position that includes us with a pitch fork at the owner's butt it's is hard to back up from that position and say- Ok, now lets minimize the damage. What if because of some flaw in the process the 150+ acres was zoned Residential and because of that the County doesn't have much recourse but to allow it? We have in no way communicated that we are reasonable people seeking reasonable solutions- what motivation have we given them to hear our concerns and to work with us?

Laura

First - Anonymous KB's analysis is wrong. A golf course is a permitted use in a residentially zoned area under both the PRC and the RPC zoning districts that have applied to Reston. The Zoning Administrator agreed with that analysis.

The burden on anyone trying to overturn a Zoning Administrator's interpretation before the BZA is high. I've done it a few times but I've also seen most attempts fail.

Second, if Northwestern wins, there is nothing to negotiate. They get to redevelop with no legislative review. If Northwestern loses, there is nothing to negotiate. Any redevelopment would require a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a rezoning, neither of which is likely to receive the approval of the Board of Supervisors.

I know that I've posted comments to this effect before in response to your inquiries.

There is no middle ground here.

Laura, you seem to think that we Restonians are the ones being unreasonable. Do you really think that Northwestern Mutual Life was under a big misunderstanding when they purchased the golf course? You think they thought all along that the course was authorized for residential development? Baloney. They're the ones being outrageous here, pushing far beyond their legal limits and in clear opposition to the desires of their neighbors. They could only hope for Reston or Fairfax County to negotiate with them, because it would give them far more than they have any right to. Any negotiated settlement would be a corporate hand-out to a company that has no demonstrated need, and which has shown itself to be a terrible neighbor. The "reasonable solution" here is to deny their appeal.

Richard- first off- I am a Restonian; the notion that one group speaks for all is a little off putting. I am not in favor of this development. What I loath are video's full of half truths, the spreading of rumor as fact and the intense spin of fear. Mr. Pinkman's emails refer to Northwestern/Learners, secret meetings, etc. It's crazy- like the notion that the developers have our lakes in their sights. I think when that's the starting point you run the risk of diminishing your position. Let me state again- I'm not in favor of any change on that golf course, but I don't think this campaign or its leadership is doing the cause much good. If your posturing is so extreme that even people who agree with you can't wholeheartedly get behind you it's a problem.

Laura, bottom line: this fight will most likely be settled in the courts. You said you're not in favor of developing the golf course. So donate to the legal fund, if you are in a position to do so. The chatter and leader you don't like ultimately won't be the determining factors in what happens.

Beth- 2 things. 1. What a foolish thing to think. You dismiss the possibility that there are others who won't publicly align as a result of the extremism and half truths! Read this blog! Do you think terms like "existential threat" or claims that the developers are going to pave over our lakes don't hurt the cause?! Trust me- it does. 2. What makes you think that I haven't contributed? You don't know what I've done.

The Board of Rescue Reston does not in any way control comments made by others.
From the Rescue Reston website: Board Of Directors
John Pinkman (Executive and Communications Director)
Joe Deninger (Finance Director)
David Stroh (Legal co-Director)
David Burns (Legal co-Director)

David Burns has commented on this post. All other comments should not be considered to be official "Rescue Reston" organization points of view.

Connnie- thank you- I get it, but I don't think the fireside videos are doing your cause any good. Exam the statements of your leadership- my first encounter with him was him shoving a flyer in my face shouting "did you hear they're going to bulldoze the golf course?" This is not an exaggeration- that's exactly what he did, I am receiving the community emails.

From Mr. Pinkman: "We are using our resources to learn the answer to that question. We do know this situation has become very fluid and is potentially in the midst of change. We have heard both ominous and optimistic scenarios; the key word being “scenarios”. Nothing has been presented to or discovered by Rescue Reston as fact. It is very interesting that Northwestern Mutual/Lerner suddenly asked for a six month delay (on top of the previous three month delay) in a case they initially felt so secure in asserting. Obviously there are reasons of which we are as yet unaware"

Really? Northwestern/Learner? He should worry about liable.

Laura, no, I do not think words in a blog or on Patch will influence or determine the outcome.

Laura, I believe that a citizen campaign that's designed around acquiescence and compromise - with an impersonal corporate entity that has no motivation beyond the allmighty dollar - is a campaign that's doomed to apathy and failure. The golf course isn't looking to build a caretaker's cottage for the greenskeeper. They're trying to obtain the right to build homes - many of them. Then they'll sell off the property at a huge profit and leave. It's naive to think otherwise, Restonian or not. See how effective your quaint, utopian coffee clutch will be in restricting the developers once they've had their zoning appeal approved. Perhaps you'll convince them too leave a strip of trees along the border.

If Northwestern wins, there will be no "planning process and a design review process."

Their redevelopment plans will be administratively reviewed and will have to be approved with absolutely no public input.

Period.

Laura, you are a voice of reason. I asked a simple question and one person assumed she knew what I wished for. Another told me to take some lessons. As I read the cynicism and vitriol expressed here, I am turned off. Larry Butler's memo was instructive insofar as it was able to look at some of the implications of this redevelopment. In the last paragraph, though, he mentioned something that does worry me about the golf course...the use of water from Lake Audubon and run-off into Lake Thoreau of whatever they use to keep the grass green. I'd like to have reasonable conversations here, but it's hard because of the "it's all about the money" group.

It's complicated and I not going to get into the weeds on this public blog.

Just know that, as I read its claim, Northwestern takes the position that it is not subject to the DRB.

There have been times when the reaction of the some Restonians to some land use cases could be described as "pitch forks and torches."

RNG is not that case.

It is a nearly existential threat to Reston.

Anonymous beverege neophyte

If the 166 acres that wind through the heart of south Reston were to no longer be subject to DRB review, RA would cease to be a viable force in establishing and preserving the appearance of the built environment in which we all thrive.

And I'm not one of the "Fortunate Few with Fairway Views" who actually number several hundred homeowners, if not over a thousand. ("Few" indeed.)

But one would have to have walked around all of South Reston to truly appreciate the impact which that ribbon of green open space has on our common experience of Reston's built environment.

Your's are not the comments of the "unconvinced" but of the uninformed,

and snarky.

BTW, Anonymous Beverage Neophyte isn't jealous of the "Fortunate Few with Fairway Views" much, eh?

There is no way the troll also known as the anonymous beverage neophyte ("Takaabn") has a comparable background (that guild is exceptionally small) but we'll never know because -

well, there's that cowardly anonymous thing. So sad :-(

So we can't really fact check that Takaabn has any personal or professional background whatsoever

or if Takaabn even has a personality.

For all we know, Takaabn is a software anomoly.

This is all true. A good post.
But this goes beyond just the developers not giving a hoot. Those on the Board of Supervisors really don't care about this either, if it is not in their immediate back yard. We have to make them aware and keep them aware.

Ray, you said, "... But this goes beyond just the developers not giving a hoot. Those on the Board of Supervisors really don't care about this either, if it is not in their immediate back yard. We have to make them aware and keep them aware."

I was trying to be a little bit diplomatic. I think it goes beyond even that. This project *is* in Reston's supervisor's back yard, and she is quite aware yet has not clearly come out against it - even when she spoke at the rally.

The rally is on YouTube; people can listen and decide for themselves what she actually said and meant. And I think she has proven herself to be pro-developer. And that other supervisors tend to defer to supervisors who "represent" the location in question.

Beth, I had an epiphany of sorts today by attending the Board of Supervisors hearing related to the Spectrum expansion of the Reston Town Center. It passed unanimously, and almost all the supervisors pretty much chatted with each other as the only person to comment on the project....our Supervisor.... waxed poetic about how this is positive progress for Reston. Her only stated concerns were that sidewalks be wider and that Reston Parkway "not be a thoroughfare", but have room for pedestrian crossing and bicyclers. That was it. I kid you not.
If you are familiar with this project and the others already approved, and in some cases under construction, in that same area of the RTC, we are going to witness an incredible expansion of residential and commercial space without a single person raising the issue of traffic or discussing any road being widened or rerouted as part of this project. So in other words, we are going to see a doubling of the size of the RTC with the current transportation system expected to accommodate all of it? No developer concessions to improve traffic flows?
The Reston response to this is a stated concern that Reston Parkway not become "a major thoroughfare"? It already is a major thoroughfare, so imagine when you double the residency and number of office workers in the area.
So Beth, do I trust the Board of Supervisors, or even our own supervisor, to get this golf course zoning issue resolved properly?
We have our work cut out for us.

Kathy has just made my point about extremist chatter. I'm not in favor of this development but I cannot stand with a group that makes such crazy assertions. Bye guys.

Laura

The DRB is the essence of Reston. If it is invalidated on 166 acres through the heart of South Reston than its efficacy is ended. Thus, the existential threat to Reston.

I thought high self-esteem bordering on narcissism was the essence of Reston. You learn something every day ...

the lakes are "storm water management ponds" and cannot be developed

Amen.

Why is the fact that there is low inventory currently on the market in Reston (and everywhere else in D.C. and Northern Virginia) have anything to do with a "need" for new construction? Because the current market is one in which homeowners are choosing not to list their homes does not mean we suddenly need developers and builders to become super-active and flood us with more houses. A year ago, people were whining about "shadow inventory" and worried about some "huge supply overhang" which we could not possibly work our way through. Now we are to panic due to low listing inventory?

Ray - it doesn't have anything with the need for new construction. I was just pointing out that the statement that the Reston market is flooded with starter homes, townhouses and condos is not true.

Gosh folks....I did not say the Reston market was flooded with starter homes. I said that "the second that the Reston market is flooded" with starter homes...MEANING if and when condos or townhouses are built on the golf course, then the inventory will go up and we will lose the home value gains we made from both the metro and 'current' decreasing inventory. I let it go at first, but I prefer not to be misrepresented twice. However, you are right: The current low inventory did not cause any increase in development ventures. The two are independent. Development is occurring for the sake of development and profit - not due to current low inventory.

K2.... your concerns are more legitimate than you may realize.

K2

The number of multiple family units cited in the appeal document represent the County Dep't of Planning and Zoning calculation of additional units that would be permitted in Reston given existing density requirements. It does not represent the number of units that could be built on the RNGC land even if the golf course owner prevails in its appeal. That said, if they do win on appeal, and in the subsequent judicial review process, they will be permitted to develop the golf course with some number of residential units as a matter of right.

Both RA and Rescue Reston separately have retained land use counsel to oppose the appeal. I was involved in the selection process for RR counsel and we hired very able and experienced lawyers to represent our interests. If you would like to donate to the legal defense fund please go to rescuereston.org.

Agree, and thanks for the donation

Jim

There are so many misstatements and misconceptions in your comment, it may take 2 comments to cover them all:

Getting a BZA to overrule a Zoning Administrator is hard. I've done it but most cases fail. Getting a Circuit Court to overrule the BZA when it sides with the Zoning Administrator is even harder. Even getting the Va. Supreme Court to hear an appeal where the Circuit Court sided with the BZA and the Zoning Administrator is exceptional.

So assuming Lerner loses, they would have to get a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a rezoning approved by the Board of Supervisors, after a Planning Commission hearing. There is no reason to expect that to happen.

A landowner is only entitled to some reasonable use which the County gets to choose. A golf on that property is a reasonable use. Especially given its profitability.

The County can require that no change in use occur.

Could the Lerner's abandon operation of the course? Sure, but why would they when its profitable? Spite?

btw I am a zoning lawyer and you'd lose your bet. ;-)