Our Vision For The Land at Reston National Golf Course Is...

The immediate question is not “what is the best use of the golf course land.”  It is what is the permissible use based on the current zoning.  If you haven’t been following this issue regarding the golf course on the south side of Reston for the last eight months, the answer is permanent open space.  You can read the background here.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hearing is just over six weeks away, on May 22 (new date September 25).  The date is coming fast. It’s time to raise the awareness of what’s happening next and increase our focus.

What is and who are the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals?  They are seven independent citizens (meaning not County employees) appointed by the Circuit Court to hear and decide appeals and special applications of the Zoning Ordinance.

What is the best outcome on May 22?  That the BZA upholds the County Department of Planning and Zoning Administrator’s decision that the golf course land is restricted to use as open space, such as a golf course. That we Rescuers show such a strong force at this meeting (by way of our petitions and physical numbers at the hearing) that Northwestern Mutual, co-owners of Reston National Golf Course, decide their investment years ago was a speculation that didn’t work out as they’d hoped and move on to other things.

What’s the worst that can happen after May 22?  Northwestern Mutual and co-owners don’t move on.  They decide to continue tearing the fabric of what makes Reston unique by appealing to the Circuit Court.  More time, more legal fees.  I’m sorry to say this is the most likely outcome.

If the scent of big money (i.e., residential development) could be taken off the table, then the price returns to normal market value.  That’s when everyone can start discussing the possibilities for other uses of this permanent open space.  That is, if the golf course is even open to a sale.  We haven’t seen any for sale signs displayed.  As I said in my article “” the golf course management is doing a fairly good job of keeping it a park-like setting, at no expense to taxpayers.  The course is busy.  I just signed my grandsons up for the free May 11 Junior Golf Clinic there.

We must focus on the immediate challenge of the BZA hearing. It is vital that Reston has representation focused only on this one issue.  This is Rescue Reston’s sole purpose.  Focused.  And in these last few weeks it is time for Reston Rescuers to spring into action and give a show of force that cannot be overlooked! 

Join us at our final rally before the hearing.  It will be a fun event at the other Reston golf course – Hidden Creek.  On Sunday, May 5 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm we’ll gather to eat, drink, bid on silent auction items, and dance to the music of the Bank Street Band.  It happens to be Cinco de Mayo, so wear something festive and know that your financial support allows Rescue Reston’s attorneys at Greehan, Taves, Pandak & Stoner, PLLC to present a written statement before the hearing and then represent us at the Board of Zoning Appeals hearing. 

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet please hurry, as space is limited.  Registration and details are at RescueReston.org/events.  Check www.facebook.com/RescueReston periodically for updates on auction items.

Update: Attorneys for the owners of the Reston National Golf Course have delayed their appeal hearing for the third time.  The new date is September 25.   http://reston.patch.com/blog_posts/rescue-reston-responds-to-3rd-postponement-of-bza-hearing-for-reston-national-golf-course