The View From Over Here

  In the last couple of years in particular, it seems we can’t have a conversation about future development in Reston without the term “NIMBY” being flung about. 

It is a mainstay of the vocabulary of proponents of high density new development, e.g., that under discussion in the Master Plan Special Study Task Force, or in discussions of high density redevelopment proposals such as the Fairway Apratments.  It is directed at anyone questioning the logic or wisdom of the proposals for any number of reasons.

The dictionary defines “NIMBY”, the acronym for “not in my backyard”, as “local citizens opposition to the locating in their neighborhood of a civic project, as a jail, garbage dump, or drug rehab center, that, though needed by the larger community, is unsightly, dangerous or likely to decrease property values.” 

In a Reston context, the term is routinely applied to residents expressing doubts about quantum leaps in development density.

Unfortunately, the term is often used without regard to the basis or logic for a question or a suggsted alternative.  Recent cases of misuse of the pejorative “NIMBY” include directing it at residents who pointed out that, based on official data, development levels proposed cannot be supported by either existing infrastructure or that planned for the next 30 years or more.

The classic example of this is the Master Plan Task Force proposed levels of development at the Wiehle Metro Station area.  Densities of F.A.R. 3.0 to 4.0—twice the current Town Center core areas—are proposed at sites surrounded by intersections currently rated as “failing” by the state and the county.  And, they have no plans - much less funding - to materially alter that situation for a generation. 

One county transportation expert went so far as to tell a task force subcommittee group meeting that the only solution he saw practically speaking was congestion itself!  That is, gridlock would become so intolerable long before proposed density levels were reached that developers would cease new construction by themselves and the driving public would take whatever action necessary to avoid Wiehle Avenue, thus slowing gridlock’s growth.   A resulting new pejorative will be Wiehle.

Of course, there are occasions when the use of the term “NIMBY” might be appropriate.  But mindless density advocacy no longer seems able to distinguish between reasoned opposition — of which there is a substantial amount — and someone opposed to growth in general.

Somewhere between the "NIMBY” and “overzealous developer” ends of the spectrum maybe we can find a middle ground to have a reasoned discussion focused on the quality of our community and the quality of life in it.  The seven principles for which Reston’s founder once stood would be a good place to start. 

Also, the Reston 2020 Committee of the Reston Citizens Association has prepared thoughtful pieces on development in a new Master Plan.  Go to www.reston2020.blogspot.com for alternatives to the extremes too often smothering dialogue.