Stay involved in the Master Plan

Andy Sigle
Vice President, Reston Association Board of Directors
Member, Reston Master Plan Task Force

While we often see “Reston: Live, Work, Play & Get Involved” on Reston Association materials, it was quite evident last week that  Reston community members take the mantra literally, especially the part about getting involved.  Over 250 people came to a community forum hosted by Reston Association to become more informed on the Reston Master Plan update process and its impact on those who live and work in Reston.  Representatives from the Reston Association (RA), the Reston Citizens Association (RCA) and the Alliance of Reston Condominiums and Homeowners (ARCH), in cooperation with the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force and the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning shared their thoughts and ideas regarding the current state of the plan and its future implementation. To see comments made by community members, visit Member Comments on www.reston.org. 

One key point made was the importance of sustaining Reston.  We believe all of the land within the transit station corridor area is a part of “one Reston”.  And, we believe all new development in this area should be incorporated into either RA or the Reston Town Center Association, according to the individual membership boundaries.  We are working to ensure we do not have multiple and alternate community associations being set up along the corridor which could have the effect of bisecting and polarizing the north from the south of Reston.

In addition,  in order to sustain Reston’s existing character and reputation as a model planned community, we believe the new comprehensive plan must assure the provision of high-quality, publically accessible open space, parks, natural areas & recreational facilities within the Phase 1 Plan area, to accommodate Reston’s new – and existing - residents and employees.

And, of key importance to Reston Association is our belief the people of Reston must have reasonable cross-community driving, biking and walking conditions, particularly during peak periods,  especially within, across and near the Phase 1 area.  Reston was just named a Bicycle Friendly Community and we need to work hard to increase our multi-modal transportation environment; maintaining a balance between land use and transportation functionality.

We know to affect the change we want, we need to stay involved.  We hope Reston community members will continue to stay involved and engaged in the process.  Residents can come to the next Reston Master Plan Task Force meeting, Tuesday, October 29, 7 pm, RA Conference Center or email your comments to the task force, DPZRestonMasterPlanStudy@fairfaxcounty.gov  and to Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.  

Together we can make a difference in the plans which have a direct impact on the future of Reston.