On The Docket: Reston Association's Land Swap Near Lake Anne

At its regular monthly meeting on Oct. 24, the Reston Association Board of Directors will be discussing a potential land swap with Lake Anne Development Partners (Republic Land Development).

Republic was chosen in August to redevelop the county-owned Crescent Apartments and the nearby area, including some of Lake Anne Plaza. Plans include about 1,000 additional housing units - including replacement of the 181 affordable units at Crescent - as well as office space and an enhanced retail plaza where the parking lots currently stands.

Read: Plans for Lake Anne Laid Out For Public

But why does Republic need Reston Association land? Patch talked with RA Lake Anne/Tall Oaks Director Eve Thompson recently to get some of the details.

What's the land swap about?

For this initial plan in the Lake Anne revitalization district, there are several landowners. Fairfax County owns the largest parcel at the Crescent Apartments. Lake Anne Condominium has their parking lot in the mix, and Reston Association  has a small, 1.014 acre, crescent-shaped parcel that runs between the sidewalk along North Shore Drive from Chimney House Road to the commercial Lake Anne parking lot entrance.

The land swap would allow RA to trade this open space in exchange for a similar piece of property owned by the developer so that the land in near Lake Anne Condominium can be included in the redevelopment.

How will RA's land be used?

The land will become a two-level parking structure for use by Lake Anne Plaza visitors.

Is the land swap a good thing to do?

Reston Association has been a longtime supporter of the revitalization efforts associated with Lake Anne. This effort has been on-going for more than 20 years. The well being of all of our neighborhoods is of paramount importance to RA. Lake Anne is the  symbolic heart of Reston, we want to do what we can to make it a thriving and vibrant community.

What will Reston get out of the land swap?

First and foremost, we'll get a thriving Village Center. Second, the revitalization will result in an additional 1,125 dues-paying households. which at current dues translates to in excess of $650,000 in RA revenue. Third, we believe we can negotiate so significant proffers as a part of this land swap. We won't be losing any open space and we'll be contributing to a landmark project that will impact the larger RA community positively for years to come.

Want to know more? Attend the public hearing on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at RA Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr.