Action Prior to Board Meeting – The Board of Directors (Board) of the Reston Citizens Association (RCA) undertook the following action prior to its monthly meeting on August 29, 2022.
Fannie Mae Rezoning – On August 2, 2022 the Fairfax County (County) Board of Supervisor (BoS) approved the Fannie Mae Rezoning Request by a vote of 11 – 1. On August 3, 2022 President Mulston noted via email correspondence with the Board that this approval had deficiencies and inquired whether the Board should undertake an appeal of this decision. There was email correspondence among the Board discussing this appeal. Later on August 3, 2022 President Mulston spoke with Supervisor Alcorn who noted that the Fannie Mae Rezoning was a legislative decision by the BoS and could not be undone. Supervisor Alcorn noted that reversals of prior BoS decisions had been attempted in the past but had failed due to the lack of standing by the participants. There was no further discussion among the Board on this matter.
Board Meeting – On August 29, 2022 President Mulston called to order the meeting of the Board at 7:32 pm. This was a ZOOM meeting.
Individual Attendees via ZOOM were: Lynne Mulston, President; Joe Leighton, Treasurer; Shawn Endsley, Secretary; Connie Hartke; Dennis Hays; Yavuz Inanli and Michele Silver. Vice- President Gary Maupin, Director Scott Arwood, Director Vincent Dory and Director Brian Steiner were absent. President Mulston determined that a quorum of 7 of 11 members was present at 7:32 pm and the meeting could proceed.
President Mulston noted that Director Steiner had been unable to attend Board meetings due to his business commitments. President Mulston asked the Board to identify possible replacements for Director Steiner.
Adoption of Agenda – President Mulston asked for adoption of the agenda. Upon motion made by Secretary Endsley, and seconded by Director Silver, the Board unanimously approved the proposed agenda.
Approval of Minutes – President Mulston asked for approval of the minutes of the July 26, 2022 Board meeting. Upon motion made by Director Hays, and seconded by Treasurer Leighton, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of the July 26, 2022 meeting.
Approval of Treasurer’s Report – President Mulston then asked for approval of the Treasurer’s Report. Upon motion made by Secretary Endsley, and seconded by Director Hays, the Board unanimously approved the Treasurer’s Report.
Reston Comprehensive Plan (RCP) Task Force Updates – President Mulston, Vice-President Maupin and Director Hays are members of the RCP Task Force. President Mulston indicated that the last meeting of the RCP Task Force had occurred and a copy was sent via email to the Board. This is the version that will be submitted to the public for their review in September and October. President Mulston asked for the Board’s opinion on how RCA should engage with the public in reviewing this draft. There are several options: 1) serve as conduit to the community; 2) receive comments and submit those comments to Supervisor Alcorn and Planning Commissioner Carter; and/or 3) organize a review event for the community similar to the candidate forums that have been sponsored in the past. There was a consensus of the Board that RCA should organize and hold a community review event to solicit community feedback on the current RCP version.
President Mulston noted that community outreach was scheduled for September 6 through October 28, 2022. Currently various dates are being identified for various chapters to be discussed with the community. It is expected that the Planning Commission will meet in late September and early October to discuss the RCP with public comments expected in November. The BoS is expected to meet on the RCP in December.
It was suggested that the RCA event be focused on homeowners’ associations within the Reston community. That appears to be an underserved group. Given the Board consensus to hold a community review event President Mulston agreed that a second stand-alone meeting should be held to develop the specifics associated with this event given the four director absences.
Reston Civic Center (aka Reston Town Center North (RTCN)) Unsolicited Proposal – President Mulston asked Director Hays to update the Board. Director Hays noted that he had written directly to Foulger-Pratt and requested the content of their proposal. Director Hays has not heard back on his request. A response from the County Attorney was received on Director Hays earlier correspondence which indicated the County would comply with all Virginia statutes. There are a number of issues with this proposal such as density, buildings overlooking the County Police station, the library in the midst of housing along with shared parking versus dedicated parking. Supervisor Alcorn has established a task force for involvement in this proposal although nothing much is expected until resolution of the RCP. One key item is that no interim agreement can be reached until after public hearings have been held. Director Hays noted that this proposal seems to be on a fast track with little transparency on information for the public. This will continue to be an area of focus.
MWAA Proposal – DTR Toll Rate Increase – Director Dory reported via email that there has been no response to the RCA statement on the DTR rate increase.
Fannie Mae Rezoning – As noted above, the Fannie Mae rezoning proposal was approved by an 11 – 1 vote at the BoS. Both President Mulston and Director Silver attended the meeting. Despite the deficiencies in the proposal for compliance with Reston’s planning principles and density requirements that do not align with neighboring communities among other items the rezoning was approved. This decision by the BoS is not appealable. A question was raised if current economic conditions would impact the pace of this development. That is currently unknown. There is nothing further for the Board to do. It was noted that this development has become the focus of Wheelock taking their attention away from development of Hidden Creek Golf Course (HCGC).
Golf Courses Update – Reston National Golf Course (RNGC) – President Mulston asked Director Hartke to provide an update on RNGC. Director Hartke noted that September is the deadline for presenting residential feedback on the development of RNGC to Supervisor Alcorn. Director Hartke noted that the developers have not engendered good will with the surrounding communities. Currently, the developers Weller Development Co. and War Horse Cities hired New City Enterprises to launch a study group to assess conditions around RNGC. The study group has alleged that South Reston is an “amenity desert” as compared to other areas of Reston. Possible plans by the developers would be designed to address these deficiencies. Director Hartke noted that the past promises of the developers in other venues have not been realized. In October Director Hartke noted Rescue Reston plans to address the issues surrounding RNGC.
Hidden Creek Golf Course (HCGC) – President Mulston reported no new developments with respect to HCGC. President Mulston noted that membership is increasing but Wheelock is not investing in the property. As noted above, Wheelock has been focused on the Fannie Mae rezoning.
Other Business – President Mulston asked the Board for other items.
Secretary Endsley – A resolution was proposed to thank President Mulston, Vice-President Maupin and Director Hays for their involvement and participation on the RCP Task Force.
Resolved: That the Board of Directors of the Reston Citizens Association thank all of the members of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Task Force but especially Lynne Mulston, Gary Maupin and Dennis Hays for their timely efforts and work on the Reston Comprehensive Plan (RCP). Their participation assisted in the development of the final draft RCP that will be submitted to the community for review and ultimately approval by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
After discussion and inclusion of two amendments the Board unanimously approved the resolution.
Director Hartke – She solicited any member of the Board that would like to participate in a tour of the Lake Anne Fellowship House. Please let her know.
Director Inanli – He noted that a private bus service was being initiated to connect a Silver Line Metro Station with the Reston Town Center. Director Inanli felt that a public transportation option should be considered to integrate these Reston features. Director Inanli agreed to work on reviewing these features.
President Mulston – She noted she still planned to invite the Captain of the Reston Station of the Fairfax County Police Force to meet with the Board. President Mulston will work to identify an appropriate time for this invitation.
Closing – President Mulston indicated the next meeting of the Board would be scheduled for September 26, 2022 at 7:30 pm. President Mulston then asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 pm. Upon motion made by Director Silver and seconded by Secretary Endsley, the Board unanimously agreed to adjourn.
Action Subsequent to the Board Meeting – President Mulston sent an email to the Board soliciting those directors interested in working on the RCP review meeting. As of August 30, 2022 Secretary Endsley, Treasurer Leighton, Director Arwood and Director Inanli had responded affirmatively.