Master Plan Phase II Continues With September, October Forums

There will be two chances this fall for Restonians to weigh in with their thoughts on the future of Reston’s neighborhoods and village centers.

These meetings are the next steps in Phase II of the Reston Master Plan Special Study process. Phase II, which kicked off in June, will look at what, if anything, should be done to redevelop those areas.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, there will be a community meeting to present and discuss “Strawman” text for Phase II’s neighborhoods.

The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at Reston Association, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr.

The second meeting, on Saturday, Oct. 18, will to discuss Strawman text about the village centers. The time and place will be announced soon.

Phase I of the Reston Master Plan Special Study was approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors earlier this year. Phase I looked at development around the three Silver Line Metro stations in Reston — Wiehle-Reston East, which opened last month, and Reston Parkway and Herndon-Monroe, which will open with Silver Line Phase II in 2018.

While Phase I took dozens of meetings that went on for more than four years, Phase II will be done under the new Fairfax Forward method of comprehensive plan review, which will rely on greater community engagement.

Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins said previously that as Reston embarks on its second 50 years, there needs to be a plan in place for redevelopment, whether that happens next year or in 30 years.

“Whether we develop today or in the future, we need to determine what the county’s role will be in that plan and what the plan should be,” she said. “Phase I changed the rules. Here, we are not changing the rules.”

Fairfax County officials say the the current comprehensive plan, last updated in 1989, requires revision because Reston no longer has a master developer to update the plan for Reston; the plan for Reston has outdated elements; and with population expected to grow with the arrival of Metro later this year, Reston is evolving as a community.

To read community suggestions for Phase II or to add your own, visit the Master Plan Special Study website.

Reston Master Plan Phase II Timeline

September 2014 — County will formulate “strawman” proposals on neighborhoods and village centers and present to residents in community meetings.

October 2014 — January 2015 — Community review and comment; possible additional community meetings.

February 2015 — Publish comprehensive text and staff report.

April 2015 — Fairfax County Planning Commission Public Hearing

June 2015 — Board of Supervisors Public Hearing.

File photo: Reston Master Plan Phase II open house at United Christian Parish in June