Op-Ed: The Tetra Property Opportunity

This is an op-ed by Eve Thompson, who represents Lake Anne/Tall Oaks on the Reston Association Board of Directors. It does not reflect the views of Reston Now.

By now, Reston Association members have begun to receive their ballots on the question of whether or not we as a community should move forward with the purchase of the Tetra Property.

The RA Board voted unanimously to put this question to the membership. The opportunity to add to Reston Association’s common areas are far and few between. This particular parcel provides a unique opportunity to create a multi-purpose venue that we believe, based on staff and committee research, would be much in demand and would add to the types of recreational opportunities we are able to offer our members.

Based on the appraisal, we believe we’ve arrived at a reasonable market price. I think it’s safe to assume that based on the development that will be taking place around Lake Anne the price won’t be going down; and that I think brings us to the real crux of the question.

The RA Board has a responsibility to investigate these kinds of opportunities. We are not empowered to act unilaterally, but we are empowered to gather enough information to determine if an opportunity makes potential sense for the community.

That is what we’ve done here — the rest is up to you. For some it will make sense to add to the band of 90+ acres that runs along Barron Cameron. For others it will make sense to make sure that the property is not able to be developed — now or ever; and for others it won’t make sense at all.

What is critical is that you had the opportunity to decide.

Something on your mind? Send a letter to [email protected]. Reston Now reserves the right the edit letters for spelling, style and clarity.