Golf Course Owners’ Request for Delay Denied in Fairfax Court

Proponents of open space in Reston got a small victory on Friday when Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Michael Devine denied the request of RN Golf Management, the owner of Reston National Golf Course, to delay the final issuance last month’s opinion on the future of the the 166-acre-course.

In November, the court vacated the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision from earlier in 2015, when it ruled that the golf course owners would not need a comprehensive plan amendment to redevelop the course as a residential neighborhood.

RN Golf has been saying the last several years it has no specific plans it just wants to know its rights.

Last week, RH Golf had asked the court to delay issuance of its order — which cements the ruling — for at least three months so as to permit RN Golf more time to consider alternative strategies.

That means the clock begins ticking now if RN Golf wants to take the case to the Virginia Supreme Court. RN Golf has 30 days from Dec. 4 to appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.

The issue dates back to 2012, when RN Golf asked Fairfax County if the course at Sunrise Valley and Colts Neck Road could be considered residential. Fairfax County Planning and Zoning said no, it’s open and recreational space. After several postponements, RN Golf filed an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), which heard from all sides in a lengthy hearing in January of 2015.

Rescue Reston, the advocacy group created in the wake of the golf course saga, said they expect a further fight in the case.

“We fully expect RN Golf Management to continue its attempts to invade our open space,” said Rescue Reston President Connie Hartke. “Rescue Reston will remain vigilant and take all steps necessary to prevent that from happening.”