Reston Association will remove dozens of trees near Butler Pond after learning the trees that line the pond are in violation of a state requirement for dam safety. The problem was flagged last year.
RA staff’s said crews expected to begin the work in the beginning of September last year, but RA later realized the area where clearing was slated was larger than 2,500 square feet — kicking in a county requirement for an engineered plan and permits from Fairfax County, Nicki Bellezza, RA’s watershed manager, told Reston Now.
RA received permits last August and finalized a contractor after putting the project out to bid, she said. Roughly 126 trees larger than four inches in diameter will be removed by the end of the year, along with hundreds of other smaller trees.
Clearing the trees is necessary to ensure protection from floods and preserve the dam’s safety. The violation of the state requirement was found during a routine inspection of the pond, Bellezza said.
“Trees on the dam may look good but can lead to surface problems,” she said. The uprooting of trees can cause major voids in the embankment to surface and decaying roots can create cause the back side of the dam to slide. Also, in some cases, channels necessary for water to pipe through can become exposed, resulting in leakage and dam breaching, which can cause flooding of downstream homes.
Reston Association expects the work to be completed by the end of the year.
According to Virginia code:
Dam owners shall not permit the growth of trees and other woody vegetation and shall remove any such vegetation from the slopes and crest of embankments and the emergency spillway area, and within a distance of 25 feet from the toe of the embankment and abutments of the dam.
Butler Pond is located on the west side of Reston Parkway near the intersection with Route 7. It was created in 1989 and has a surface area of about three acres.
One of the hottest neighborhoods for home sales — After crunching the numbers and ranking subdivisions by the increase in median sales prices, the increase in price per square foot, and other measures, the top areas were ranked. The 2018 median sales price for Reston was $515,000 and homes remained on the market for nine days, with sale price percentage increasing by 8.4 percent. [The Washington Business Journal]
Dog days of summer — The last dog paddle of the season will take place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your dog for a dip in the pool. Registration is $6 for Reston Association members and $8 for all others. [Reston Association]
Adapted teen tour, ride and dance today — Young adults with special needs and their buddies can take a tour of Frying Pan Farm Park, ride on a wagon and learn how to do “social dancing” at the farm. Registration is $12. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo by Wade Gilley, Sr.
Aside from several stand-out pieces, there are a lot of art displays to explore around Lake Anne Plaza.
On Friday, Oct. 10, art historian Phoebe Avery will offer a walking tour of art around the plaza. The tour begins in front of Lake Anne Coffee House.
The event is presented by Reston Association and Public Art Reston. Registration is $5 for Reston Association members and $8 for all others. The tour will run from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Other tours are also planned by RA, including a newcomers’ bus tour on Saturday and a Hunter Mill Road historical tour on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
File photo
Reston Association is offering bike riders to ride along with the 55+ bike riders for a “multi-modal” ride to Capitol Hill and surrounding areas.
The ride is set for Oct. 10 (Wednesday) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bikers will meet at the Wiehle-Reston Metro Station and take the Metro into the city.
Attendees should bring a bike in good repair, a Metro pass, money for lunch and a lock. Helmets are mandatory and must be worn during the ride.
The ride is roughly 15 miles. Anyone with questions should email [email protected] or call 703-435-6577.
Registration is $8 for RA members and $10 for all others.
File photo
Reston Association’s Board of Directors approved process changes to its design review guidelines Thursday night. The changes, under discussion for just under two years, are aimed to expedite application processing and boost efficiency.
Overall, review of cluster standard applications would jump from review by the Design Review Board’s panel to consultation-level review with two DRB members. Additionally, other applications would move from consultation-level review to staff-level review only.
A complete list of the approved changes is available online. No content changes to the design guidelines are in effect as a result of Thursday’s approval.
Anna Varone, RA’s director of covenants administration, said the changes will help “streamline the process to allow quicker processing.” The DRB held a public hearing on the changes in July.
Members can still request appeals of applications, including those now delegated to staff-level review.
Photo via YouTube/Reston Association
Halloween volunteers needed — Volunteers are being sought for Reston Association’s Halloween House and Trick-or-Treat Trail at the Walker Nature Center on Oct. 26 and 27. To volunteer, contact [email protected]. [Reston Today]
Ramp and lane closures planned this week — You guessed it. Phase two of the Silver Line will usher in a flurry of lane and ramp closures along the Dulles Toll Road, Herndon Parkway, Edmund Halley Drive, Sunrise Valley Drive, Sunset Hills Roa and Moran road this week. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
Take a stroll through Reston National Golf Course — Walk with a naturalist from the Walker Nature Center and golf course neighbors from 3-5 p.m. and learn more about natural resources and the experiences that open space provides. [Reston Association]
Re-striping — If you frequent the Herndon-Monroe garage, expect new traffic patterns as pavement re-striping is happening throughout the garage. [Fairfax Connector]
Photo by Charlotte Geary
Thousands of used books will be available for purchase at Reston Regional Library this weekend. The semi-annual book sale is open to all from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and between noon and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Prices are 50 cents and above.
Although there will be plenty of books available for purchase, no children’s books will be offered at the sale. All proceeds go to the library for materials and programming.
Other featured events include the following:
(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)
- Enjoy family splash at the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods today. The pool will be open for a night of family fun from 7-9 p.m. The entry fee is $13 for Reston residents and $26 for all others.
- Bring the family for a campfire program on Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. S’mores and other campfire treats will be provided. Registration is $7 for Reston Association members and $9 for all others.
- Beginning this weekend, the work of Virginia-based artist Rahshia Sawyer will be on display at the Greater Reston Art Center’s satellite gallery at Signature. The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- For teachers and poetry lovers, Scrawl Books will host a workshop on how to shake up the traditional classroom approaching to writing poetry. The workshop, which takes place on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., is led by Ann Marie Stephens, contributing author to The Write Thing. If you swing by on the weekend, you can also write a postcard to your favorite banned author — an activity by the bookstore as part of Banned Books Week.
- If you’re in Reston Town Center that day, you can also swing by the second annual Runway to the Cure from 6-11 p.m at the pavilion. Breast cancer survivors will take part in a fashion show and proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
- A new exhibit called “Green is the Secret Color to Make Gold” will be on display beginning Saturday and through Nov. 24. The art features DC-based artist Caitlin Teal Price. An opening reception is set for Saturday from 5-7 p.m. at GRACE.
- South Lakes High School’s food pantry is also organizing a “Do It Your Way 0.5k” to raise money for the pantry on Sunday. The event includes sweets, entertainment and raffle prizes and will take place at Lake Anne Plaza at 4 p.m.
- On Sunday, The Bad Plus, a musical trio, performs at Reston Community Center from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 Reston residents and $30 for all others. The event is part of RCC’s Professional Touring Artist Series.
- South Lakes High School will become the site for the seventh annual Perfect 10, a race in which participants can choose to run a 10k or a 10-miler. The event, presented by Fidelity Investments, is set for Sunday from 8-10 a.m.
- But if you’d rather begin your Sunday morning with free yoga at Lake Anne Plaza, you can do so from 9-10 a.m. as well.
File photo
A developer’s plan to rezone and redevelop Hidden Creek Country Club from a private golf course into a 100-acre public park with between 600 to 1,000 residential units drew passionate opposition from residents Thursday night.
Wheelock Communities, which purchased the golf course in October last year, presented its conceptual plan for the 160-acre property to Reston Association’s Board of Directors. A formal development plan has not been submitted to the county and would require the county to rezone the property. Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan restricts Hidden Creek Country Club as a private recreational use, specifically a golf course. RA also passed a resolution in 2016 that states Reston’s two golf courses are reserved for golfing only, although the approval of the project and required rezoning is determined by the county.
Steve Coniglio, a regional partner with Wheelock, pitched the concept to RA’s board as an environmentally-friendly move that would serve unmet public space needs in Reston and provide for-sale housing stock at a variety of undisclosed affordability levels. Wheelock, which led several work group sessions with area stakeholders about its plans, would also restore several degraded streams on the site and end Lake Anne water rights exclusive to the golf course, creating a community gathering space with input from residents.
In a flashback to its defense of Reston National Golf Course, which was threatened by development several years ago, Rescue Reston, the grassroots organization that seeks to preserve the golf course and push back against unplanned development, challenged Wheelock to sell the site to another owner who can preserve the golf course and help it rebound.
“They throw in their version of a ‘park’ to misdirect and divide us,” said Lynne Mulston of Rescue Reston, adding that Wheelock’s plan makes “insulting assumptions” about Reston. A survey of area residents conducted by Rescue Reston this year found that nearly 97 percent of the 454 respondents want to preserve the golf course for private recreational use.
“It’s a bad swing that takes Reston out of bounds,” Mulston added.
Rescue Reston members, clad in yellow shirts, also said Wheelock’s plan leaves many unanswered questions, including who will maintain and pay for the park and pedestrian access. The group also said Wheelock’s plan is not driven by environmental stewardship because residential development would require tree removal and contribute to stormwater runoff.
“Open space today, tomorrow, forever,” said Rescue Reston’s president Connie Hartke.
But Coniglio said the golf course is struggling to court members for dues-only membership, forecasting an uncertain future for the golf course. “Everyone says make it better, but it’s a business and its about cash flow,” Coniglio said.
The company spent around $500,000 for capital improvements to the golf course this year and future expenses to maintain the golf course are only expected to rise, he said.
“Yes, it’s a golf course today. That’s absolutely true. But is the golf course the best use of the land as it relates to the rest of the community? I don’t think it necessarily is,” Coniglio said.
RA board members pushed Wheelock for more information, including market analyses, on how the developer determined the golf course’s current use was unsustainable.
“Why would I join a club if the press tells me you’re going to close it?” said RA board member Julie Bitzer, adding that Wheelock’s vision for the property fails to acknowledge Reston’s golf course heritage.
Wheelock’s vision for the property includes between 600 and 1,000 residential units with a mix of townhouses, villas, and multi-family units. Coniglio said the developer designed the project “backwards” by focusing on open, public space. The residential component of the project would generate between $300,000 and $500,000 in yearly revenue for RA.
“We started with the open space, we started with the stream and the environment and that’s why we don’t have a plan with streets and boxes here for you,” Coniglio said, noting that the development would be designed so that it transitions smoothly to surrounding areas.
RA board member Ven Iyer said it was unfair to neighboring residents who could see their backyards jump from a private to public use.
Wheelock’s presentation is below:
Hidden Creek Country Club Presentation by Wheelock Communities by Fatimah Waseem on Scribd
Rescue Reston’s presentation can also be found below:
Rescue Reston North Course Presentation by Fatimah Waseem on Scribd
Photo via YouTube
Scam and fraud awareness event today — At an event at Reston Association headquarters, today from 4-7 p.m., a local detective and community partners will discuss warning signs of fraud and provide information about common scams that frequently target the older adult community. [AARP Virginia]
Not betting the farm — “Key players in the joint bid for Amazon’s second headquarters say their community’s time has come, even if the Seattle-based company picks another location.” [Washington Business Journal]
A free (but not necessarily full) ride — Loudoun County Transit is offering free bus service from the park-and-ride in Purcellville to the Wiehle-Reston Metro Station beginning Oct. 1. [The Loudoun Tribune]
Photo by Charlotte Geary
Member listening sessions begin tomorrow — Reston Association’s Board of Directors invites RA members to take part in a few listening sessions that begin tomorrow. Other meetings are set for Oct. 3, Oct. 10, and Oct. 17. [Reston Today]
Missing Sterling teen found — Bryan Ortega-Henriquez, 15, went missing last week and was found yesterday, according to local law enforcement. He was believed to be in the Herndon area. [Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office]
Decision on RTC West expected today — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on a major project to expand RTC West from an office park with some retail into a mixed-use project with up to 576 multifamily units. [Fairfax County Government]
Give blood today — INOVA’s bloodmobile will be in Reston Town Center today from 1-6 p.m. [Reston Town Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Lake Anne Plaza will become a melting pot of culture this Saturday as the Reston Multicultural Festival kicks off on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees for this free event can enjoy arts, crafts, food, entertainment, shopping and other family-friendly activities. The program is available online.
Reston Farm Market is also celebrating it’s one-year anniversary under new ownership on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the market. The celebration features a fall festival with games, moon bounces, train rides and pumpkin pies. Admission is $10 per person and admission for kids under ages two and under are free.
(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)
- Enjoy free Zumba at Life Time Athletic (1757 Business Center Drive) today from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Zumba Pool Blacklight Party.
- The Herndon Homecoming Parade is on Saturday from 9:30 a.m to 2 pm. on Elden Street. This year’s theme is Big Top. Bring a chair and support the Hornets in downtown Herndon.
- On Saturday, you can also help remove what Reston Association calls an “English ivy overload” on RA’s open space by participating in the organization’s Habitat Heroes event. Volunteers will work in various areas near the Wiehle overpass from 10 a.m. to noon.
- A green screen photo booth will be on-site at Reston Regional Library from 2-4 p.m. You can take your picture by placing yourself directly in a story.
- The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will hold a Twilight 5K on Saturday at 6 p.m. at South Lakes High School. Residents of Northern Virginia who are 50 years or older are eligible to sign up.
- On Sunday, channel the seven chakras or energy centers within your body with this mindful painting workshop at Rise Well-Being Center from 2-5 p.m.
- If you’d rather be out and about on Sunday, you can take part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Reston Town Center from 2:30-4 p.m. Registration is free and there’s no minimum fundraising requirement.
- And the annual Reston Runner tradition is back on Sunday. Participants will run from Reagan National Airport back to Reston beginning at 7 a.m.
- Lake Anne Brewhouse’s Saturday morning beer run is on at 9:45 a.m. The taproom opens at 10 a.m. for pretzels, coffee and beer.
File photo via Reston Community Center
Stay away from Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau — A toxic algae bloom spotted at the lakes two weeks ago remains, so Reston Association staff are encouraging residents to avoid contact with the water. Pets also shouldn’t swim or drink from the lakes. [Reston Association]
Silver Line investigation continues — Metro’s Office of the Inspector General announced Wednesday that it’ll take over an investigation into flawed concrete in phase two of the Silver Line extension project. The effort is currently overseen by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. [The Washington Post, WMATA]
A natural recovery at Sunrise Valley Elementary School — When a renovation project at the school required the removal of trees to maintain line of sight for pedestrians and drivers, Reston Association, the school system and two design firms partnered to restore a natural area at the school. The area is now a natural habitat for birds, butterflies and other animals. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Lake Anne Plaza is the place to be on Saturday (Sept. 22) at for the annual Reston Multicultural Festival.
The festival, which is organized by Reston Community Center, hosted by Lake Anne Plaza and cosponsored by Reston Association, aims to celebrate culture and honor diversity as one of Reston’s “greatest strengths,” according to organizers. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire representative of their cultural roots.
The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with remarks by local and state leaders, including state Sen. Janet Howell and Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins. Remarks will be followed by a naturalization ceremony for the area’s newest citizens. The festival also features National Heritage Award fellows, arts and crafts activities, an “Art Mirrors Culture” 3D exhibit and family activities from around the world. The festival ends at 6 p.m. and will take place rain or shine.
Entertainment will be offered in three areas: the world stage, the global stage, and RCC Lake Anne. Other activities include a global cafe and a global market. The complete program and a map are available online.
Photo via Reston Community Center
Lanes reopen after fatal crash — Lanes are starting to reopen after a fatal accident in the eastbound direction of Interstate 66 happened earlier this morning. One person was killed in the crash. [WTOP]
Save the date, bookworms — The Friends of the Reston Regional Library will host its semi-annual fall book sale on Thursday, September 27 through Sunday, September 30. [The Friends of the Reston Regional Library]
And save your pool passes, too — All adult, child, and all-season guest pool passes are renewable online, so don’t forget to keep the passes at the end of the season. Tennis, pickleball and aqua fitness passes are also renewable online. [Reston Association]
“What We Do for Love” discussion tonight at 7 p.m. — In this discussion led by Dr. Rewa Burnham of Trinity Washington University, attendees will discuss the following theme: what we do for love. Each discussion is based on an episode of the PBS show “The Great American Read.” [Reston Regional Library]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon has become the temporary home for nine horses affected by Hurricane Florence.
The park is on the Virginia Equine Evacuation Site List, allowing the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park to notify 6,000 members on the list that the park was available to lend a hand.
The nine horses are from southern Virginia and North Carolinas. Horse owners do not incur any costs for using the stalls at Frying Pan Farm Park and can visit their horses while they’re at the park.
Equestrian manager Meghan Look is working with Visit Fairfax, a nonprofit organization that promotes the county as a tourist destination, to find lodging and food for the horse owners while they’re in the area.
The state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services waived inspection requirements typically required to transfer a horse across state lines. Look said there was no time to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to receive the certificate due to the hurricane.
The horses will remain at the park until it is safe to return to their homes. At least 17 people have died in storm-related incidents since Hurricane Florence sprawls over six states, with North and South Carolina in the bull’s eye. The hurricane is expected to produce widespread heavy rains.
Photos via Cristin Bratt
