Several Reston Now readers have checked out the “Find My Car” kiosk now in use at Reston Town Center parking garages.

They don’t like what they — or pretty much anyone — can see.

The Find My Car electronic kiosk, touted by RTC owner Boston Properties as a perk of parking in the RTC garages, is aimed at helping you locate where you parked.

When you return to the garage, you can punch in your license plate number. The screen will show you a picture of your parked car, as well as info on space number.

Some users are calling that a violation of privacy, however.

Reston resident Mary Brett recently posted this on a local listserv and also messaged Boston Properties with her concerns:

“Yesterday, I became aware of the extremely dangerous ‘find your car’ computer in the garage next to Jackson’s. Once I typed my license plate number on the homepage, it revealed a very large, sharp photo of me exiting my vehicle alone. Once I tapped on the photo, it located my vehicle on a map.

Didn’t ANYONE realize that this machine is a stalker’s dream machine to hunt down prey?!? Angry ex? Bad boyfriend? Stalker? Robber? Rapist?”

The “Find My Car” software is part of the electronic upgrades that are being installed at Reston Town Center as paid parking prepares to go into effect on Sept. 12.

Parking will be $2 an hour on weekdays (Saturdays and Sundays remain free). RTC management is encouraging visitors to download the ParkRTC App for gateless and ticketless payment, as well as parking discounts and validation. There is also a LiveSafeRTC portion of the app, where visitors can report suspicious incidents and easily communicate with RTC security.

But some would-be visitors say they have issues with town center and the app developers, Passport Parking, having their credit card numbers, license plate numbers, and GPS location.

Brett calls the picture of her at RTC a “gross invasion of privacy.”

“Your seemingly innocent ‘innovation’ is both dangerous and a gross invasion of my privacy,” she told BP. “I never consented to you taking my photo, my vehicle’s photo, and providing this information to anyone perusing your public machine!” Read More

There is a rare empty storefront on Reston Town Center’s Market Street.

PR Barbers recently packed up its styling tools from 11944 Market St. (next to Bow Tie Cinemas) and moved to a more compact spot near RTC’s pavilion.

That leaves a vacant space for now. No permits have been filed and Reston Now does not yet know of a lease signed for the space.

There are several other empty storefronts at the other end of Market Street, where an AT&T Store and Brighton Collectibles used to be housed. That space is being cleared out for redevelopment of that block into an office tower with first-floor retail.

Since no construction start date has been announced, RTC is letting pop-up shops do temporary business there.  A sustainable textiles store, Living Threads, recently opened, and more pop-up shops are expected soon.

Meanwhile, what should go in the PR Barbers’ space? Tell us in the comments.

Updated, 4:20 p.m. Tuesday: Reston Town Center now said Tuesday afternoon in a Tweet it is turning off the availability signs “to allow for the final preparations for Sept. 12.”

Original story: Paid parking is still a few weeks away, but one of the features of the new parking system is up and running.

The electronic parking availability signs were on as of Monday, directing visitors to how many spaces are open at RTC’s seven garages.

There is one sign outside the garage entry that shows the total number of spaces available. A second sign, just inside the entry, shows the number of available spaces on each garage level. Signs inside the garage, suspended from the ceiling, show the number of available spaces in a particular row.

This could save visitors time they would spend circling the garage to find an open space.

After Sept. 12, this feature comes at a price. Parking will cost $2 an hour for weekday visitors. Saturday and Sunday will remain free, and some businesses will offer validation or discounts on future parking.

Learn more on Reston Town Center’s website.

With paid parking set to go into effect at Reston Town Center on Sept. 12, Reston Now last week asked readers to name some of their favorite restaurants located elsewhere in Reston.

We got 80 comments on that post (and more than 100 on the Reston Now Facebook page), with many great suggestions. Here are some of the spots readers gave lots of mention:

• Cafesano (South Lakes Village Center)
• Red’s Table (South Lakes Village Center)
• Glory Days (North Point Village Center; Fox Mill Shopping Center)
• Gregorio’s Trattoria (North Point Shopping Center)
• Kalypso’s (Lake Anne Plaza)
• Ariake (Hunters Woods Village Center)
• La Ong (Fox Mill Shopping Center)
• Cafe Montmartre (Lake Anne Plaza)
• Silver Diner (Reston)
• Amphora (Herndon)
• A Taste of the World (Herndon)

Which brings us to this weekend’s discussion: Where to go for a drink?

While “technically” there are no standalone bars according to Virginia law (only restaurants that serve alcohol), there are places in Reston, Herndon and nearby areas that are more popular for cocktails/beer/wine than for their meals.

Weekend parking will remain free at town center, so many drinking spots will see see do a brisk business. But what about a weekday drink? “Monday Night Football” viewing? Let us know where you will grab a pint if you want to park for free come September.

Photo: Beer taps at Red’s Table

Reston Town Center is going to paid parking next month, and more than 6,000 signatures protesting that development are very unlikely to change that at this point.

More than 6,600 people have signed a Change.org petition organized by Reston’s Suzanne Zurn. The petition is titled “Stop Paid Parking at Reston Town Center.”

Rob Weinhold, Boston Properties’ spokesperson for mobile pay parking and mobile safety communications programs, says he is aware of the pushback and welcomes feedback, but the $2-an-hour system is a done deal beginning Sept. 12.

“Boston Properties deeply respects the various perspectives of those who passionately care about this issue,” Weinhold said in an email. “The Reston Town Center management team is listening; in fact, several policies were enacted based, in part, on customer feedback:  free weekend and holiday parking, free parking for retailers and a soft touch approach to enforcement.”

However, Boston Properties, which owns Reston Town Center, is not bending on paid parking in general. A significant investment has already been made in developing the app-based system, putting signs in place, and installing electronic garage signs and pay kiosks, Weinhold said.

“Beginning on Monday, Sept. 12, those who patronize the Reston Town Center will experience two state-of-the-art technologies accessible through free downloadable apps to enhance their living, working and shopping experiences,” Weinhold said.

“Both technologies were thoroughly researched, investments have been made and the systems will be put into operation on Sept. 12.”

Read More

With the news this week that paid parking — with a complicated app-based system and even more complicated Bluetooth validation — will take effect at Reston Town Center Sept. 12, dozens of Restonians say that’s it for them at RTC.

Here are some comments from Reston Now’s Facebook page:

“I live 5 minutes away from RTC but ever since they got rid of the outdoor parking, I think I have visited there 4 times, and all of those were to see movies. … I have found other places to dine or shop. I will still go to the movies there occasionally but they pretty much lost me as a frequent visitor.”

“The whole idea of an app for parking at a nearby shopping center is just deflating. So much for spontaneity. I don’t need one more account/password to manage in my life. I’d rather spend my money on gas driving farther & parking with no hassle.”

“I will be shopping and dining at RTC less because of this! We are within a 20 minute drive of 3 major malls. I think this is a foolish move on the management of RTC!”

So let’s talk about Reston’s best places outside of RTC (I have my own personal triumvirate of dining awesomeness at South Lakes Village Center and Hunters Woods Village Center).

Without Reston Town Center in your personal mix, where will you spend your dining dollars in Reston/Herndon/Vienna and nearby?

When weekday paid parking goes into effect at Reston Town Center Sept. 12, visitors will have to learn a new system that includes, among other things, downloading and using an App; scanning a beacon for validation; or rushing to a kiosk to manually pay by cash or credit card.

That has led more than a few patrons to say they will no longer visit the town center. Or they will take their chances and not pay the $2 an hour.

Here’s how RTC owner Boston Properties plans to enforce parking violations.

Boston Properties says it will use a “soft touch” for the first several months that paid parking is in effect.

“This is a obviously a big change for Reston Town Center,” said BP Property Manager Matt Bonifant. “We have listened to the [visitor] feedback.”

Bonifant said they will progressively warn violators, but they will not ticket or tow (which is a change from current procedures). Patrons can expect leniency, say, for parking over the allotted time period or a one-time offense.

But with the new system in place, security can track how many times you have visited RTC and NOT paid, so repeat offenders should be aware, Bonifant said.

Repeat offenders could be stuck with the “bumblebee,” a device that is suctioned to the windshield so a driver cannot see out to drive a car away. To get the device removed, they must call security and pay a $35 fee.

Indicator lights will also blink when your car is in violation, letting security know to come check it out, Bonifant said.

Photo: The device that could be suctioned to your front windshield for repeat parking violations.

Calling all artists — the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR’s) ChalkFest comes back to Reston Town Center Sept. 9-10.

ChalkFest — in which artists of all ages and levels create murals on the pavement on Market Street —  is open to professional artists, amateur artists, families, and kids of all ages.

There will be prizes for professional artists, amateur artists, families and kids, in addition to the “Audience Choice Awards.”

Want to work on your skills before the event? IPAR will host a free chalk workshop with artist Patrick Owens on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 11 am to 1 pm. The workshop will be in front of the Mercury Fountain.

Registration fees start at $15. To reserve your space, visit IPAR online.

Photo of ChalkFest 2015 by Chip McRea

Reston Town Center will go to a paid parking system on Sept. 12. However, chances are, you may only pay a portion (or none) of the $2-an-hour weekday fee due to the cyberspace-based validation system that is also forthcoming, Boston Properties officials say.

Stores will be outfitted with validation Bluetooth-enabled beacons. It is up to the stores to determine what they are offering for validation, says BP Property Manager Matt Bonifant.

For instance, one store or restaurant might give you two hours free if you purchase something. Another might give you an hour just for walking in the door. Still another may offer validation if you spend 15 minutes in the store or enter a dressing room. Read More

When Reston Town Center goes to a paid parking system on Sept. 12, management is hoping thousands of people will download the ParkRTC App. It’s free; one account can be used for multiple cars; it offers special safety features; and will get you ticketless, gateless payment.

But judging by reaction from many Reston Now readers on previous stories and our Facebook page, some would-be RTC visitors will refuse to do so. A few others say they have no plans to purchase a smartphone.

So let’s say your co-workers are going to happy hour at Jackson’s or you have to take your child to a birthday party at Bow Tie Cinemas (both of which have plans to offer validation) and you begrudgingly must enter the $2-an-hour paid parking zone. What to do?

Here’s what:

Boston Properties says there are four ways to pay: By the App; online at ParkRTC.com; in-person via cash or credit card at a kiosk; or by phone at 571-485-7790 (you will be asked to enter parking zone and credit card info).

If you are not using the App, once you park you car in one of the seven garages at town center, you have a 15-minute grace period to sign-in your car at one of four pay kiosks. Kiosks are in the Purple, Blue, Green and Orange garages.

When you get to a pay station: Enter your zone (that’s listed on signs near where you parked); license plate number; expected length of stay;  and payment information (credit card, debit card or cash).

For cash users, the pay stations will not give change or provide refunds.

Many stores will validate (it’s high-tech and elaborate; more on that on Reston Now tomorrow), but here is something to know if you are App-less: The validation code you will get is good for your next visit to RTC and not on your current visit (App users will get the validation automatically and immediately sent to their account).

Reston Town Center’s paid parking system for visitors and some employees will go into effect on Sept. 12, Boston Properties officials said on Tuesday.

Boston Properties is encouraging visitors to download the ParkRTC App and familiarize themselves with the system now in order to make a smooth transition next month.

When the system goes into effect, visitors will pay $2 an hour (maximum $24 daily) in RTC’s seven garages and street rates of $3 an hour (free on Sundays). There will be many opportunities for validation from retailers, but that is still being finalized. Retailers who have confirmed they will offer validation include:

• Bow Tie Cinemas
• Crunch Fitness
• Barcelona Wine Bar
• Bartaco
• Community Canteen
• CVS Pharmacy
• Mon Ami Gabi
• Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food & Lucky Lounge
• PassionFish

Garage parking will be free on weekends and during special events.

“We realize moving from a free to a paid parking model gives some pause,” Peter Johnston, BP’s Executive Vice President for the DC Region, said in a statement. “However, Reston Town Center leadership continually focuses on strategies to enhance customer convenience, safety and the overall quality of life. The technological integration is an enormous step in advancing both of these historical and very worthwhile goals.”

Read More

Davelle Clothiers has moved into its new location at 2 Fountain Square at Reston Town Center.

The locally owned men’s shop had been located for 25 years on the other side of the building, facing Fountain Square. Shoppers can now find them in a larger space, facing the RTC parking garages along Freedom Drive.

The new space provides more a shopping experience for men, with stone accent walls, a bar and TVs airing CNN and ESPN while you shop.

Paid parking at Reston Town Center will be pushed back to September, Boston Properties representatives have told store owners.

Reston Town Center was supposed to go to paid parking ($2 an hour) on weekdays beginning Aug. 1. Weekends and special events will remain free.

The app-based pay system is now available for download. Boston Properties, which owns the town center, says it is going from free parking at its seven garages to a paid system in order to cut down on parking misuse by commuters.

Town Center representatives say many people are leaving their cars at RTC all day and hopping shuttles to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro. Many RTC patrons say they will avoid the town center when paid parking goes into effect. Read More

A Virginia native who founded a company that helps women artisans in developing countries will soon bring her store to Reston Town Center.

Living Threads Co. will open July 19 in the space formerly occupied by Brighton Collectibles, which closed its store at 11858 Market St. in May. The store will be a pop-up with a six-month lease, says founder Amanda Zehner.

That section of Market Street is slated for demolition and the rebuilding of an office tower, but a construction start date has not been set. The storefronts may end up housing several pop-up shops, starting with Living Threads Co.

Zehner, an Alexandria native, Virginia Tech grad and former Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, started her company while living in Maine in 2014. The store has done online sales and operates a seasonal shop near Bar Harbor. Zehner experimented with a pop up at D.C.’s Union Market over the 2015 holiday season.

She said Reston will be a good spot to try the concept as well, even at Reston Town Center, which has an abundance of corporate retail.

“There is more a consciousness here,” said Zehner. “I think people are willing to get away from the big brands.”

Living Threads Co. sells eco-friendly housewares such as blankets and tableware; clothing such as a scarves and ponchos; and children’s toys. The goods are made by artisans in Nicaragua, India, Guatemala and Nepal.

Ten percent of company profits go to a microcredit and training program for the artisans and 30 percent goes to the weavers themselves, says Zehner.

She says the impact is noticeable in improving the lives of the artisans.

“The weavers in Nicaragua have increased their income threefold,” said Zehner. “They had an income of less than $100 month and now are making $300 a month.”

Living Threads Co. will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The store will host a community open house with wine and snacks on Saturday, July 23 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Photo: Amanda Zehner/Credit: Living Threads Co.