April 26, 2023

Neighbors,

After three years of extensive work and extensive collaboration across the community, we are getting closer to the adoption of an updated Reston Comprehensive Plan. Yesterday during the Board of Supervisors Land Use Policy Committee meeting, the Board was briefed by the county's Department of Planning and Development and by Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner John Carter on the plan draft and the timeline. I encourage you to review the information that was presented and discussed:

• Watch the meeting presentation and discussion here.
•  Review the staff presentation here.
•  Draft Plan Amendment (additional edits may be made in staff's final report in May)

As Commissioner Carter noted in yesterday's meeting, there has been some "version creep" of the draft plan, which may have led to some misinformation or confusion. The link above is the latest version of the draft comprehensive plan, which reflects input received from the public since the Reston Comprehensive Plan Task Force wrapped up its work last summer and from comments from members of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Here is what comes next (all dates are tentative):

• Mid-May: Final staff report
• June 14: Planning Commission public hearing
• July 11: Board of Supervisors public hearing
• TBD July 11 or later: Board of Supervisors adopts updated Reston Comprehensive Plan

Additional Resources:

• Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage
• Jan. 24 Board Matter: Reauthorization of Reston Comprehensive Plan Study
• Watch Jan. 24 Board of Supervisors Discussion
•  Watch Jan. 26 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion
• Watch March 30 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion

I am looking forward to finalizing a better comprehensive plan for Reston’s future, while we bring forward and build upon the Planning Principals created by Reston’s founder Robert E. Simon Jr. The new plan will be an important document to guide growth during the coming decades in Reston.

Regards,

Walter

The Board of Supervisors held three committee meetings yesterday, Tuesday, April 25. You can review the materials at the links below and watch the meetings here.

• Land Use Policy Committee
• Older Adults Committee
• Environmental Committee

Upcoming FY 2024 Proposed Budget Meetings

• Friday, April 28 at 3 p.m. Budget Policy Committee, Budget Pre-Markup
• Tuesday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. Board of Supervisors meeting, Budget Markup
• Tuesday May 9, 9:30 a.m. Board of Supervisors meeting, Budget Adoption
• FY 2024 Adopted Budget becomes effective July 1, 2023

Budget Process Timeline

There is only one way to get these great Tour de Hunter Mill socks and that is to register and participate in the May 7 Tour de Hunter Mill! Make sure you register soon! There are three routes that all begin and end at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd. The routes take you through some of our more scenic areas in Hunter Mill. The short and long rides include a pitstop at the beautiful Frying Pan Farm Park. Three routes (click link to view route): 

• Family Ride: 5.9 miles
• Short Ride: 15.5 miles
• Long Ride: 29 miles

The fee is $30, which includes a donation to our Tour de Hunter Mill partner, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling and of course, the popular Tour de Hunter Mill socks. Learn more and register.

Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting May 9 

The next Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting is Tuesday, May 9, 7 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library (Meeting Room 1). The agenda includes presentations on public facility needs from the Police Department, the Park Authority, and Fairfax County Public Schools. Learn more.

From Dominion Energy: Spring Hill-Tysons Underground Electric Transmission Project/Vesper Trail Closures

Dominion Energy is preparing to begin construction for the Springhill-Tysons 230 kV Underground Electric Transmission project. This project will convert an existing overhead transmission line located between the Tysons Substation and future Spring Hill Substation to a new underground line. One of the impacts is closure of the Vesper Trail for approximately one week scheduled (pending weather conditions) this weekend. While most activities will occur during daytime hours, certain activities will require night work. Also, Dominion says to expect a longer closure of the Vesper Trail later this year when the bulk of the construction project gets underway. Learn more (including map)

Fire Station Tours

I recently met with Battalion Chief David Bentley who told me about the almost daily tours that are given at our county fire stations, including Reston Station 25. In addition to Scouts and other organizations, parents bring by their children as a reward for good grades and other accomplishments. He told me that our firefighters enjoy showing off our state-of-the-art equipment and hopefully recruiting our next generation of firefighters. Thank you very much to these personnel who provide this great service to our community! Pictured is Reston Station Technician Corey Diamond showing a young visitor the Medic Unit.

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces Safety Information

Portable or stationary fire pits have become very popular and are used all year. The Fairfax County Fire Department provides information to help prevent unwanted fires resulting from the unlawful or unsafe operation and/or storage of portable outdoor fireplaces. If you have any questions, contact the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more.

Arbor Day Tree Planting

This Friday, April 28 at 5 p.m. you are invited to the Town of Vienna's 2023 Arbor Day celebration. Held at the Vienna Community Center, the town's parks and recreation staff will team up with local scouts to plant a tree in conjunction with the national observance, which celebrates the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees.

Safe Disposal of Drugs

Did you miss Drug Take Back Day on Saturday? The Fairfax County Health Department provides information on ways to safely dispose of unused or unwanted medication all year long. Learn more.

Take Survey on Ways to Address Opioid Epidemic

Share Your Thoughts on Resource Needs to Address the Opioid Epidemic – Take the Survey by May 12

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

COVID-19 Resources

Updates from the Fairfax County Health Department

• New Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccines

Big Spring Book Sale April 27-30

The Friends of Reston Regional Library are hosting the Big Spring Book Sale tomorrow through Sunday. I stopped by on Monday and helped volunteers to get ready for the sale and I can tell you that there are a lot of books! Learn more.

Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park Saturday, May 6

The whole family can enjoy a day of life on the farm with sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Get hands-on and try milking cows and goats. Enjoy crafts, games, and get an up-close introduction to the baby farm animals. One wagon ride included with each paid admission. Cost is $10 per person two and older before May 6. Walk-ins welcome, $12 at the door on the day of the event. Learn more.

List of Fun Spring/Summer Events Countywide

Visit Fairfax has put together a great list of upcoming events countywide and many are right here in Hunter Mill District. The list includes this weekend's Taste of Vienna, the Reston Pride Festival and Viva! Vienna!, which are both in May, as well as several more. Get the list.

Take a Swing at Golf Tournaments

Fairfax County Golf is hosting a variety of tournaments at multiple golf courses throughout the county. For tournament registration, course locations and to learn more about all seven of the Park Authority’s municipal golf courses, visit the Park Authority’s Golf website.