April 6, 2022

Neighbors,

Hunter Mill residents have patiently waited for a new Reston Regional Library since the 2012 library bond referendum was approved by county voters. Although the bond funds less than half of the projected $30 million cost, and a new regional library has been tied up in the ongoing land use controversies surrounding Reston Town Center North redevelopment there is now hope for this project moving forward. 
 
Last week the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) received an unsolicited proposal and advertised for competing proposals to develop affordable housing and a new regional library at the intersection of Bowman Towne Drive and Towne Center Parkway (click on photo to view larger image). The unsolicited proposal aims to redevelop two county-owned properties with:
  • New affordable multifamily units for working families.
  • A New Reston Regional Library, including free parking for visitors and library users. This project would also help finance the necessary additional funds for constructing the new library while keeping the existing one open for the community. 
  • Additional affordable housing units located on the surface parking lot used currently by the Reston Police District Station.
  • New multilevel garage for police use will replace the station's current surface parking lot.
 
All told as many as 400 new affordable units could be built under this project across both parcels. Once FCRHA completes their procurement under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA), the proposal will be reviewed under necessary zoning and land use approvals. The county is restricted in providing more information on this proposal at this time due to the PPEA process established by state law, which I realize is less than ideal. However, please be assured that there will be comprehensive community engagement through the land use review and approval process.

The devil in these projects is always in the details, but the prospect of finally getting a new regional library and getting several hundred affordable housing units on the edge of Reston Town Center holds great promise. If you have questions or comments about this project, please email my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov

Respectfully,
Walter
Facebook Live on Friday, April 8: Join Us for Lunch!
The Reston Patch is hosting a Facebook Live discussion with me on Friday, April 8, noon to 12:30 p.m. Join me and reporter Michael O'Connell for a discussion about the latest news in Hunter Mill District and bring your questions, too. Join us here. You can email question ahead of time to michael.oconnell@patch.com
COVID-19 Update (April 6)
Earth Day 2022
Although Earth Day is officially Friday, April 22, celebrations and events will be taking place throughout this month. There's a lot we can do to protect and save our planet – and even the smallest steps can make a big difference. Here are a few ideas for what you can do:
  • Join a trash clean up effort in your neighborhood or organize one.
  • Consider solarizing your home – Learn more.
  • Participate in Reston Community Center's family friendly Green Reston event, April 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Learn more.
  • Join other volunteers from the Vienna Presbyterian Church and Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 30 at Glyndon Park in the Town of Vienna for an Earth Care and Habitat Restoration Event, 9 to 11 a.m. Learn more.
Land Use and Transportation
2022 Paving and Restriping Program Public Meeting April 18 at 7 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)’s Northern Virginia Paving Program improves hundreds of miles of roads in the county every year. VDOT and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation use this program as an opportunity to increase driver, bicyclist and pedestrian safety with road and crosswalk improvements while minimizing the financial investment in restriping work. The community is invited to provide striping-related feedback by attending a virtual public meeting and/or by submitting comments online. Learn more.

Reston Planning & Zoning Virtual Meeting, Monday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.
The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use Access Code: 2348 491 1269. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.
The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use code: 2336 267 2529 . For information, contact Paul Davis, 703-478-0283.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Update
The first phase of community outreach of the Task Force’s interim recommendations on the 14 areas of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study is underway. To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the Task Force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. The archive of meeting details and agendas is here. The video archive of all past task force meetings can be found on my YouTube page. If you have questions or would like to provide input, please email restonplantaskforce@fairfaxcounty.gov

Hunter Mill Transportation Advisory Council Meeting April 20
The next Hunter Mill Transportation Advisory Council (HMTAC) Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 at 8 a.m. The meeting will be virtual on Teams, Click here to join the meeting Or call 571-429-5982 and use Conference ID: 502 838 458#.The HMTAC meets quarterly on community transportation issues. For additional information or to be added to the HMD TAC email list contact Shyamali Hauth.
What's News in Vienna
Reserve a Picnic Shelter for Summer 2022
Reservations for the 2022 picnic and private events season are now open. The maximum rental time for a town picnic shelter is four hours, and only two reservations are accepted per day. Locations, fees and other details can be found here.
Summer Job Openings
Get paid to have fun as a camp counselor, camp aide or in other park jobs. Explore Vienna's opportunities online and apply today
Public Safety Update
Reston District Station Community Blood Drive April 18
The Reston District Police Station is hosting a blood drive with the INOVA Bloodmobile on Monday, April 18,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston. Registration is required. Your blood donation will support Fairfax County Police Department's Helicopter Division's whole blood carrying program for medevac services.
Pinwheel Garden Brings Awareness to Child Abuse Prevention
On Monday, Girl Scout Troop 50093 visited county police stations to "plant" a pinwheel garden to bring awareness to April being Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Thank you to our officers and especially our Victim Services Unit who diligently work to protect and support our youngest residents. Learn more.
4 Things to Know Today
Register for Tour de Hunter Mill and Hit the Road Saturday, May 14
The second annual Tour de Hunter Mill is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year, we will be starting at the Town of Vienna's Town Green with three routes that will take cyclists through scenic Hunter Mill District. Learn more.

Reston Founders Day is Saturday, April 9
Join your neighbors in celebrating Founders Day at Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday, April 9, noon to 4 p.m. Hosted by the Reston Museum, this annual event is back to celebrate Reston founder Robert Simon's birthday. Learn more

College Intern Search
I am looking for an exceptional college student with a passion for public service for a paid internship in my office this summer. This internship provides the opportunity to get hands-on experience in local government. Interviews will be virtual. Learn more.

Support Ukrainian Refugees With Donations Through April 15
You can drop off donations for refugees at more than 30 locations across Northern Virginia until April 15, including my office at 1801 Cameron Glen Dr. in Reston. Donations will be picked up and transported to refugees in Poland and residents in Ukraine. Here's what's needed:
  • New/Gently Used Coats
  • New Blankets
  • New Pairs of Sweat Socks/Heavy Socks
  • New Pairs of Gloves
Stay Informed and In Touch
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711