May 24, 2023

Neighbors,

This morning the county's Department of Planning and Development published its staff report with its recommendations for an updated Reston Comprehensive Plan. As I have noted previously, this process began with my Board Matter in January 2020. Since then, a community task force formally met 58 times, not including many small group meetings, over the course of more than two years. They approved a draft of the Comprehensive Plan last August. In addition, there have been multiple public meetings, Planning Commission workshops, Land Use Policy Committee meetings and many hours of staff review.

I am looking forward to reviewing the staff report to ensure that it includes the essence of goals from that Board Matter three years ago. Last updated in 2015, the Reston Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document for land use and development decisions in Reston. Here's what comes next:

June 6

Prior to the formal public hearing before the Planning Commission on June 14, Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner John Carter is hosting a community meeting on June 6, 6:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School Lecture Hall, 11400 South Lakes Dr., Reston. If you need more information about this meeting, contact my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.

June 14

The Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Those who wish to share their views in-person should sign up as a speaker online. Ahead of the public hearing, comments may be submitted to the Planning Commission by phone, in-person, email, or recorded video.

Date TBD

I plan to hold a community meeting following the Planning Commission meeting and prior to a Board of Supervisors public hearing. I will have those details in the newsletter next month.

July 25

if the Planning Commission recommends moving forward with the Plan Amendment, then the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 25. Following the public hearing, the Board of Supervisors will take action on the recommended Plan Amendment text.

To review the Reston Comprehensive Plan Staff Report and get additional information about the study and the public hearings, visit the Reston Study webpage.

Regards,

Walter

Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! Please note that Fairfax County Government offices will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of the holiday. Learn more.

Bike to Work Day

Last Friday was Bike to Work Day and also the ribbon cutting for the WMATA Potomac Yard Station in Alexandria. So I figured out how to do both! Rode my bike from home to the Wiehle-Reston Station and then rode Metro to the Potomac Yard Station. Using multimodal transportation is great on a beautiful spring day and it was really easy to take my bike on Metro! I encourage you to consider participating in next year's Bike to Work Day or one of the many bike events held countywide. Or just get out for a ride when you can, using the county's Bike Map. It's a great way to see our community.

Vienna Elementary School 150th Anniversary

On Friday evening I participated in the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Vienna Elementary School. This special community landmark has the designation as the longest continuous operating school within Fairfax County Public Schools and also happens to be one of the oldest buildings still operating. It was great to join Mayor Colbert and other officials to note this important anniversary.

Korean Bell Garden Ceremony at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

I joined several of my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors on Saturday to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. A cultural landmark for Korean Americans, it is the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Thank you very much to the Korean American Cultural Committee for a great event. Learn more.

James Madison High School Completes Renovation

On Monday, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid, Hunter Mill School Board member Melanie Meren and local officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony to note the completion of the renovations to James Madison High School. The capital improvements included an addition to the high school to accommodate increasing enrollment and added science classrooms and a library. The project was funded by 2017 and 2019 bond referendums. Learn more.

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, May 23. You can review the Board package here

and watch the meeting here. Meeting highlights:

Tom Biesiadny Recognition:

The Board recognized recently retired Fairfax County Department of Transportation Director Tom Biesiadny (photo) for his decades of service to the county. Tom is a true public servant who has spent countless hours including nights and weekends engaging our communities and regional partners on transportation solutions. He will be greatly missed by all of us who have worked with him over the years!

My Board Matters:

• Concerning Comment Letter for the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s FY 2024-2029 Six-Year Improvement Program
• Reston Station PCA 2009-HM-019-03 and Reston Row CDPA/FDPA/PCA 2016-HM-035-02 Motion to Authorize a Public Hearing and Motion for Concurrent Processing 

Lake Anne Economic Visioning Project Update

Fairfax County's Department of Planning and Development in partnership with consultant Streetsense is coordinating a study to form a consensus around an economic vision for the Lake Anne Community Revitalization Area. Last Thursday, May 18, Streetsense hosted an in-person visioning presentation at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne. A video recording of the meeting and the vision presentation are available for review. Learn more.

Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting June 13

The next Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting is Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m. in the North County Health and Human Services Building, located at 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston, Meeting Room 600/600A. Presentations will be made from the Department of Public Works, the Department of Budget and Management's Economic, Demographic and Statistical Research Unit; Cornerstones, and INOVA Hospital System. For more information, contact Shruti Nallappa 

Reston Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting Tonight, May 24

The monthly Police Department's Reston CAC meeting is scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, May 24, 7 p.m. at the Lake Anne Fellowship House,11444 N Shore Dr., Reston. Please note that the location has changed since early voting is taking place at the North County Governmental Center. For more information contact the Reston District Station.

First Responder and Safety Resource Fair for People with Disabilities June 3

On June 3, The Arc of Northern Virginia is partnering with Fairfax County public safety agencies to provide people with disabilities and their loved ones the opportunity to practice emergency situations with real police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other public safety personnel. The fair is open to anyone with any disability, regardless of where they live, and is free for all attendees. Learn more.

Summer on the Green

Mark your calendar for the first Summer on the Green concert of the year on June 2. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and come to the Town Green on Friday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. to see the U.S. Army Band - Downrange perform. This free event takes place on select Fridays through mid-August at 6:30 p.m. Alcohol is not permitted. Learn more

Federal Food and Drug Safety Recalls

A reminder from the county's Health Department that you can get information on the latest food and drug safety recalls from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration here

Virtual Program: Dementia Conversations May 26

This Friday, May 26, 2 to 3 p.m., the County Public Library is hosting a free virtual program providing tips for addressing some common issues related to dementia that are difficult to discuss: going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving and making legal and financial plans for future care. Learn more and register.



Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Matters--Resources, Trainings and Videos 

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

How to Spend Memorial Day in Our Region

Memorial Day is when we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom. With several parades, fireworks and ceremonies scheduled, we are so lucky to live in the National Capital Region. Visit Fairfax has put together a great list of events for this weekend. Learn more.

Reston Chorale's Star-Spangled Salute May 27

Enjoy an evening of patriotic music by Reston Chorale on Saturday, May 27 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Reston Town Center Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the free concert in the Pavilion presented by The Reston Chorale with Brass Band of Northern Virginia. Learn more.

Reston Pride Festival June 3

The Reston Pride Festival is Saturday, June 3, noon to 6 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza. This free event includes vendors, performances, speakers and music. Learn more.