Commentary: The View From Over Here: Supervisor MIA, John Lovaas, Reston Patch, August 28, 2012

What is going on with the Reston Master Plan Task Force, the one appointed three years ago by Supervisor Cathy Hudgins as an urgent matter to prepare the roadmap for Reston’ future development with the advent of rail to Dulles?

Their work was to be completed in one year so that a plan for development around three new rail stations in the Dulles Corridor would be in place, permitting thoughtfully planned new growth, before rail arrived.  A second phase was to have followed promptly to set forth plans for future growth in other areas of Reston to proceed on an orderly basis, with community support.

Three years later, the first phase of the Task Force’s work is inexplicably
stalled.  The first rail station is largely complete.  Train service will begin at Wiehle Avenue at the end of next year.  The train is arriving — not so the plan. The Supervisor  seems oblivious to the passage of time and failure to prepare for the growth that most assuredly will come.  Those who stand to profit will make sure it does.

So, what is happening in the absence of a master plan for the growth?  Answer:  The Fairfax County Planning Department is now telling developers that the County is open to proposals for new building in the corridor in advance of any plan! . . .

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