Fact – In 2017, with less than 2 days’ notice, over 100 citizens gathered to send a message to those bidding on the Reston National Golf Course property that we stand ready to defend the Open Space land use designation of this property. This is a small sample of the hordes to expect at public hearings should any prospective purchaser of either golf course think they are going to develop the land for any purpose other than recreational open space.
Fact – Reston National and Hidden Creek Golf Courses are in the County Comprehensive Plan spelled out by names and tax map numbers. The Reston National [Tax Maps 17-4 ((11)) 4A, 26-1 ((6)) 96, 97, 26-2 ((2)) 8, 26-2 ((3)) 8B, and 26-2 ((5)) 4] and Hidden Creek Country Club [Tax Maps 17-2 ((1)) 19, 17-2 ((24)) 1, 17-4 ((1)) 11, 17-4 ((2))(37) 2, and 17- 4 ((10)) 2] golf courses are planned for private recreation use, more specifically to remain as golf courses.
Fact – Private golf course operators are very interested in acquiring these courses – at a golf course price, to run as golf courses.
Fact – Property owners must follow the county process for requesting a land use designation change. Any residential development plan would require a review by County Planning Commission staff, a public hearing before the County Planning Commission, a public hearing before the County Board of Supervisors, and ultimately an amendment to the County Comprehensive Plan IF approved by the BoS. That’s a big IF. Over 500 citizens attended a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on a snowy day in January when the south course was under discussion. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE INTELLIGENCE AND DETERMINATION OF RESTONIANS.
Fact – That’s our then County Supervisor Hudgins at the point of the N in the Reston NO in front of the Northwestern Mutual office in 2017. – https://patch.com/virginia/reston/developers-eyeing-reston-national-golf-course-should-think-twice-county-supervisor.
Fact – In October 2020, Supervisor Alcorn wrote in a statement: “There are more than five residents against for every supporter of possibly changing the plan. Therefore, I do not support changing the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan’s current designation of this property as a golf course and consider this matter closed.”
Fact – Our current County Supervisor, Walter Alcorn, fully supports community-based planning and spoke at Rescue Reston’s 10th anniversary rally. Rescue Reston is stronger than ever as we move forward into our 13th year of defending Reston’s golf courses from development.
Fact – For non-golfers and wildlife lovers, reference this article on how golf courses are environmental assets in urban settings. Reston Association paths running through and around both golf courses are enjoyed daily by walkers and runners. Rescue Reston has broad support from our Biophilic Community and beyond.